Here at Greatist, we believe in taking a day off. Instead of our regular programming Saturdays, our writers get a chance to write about living the greatist lifestyle and, basically, whatever they want. This is one of those awesome articles. Enjoy!
…At the end of the 30 minute walk, I was going 4.5 miles per hour at a 15 degree incline. I was literally running up the treadmill. It was one of the craziest things I’ve done in a gym. But it was awesome.
This situation, and the occasion of this workout, got me thinking about the name “Greatist.” I typically do a lot of my great philosophizing and thinking while I am on runs.
I love the word “Greatist” for a relatable fitness, health, and happiness guide because of the double entendre the word cunningly implies.
On the one hand, the word “Greatist” sounds like “Greatest,” which is a superlative, and really encourages you to live out your best. I literally thought to myself as I was creating the workout when I felt like quitting. This is a de facto “Greatist” workout, so I have to make it the greatest. And I did. And it felt awesome. Inspiration is a scarce resource in the fitness business. If inspiration were in excess, the health and wellness industry would not exist. So, I appreciate the work that this first meaning of “Greatist” does.
The second, more subtle, meaning of “Greatist” comes from breaking down the word into “Great-ist.” In this sense, “Great-ist” refers to a person who is involved in the art and practice of being great. It suggests greatness as a way of life, and that’s something that I like, something that I like a lot.
Moral of the story: Because of this workout, and my thoughts about the word “Greatist,” I’m back in the game and feeling great and optimistic.
Read more from reader Zachary Gober at My #Greatist Workout | The Running Bear Blog