What is #BenchPress?

In July of 2010 my wife and I decided to make a lifestyle change. We started working out, eating healthier, and taking care of our bodies. Since my lifestyle change I’ve been a regularly gym goer. One problem I have always struggled with is trying to stay (semi) healthy when traveling and attending events.

Fast forward to the WordCamp London afterparty, and I was having a conversation with Mendel Kurland about this struggle. Mendel, who travels to way more events that I do, was also struggling with this exact issue. When attending an event in a different city, it’s so easy to eat garbage food, drink garbage drinks, and just treat your body like garbage, if only for a few days.

After a few more drinks (I get the irony), #BenchPress was born! So, what is #BenchPress exactly? #BenchPress is an informal group of WordPress community members who want to help each other live a healthier lifestyle.

The rules of #BenchPress are simple:

  • If #BenchPress members are at the same event, they must participate in at least ONE workout together. This could be a walk around the city, a hike up a mountain, a morning jog, a Crossfit class, or anything that gets your heart rate going!
  • You must help motivate other #BenchPress members to workout. This is true whether you are at an event are not.
  • Tag all workouts with #BenchPress

Pretty easy right? We want to create a group of individuals to help keep each other motivated and work together to stay healthier when on the road. #BenchPress doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in some good local eats and drinks, but imagine how much more accomplished you would feel if you knew you ran/walked a 5K before you ate some of that local delicious BBQ? I know I would!

If you are interested in joining, please check out the #BenchPress Facebook Group. If there is enough interest I’ll launch a website to help track our progress. Are you ready to take the #BenchPress challenge?