Nerdstrong gym aims to keep nerds interested in exercise with fantasy or sci-fi themed workouts

(Official Facebook page)

The days when the term nerds means someone who locks himself inside his or her room all day, playing video games or reading comic books, have long been over. However, the gym still appears to be unknown territory for nerds, whether it's because of past trauma caused by the school's "jocks" or resident bullies or because they pride themselves for being more brain than brawn.

However, a new Los Angeles gym wants to change all that. Nerdstrong Gym is known for workouts developed around a specific theme – fantasy, science fiction, superheroes – aimed at encouraging nerds to also commit themselves to exercising their body and not just their minds. Plus, they can do so in an environment that they are familiar with and where they can have fun.

Nerdstrong describes itself as "fitness training for those of us who want to become heroes in a collaborative, not competitive, environment." The gym certainly has that in workouts like "The Dungeons and Dragons Guide to Fitness," "The Angry Bird Workout Plan" or the "Eye of Sauron." Aside from giving off a sense of adventure, these programs actually combine a series of "bodyweight, cardio, gymnastics, and lifting exercises" tailored to a particular theme.

For example, one member who has been doing the "Eye of Sauron" workout allegedly got great results. Developed by the gym's owner and head coach, Andrew Deutsch, the workout requires the person to hold a plank position for a minute until the Eye of Sauron passes. And Sauron will be looking over the gym every three minutes. Aside from planking, there are also a lot of step-ups being done because "Frodo and Sam had to climb a lot of stairs." Everyone doing this program also has to carry a weight throughout the entire workout, much like the way Frodo carried the One Ring's heavy burden.

This certainly is a novel way to get some exercise in. But some are saying that the gym is just pandering to the nerd culture without really understanding or catering to a nerd.

However, many people would probably find that Nerdstrong gym isn't about whether or not you're a real nerd, a poser or a jock, it's about using a person's interest to encourage him or her to go to the gym and get healthy. And if that entails going up Mount Doom or fighting zombies, then so be it.

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