The comment about excelling really rubs me the wrong way. I wish he would check finishing times for some local races, see how much the powerlifters at his gym are lifting, or visit a local Crossfit affiliate. Where did he get the idea that it is so easy to "excel" these days? The word can be used without an object, but it is inherently comparative. The gym provides me a lot of satisfaction and physical benefits, but comparing myself physically to other people is a not a benefit but a pitfall. It's the one thing at the gym that can ruin my day. "Why do I come here? I will never be like that guy... or that guy... or that guy." I will never be 6'4" and have an eight-pack. I will never squat 500 lbs. I will never have a killer Murph time (look it up.) I will never qualify for the Boston marathon. Well, that last one I could perhaps do, but only by giving up many other things I value more highly. The impulse to excel argues against working out the way I want, which is to work out three times a week and enjoy the health and appearance benefits.

So I will continue to go to the gym, reap the benefits, and try to keep my impulse to compete in check. Be warned that excelling is not something you simply decide to do as a third or fourth passion. It's best not to compete and expect to win against people whose first priority is fitness when your first and second priorities are something else.