A Gym Grows in Haiti
Written by Kathryn Savage
In Port-Au Prince Haiti, the sweat stains are the same whether you are working out in the affluent Gold’s Gym or the more economical – and open-air – Temple of Pain.
In a culture with steep class divides, Temple of Pain is a testament to personal ingenuity, and a great place to break a sweat. Before Temple of Pain took up residency, the area where the gym now sits was a rat infested garbage dump.
While the more affluent Gold’s Gym sells fancy sports drinks and work out clothes, Temple of Pain is a nuts and bolts operation. Literally. The equipment was forged out of old car parts, lead batteries and pieces of metal.
The class divides are strong in this part of Haiti, but when it comes to strength training, there is only one way to get ahead – hard work.
Hard work, and a healthy body transcend class no matter who you are, where you come from, or how much money you have. Marc Lacey, reporting for The New York Times, covers Haiti's gym and cultural divides. It's a fascinating, in depth read. For the full article follow this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/18/world/americas/18bodybuilders.html.
This article highlights how good things can come from living with a sense of purpose. For members of the Temple of Pain gym, the place is a way to build strength, confidence and muscle mass. Inventive and rugged, these men are fulfilling their desire to be strong – strong in their bodies and strong in their cultures – by creating a place where they belong.
What can we learn from Haiti’s Bodybuilders?
- You don’t need high-end, expensive equipment to live a healthy, active life. That old pair of sneakers will do.
- In the words of Julien Spencer, 34, a bodybuilder who lifts weights at Temple of Pain, "You can have all the money in the world but you can’t buy a body." Nor can you buy health, longevity or peace of mind. Take care of your body today.
- Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. Can’t afford that gym membership? Find a creative solution, think outside the box. Join a pick-up sports club, do some vigorous volunteering, or just walk down to the post office next time instead of driving.
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