The modern-day gym was born in Ancient Greece. But more than just a center devoted to physical training, their gymnasion was once a school of many disciplines, where trainees would also discourse on subjects of philosophy, literature and music. To the early Greeks, “exercise” referred to the notion of holistic self-improvement, and the symbiotic relationship between a person’s two halves isn’t too hard to understand: the mind cannot thrive if the body is neglected.
Additional contribution by Jack Seemer and Michael Finn.
Today, it’s more important than ever to revisit the Greek school of thought, which valued the conditioning of both body and mind as one, and encouraged the personal pursuit of health and well-being — even after graduation. For the modern man (that’s you) that means sucking it up, going to the gym, and training smart. This isn’t an apology for baseless self-worship, or your ticket to becoming an iron-pounding jackass. It’s about finding balance and discipline. Of course, the everyday fitness center has changed a bit since classical antiquity (for one, people wear clothes), but the overarching principle is the same: the gym is a place to train. So whether you’re into lifting weights, or prefer a few rounds of high-intensity racquetball, here’s the best gear for a holistic workout to get back in shape and enjoy your time doing it. In six months, you’ll realize that you’re already on your way to a better you.
The Essentials
178D Set-Your-Own Combination Padlock by Master Lock $13
Kinetic Boxers by SAXX $37
Ultralight Sport 3/4 Crew by Farm to Feet $17
Vapor Crew Neck Tee: by Ryu $57
Van Cortlandt Shorts by Tracksmith $60
Ascent Training Shoes by Athletic Propulsion Labs $200
Classic Duffel by Topo Designs $129
SoundSport Wireless Headphones by Bose $149
