"Train at a REAL GYM For REAL MUSCLE"

Let's think about what it actually means to be "HARDCORE". The truth is that being HARDCORE means training hard, with intense focus. It means going to the gym to TRAIN.....not to "work out".

Being hardcore is s status symbol of sorts. Not everyone can or wants to be hardcore, to be hardcore, you must be focused, determined, intense and driven. The work boots and fanny pack are optional. LOL

So if it's down to self evaluation here is my spin on the question of WHAT IS HARDCORE split into various areas:

1. A hardcore gym must poses individuals with a focused & committed mind set. 

2. To have no fear of challenges is hardcore

It's then about harnessing that desire to be the best and still show good attitude & respect to others that train around you. A willingness, to support, help-put & share information with others and encourage their ambitions. I've always been of the belief the more you help others with their goals the more it will keep you moving towards your own goals.

3. Be inventive with the tools you use & always seek more knowledge. This helps develop a hardcore attitude.

As the owner of REDRUM GYM those that train here know my preference and love for great equipment.

First choice has always been for free weights, thou I will acknowledge machines do their part too, and as my focus has always been strength & conditioning, my tools of the trade in no particular order will always consist of Olympic bars & weights, Glute-ham machine, Power racks with 1 inch hole spacing, Reverse Hyper, Bands, Boards, Chains, Kettlebells, Tires for flipping, and handpicked machines that have excellent mechanics. These tools have been proven that over time with the right training template will produce results. The thing with training tools is you could spend a good chunk of Bill Gates fortune & still want more. When you have a good base of equipment it annoys me when I hear people in gyms and health clubs blaming equipment as what's hindering their progress when there are ton of ways to work around so many various pieces of equipment that can be utilized but they just don't know HOW to use them.

That's also where a PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL TRAINER becomes very IMPORTANT. You just need to build their knowledge base. "No excuses" is the mantra...

4. Respect of your Training facility & peers will create a hardcore atmosphere.

In a lot of fitness health clubs the "DON'T PUT THE WEIGHTS BACK UP RIGHT" signs are posted throughout. Corporate clubs don't stress cleaning up behind yourself and instead are only concerned with NUMBER of clients instead of QUALITY of clients.

Our clients LOVE THE GYM and put their weights back properly when they are done. Putting weights back in their proper place is a RESPECT FOR THE GYM thing - you don't shit in your own nest (Unless, you're doing really heavy squats - that's allowed lol). Remember, your GYM is YOUR temple - take ownership of that and always treat it RIGHT. That's hardcore too.

5. Stay 200% focused on your training and being in a gym where you can ELIMINATE all distractions is hardcore.

Music has always played a BIG part in the gym experience. Most power lifting, bodybuilding, crossfit & strength facilities pride themselves on the music they play to keep the atmosphere at a get crunk and get excited to train mentality of metal music: Heavy, Rap, Thrash, Stoner, Hard-Core, Gothic, etc...... And, if someone farts when lifting that heavy weight we just say: "PUSH THAT WEIGHT AND GET ANOTHER REP LIKE THAT, THERE YA GO BABE", LOL.... It shows their putting in LOL.

Here are a few extra thoughts on the topic:

• Most CORPORATE HEALTH CLUBS AND FITNESS CENTERS today are measured in dollars while HARDCORE GYMS is measured by RESULTS.

• Hardcore doesn't mean you bust ass over training, repping every set to failure to the point you are puking up all over yourself & the floor: Train hard, train smart. HARDCORE GYM is not Stupid Gym.

• HARDCORE GYMS educate & inspire you.