3 Simple Ways to Boost Brain Power for Gym Goers
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Not everyone wants to read, but everyone wants to be smarter. Smart people tend to earn more money. Have you noticed that educated individuals often appear more intelligent? This observation suggests that being smart is advantageous, especially in Corporate America. I may be biased. However, I bet people who drive Bentleys and have PhDs read more. They probably read more than cashiers at Dollar Tree or personal trainers.
I am a personal trainer and drive a Honda.
How can I earn a little more money? I am a Japanese immigrant who is short, bald, and near-sighted. I’m not sure if these traits affect my earning potential. Still, I can’t help but feel that being an immigrant might not work in my favor. Being 5 feet 5 inches tall, bald, and near-sighted could also be a disadvantage.
It’s too late to hate my parents.
I admire Woody Allen. I suspect I am more acceptable-looking than he is.
But he is intelligent and funny. I think he is intelligent and funny.
He is a writer.
To become smart like Woody Allen, I need to read more books.
But I am busy saving my own business from failure.
Today, I am going to give 3 solutions for reading more books. Sometimes, I come up with good ideas.
1. Audiobooks Are Awesome!
Listening to audiobooks while exercising is a game-changer. It’s the most convenient way to increase your reading time. Simply pop in your earbuds and you’re set. With your hands-free, you can dive into the world of the latest bestsellers while doing any exercise you prefer. Whether it’s back squats, kettlebell swings, sprints, barbell snatches, muscle-ups, jogging, or stretching, you’re in control. Many audiobook apps allow you to adjust the playback speed. This adjustment allows you to listen at a pace that suits you.
2. E-Readers on the Cardio Machine
I have never done this, but I have seen many gym members do it. They prop an e-reader, like a Kindle or Kobo, on a treadmill or stationary bike console and exercise while reading. There is one significant benefit to using an e-reader instead of a paper book. You don’t have to hold the book in your hand to keep it open while exercising. This can be pretty annoying during a cardio session. It’s best to use an e-reader on easy cardio days and keep your intensity at Zone 2 level. If you push yourself too hard, you won’t remember what you have just read.
3. Reading Between Sets
A book is much lighter than barbells. Most books weigh less than a micro weight. Lifting a book between heavy sets of deadlifts will not hinder your recovery. Every serious lifter should practice reading a book between heavy sets. This applies to anybody who wants to get stronger. You want to rest for at least two minutes between heavy sets to gain strength. Often, the rest is more extended. So, why don’t we all lifters bring a book or e-reader to the gym and read while resting? Instead of scrolling down social media posts or answering texts?
Reading at the gym can also boost your social standing. Other lifters might see you as an intellectual. A fellow fitness enthusiast might be impressed by your reading habits. You can even use your reading material as a conversation starter, asking, “Have you read this book?” with a knowing smile. Or impress them with some fancy Latin words you just learned.
This reading strategy at the gym requires discipline. However, it’s a small price to pay to become as well-read as Woody Allen. You’re disciplined and ambitious; this is just another step on your journey to intellectual growth.
This strategy effectively increases your reading time as a serious lifter since you spend most of your training session resting. You might only lift for about 15 minutes in a two-hour lifting session.
So, why not grab a book and read while you rest?
Recently, I read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “Never Let Go: A Philosophy of Lifting, Living, and Learning” by Dan John this way.
Wrapping Up
Driving a Bentley and being called a doctor or professor should make you feel good. I imagine that’s how I would feel when I get there.
I don’t believe I’ll be able to make it there. But I think you understand what I mean.
Here is the summary of what I just discussed.
– Listen to audiobooks while exercising.
– Enjoy bestselling books hands-free while squatting, sprinting, or stretching.
– Adjust playback speed with many apps for your pace.
2. E-Readers on Cardio Machines
– Use an e-reader like a Kindle on a treadmill or stationary bike.
– Convenient since you don’t have to hold a book.
– Stick to easy cardio days to maintain focus on reading.
– Bring a book or e-reader to the gym.
– Read during rest periods to make productive use of time.
– Replace scrolling through social media with reading.
“Some of the best memories of my childhood that I have are the times that I played hooky from school so I could spend my days in the public library reading all the wonderful books at my disposal.“
— Woody Allen
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