The Gym Mirror Conspiracy

 I don’t know what question I’ve been asked more since I opened my strength and conditioning center: “Did you build this stuff yourself?” or “When are you getting mirrors?”

I can coach the shit out of a Deadlift, but I don’t think I could have put the hand railing that leads up my steps on straight without my dad’s help. So that answers the former. As for the latter, my answer is the same to everyone who asks: “Never.”

Gym mirrors are a pretty expensive addition. Especially when all they really breed are poor technique, gym selfies, and other stupid distractions. Case in point:

Photo from: Reddit Incorporated. http://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/1vm3vr/selfie_level_expert/. 2014.

Photo from: Complex Media Inc. An Expert Douchebag's Guide to Next Level Stunting at the Gym and in Life: //www.comp lex.com/style/2014/01/guide-to-next-level-stunting-at-the-gym/never-miss-an-opportunity-to-selfie. 2014.

Did I mention what a pain in the ass they are to keep clean? There are few things worse than taking minutes out of every work day to windex everyone’s spit and food particles just so they can get a good picture of themselves in their new bro tank for Facebook.

A big part of strength and conditioning is about developing proprioception and kinesthetic awareness. If we need a mirror to tell us where our body is or  how it is performing in space, do we really think we’re getting maximal benefits? You don't see mirrors in basketball gyms or batting cages do you? So where do beautifully constructed crossovers, graceful jump shots, and picture perfect swings come from? I got you: GOOD COACHING. Having multiple sets of eyes on you at all times and getting peppered with constructive feedback completely eliminates the need for mirrors. That’s why I always stress, “coaching” not “yelling.”

Keeping mirrors out of my gym will not only help to breed the most functionally aware athletes in the area, but I can simultaneously keep tatted up meat monkeys outside my walls. I don’t have a preacher curl bar for them to spend a whole day with though, anyway. All my athletes understand first that a good program is about moving, performing, and feeling better, not looking better. Looking better is nothing but a bi-product of hard work and consistency.

If you think mirrors in your workout are a necessity, then understand that you’ve probably already spent too much time in cervical extension in your workouts. Those headaches you're getting aren't because you quite drinking soda, home slice.

Photo from: David Lasniar. Athletic Development and Strength and Conditioning. http://davidlasnier.com/tag/lumbar-hyperextension. July, 2012.

Photo from: www.boneandspine.com OR Functional Range Conditioning: Thoughts and Review http://drjustinrabinowitz.com/category/seminar-review/.

Get your eyes on the floor and train to the effect. Try and understand what exactly it is that your body is doing and where it’s lacking. Trust me, in the long run; you’ll be much better off. Oh, and stop flexing in the mirror, you're the only one that thinks you're awesome.