It is said that some succeed because they are destined, but most succeed because they are determined. Being already a month into the New Year, people are in the process of trying to follow through with their resolutions.
Sophomore Keith Brown is doing all he can and more to accomplish what he promised himself, and going to Walker’s Gym has been a huge part of that.
“My New Year’s resolution is to improve my speed and strength drastically. I want to succeed and be better and stronger on the football field. I go to a gym every week and run track, because I know that hard work is going to get results,” Brown said.
Brown goes to Walker’s Gym on a regular basis, and enjoys the experience.
“I really enjoy the people, and talking to Mr. Walker. He is fun to talk to and be around, and it’s a family environment. The equipment is great and what I’m looking for is always there. I probably like the encouraging attitude that seems to fill the place the most though,” Brown said.
Brown won’t be the only person looking to improve himself, as Junior Elijah Smith-Thomas will also be working this year to get better.
“My New Year’s resolution is to be able to bench 300 pounds by August, and to improve my strength and speed,” Smith-Thomas said.
Smith-Thomas knows that in order to get better in the weight room and on the field, a level of determination unrivaled by anything else is required.
“I eventually want to improve my character physically and mentally, and become a better person through the work that I put into the weight room,” Smith Thomas said.
Smith-Thomas had been to a few gyms, but he feels that Walker’s Gym is the best.
“I believe that it’s the best gym around to go to. The thing about walkers is that they instill dedication and work ethic into your character,” said Smith Thomas. “I’ve been to Gold’s Gym and the YMCA, and Walker’s is the best. The only gym that can match the intensity is Royals gym, and Walkers is open much more often. I honestly believe that Walker’s is the best in the area.”
Barry Walker owns Walker’s Gym. He also serves as N.B. Clements’s officer. This is a job that requires conditioning and physical readiness, and Walker is the prime example of such.
“I was competing at the time and I wanted to do a job I liked,” Walker said. “I opened the gym on December 1st of 1991.”
Walker doesn’t just look at managing an entire gym as an occupation; he looks at it as a lifestyle.
“I’m at the gym every day of the week doing something. I do a weight program and cardio program every day of the week. I have never needed to make a New Year’s resolution focused on improving myself physically because I have always trained and would never stop staying in shape,” Walker said.
Walker is determined to continue maintaining the crisp image of determination and willpower that Walker’s Gym has. Willpower, resolve, and the drive are all skills that can be built. Walker’s Gym is a great place to become better, both physically and mentally. Mr. Walker strives to provide his best to the community, and he does so by being a prime example of physically fit.
