I Survived Coach John’s Leg Day

By Noel Galon de Leon

A gym isn’t just a place to lift heavy stuff and flex in front of mirrors, okay, maybe a little. But really, it should be a community. It should be a safe, inclusive space for everyone, no matter your body type, gender, religion, or race. That’s what I’ve come to appreciate about Metal Core Fitness, where I’ve been training for almost a month now. What stood out to me right away was how welcoming and respectful the environment is. The coaches, and even the receptionists, radiate a positive, non-judgmental energy. It’s a far cry from those “hardcore” gyms where iron crashes to the floor like thunder every five seconds, and people scream louder than the weights they’re lifting.

See, I’m a bit sensitive to loud noises. Okay, very sensitive. Sudden crashing sounds make me feel like I’m in the middle of an action movie shoot. So imagine my relief when I noticed that people at Metal Core are actually mindful of their movements. No one’s slamming weights, no one’s yelling, and best of all, no one’s throwing around curse words like it’s a rap battle. It’s quiet, respectful, and actually feels like a place to focus and grow.

Last Friday and Saturday, Coach Dawn, my regular guide to muscle glory, was on a well-deserved vacation. That meant I had to tackle my workouts solo. It was chest and leg day (a dangerous combo for the uninitiated). I was honestly hesitant to go because I’m still getting used to some of the machines. Plus, my usual gym buddy Eugene had a different workout planned, and I’d randomly decided to work out in the morning instead of my usual afternoon schedule. So I was basically a lone warrior… or at least a confused wanderer in a land of unfamiliar leg presses.

But then came Coach John to the rescue.

Now, the first time I saw Coach John, I thought, “Whoa. This guy means business.” He had that serious, no-nonsense vibe, like the type who never skips a workout or a protein shake. His arms and chest looked like they had a permanent flex going on. I mean, his muscles don’t walk into a room… they announce their arrival. If my goal were to enter a bodybuilding competition, I’d probably ask him for his arm-day secrets. But for now, I’m more focused on strengthening my lungs and building endurance. Baby steps before biceps.

Coach John stepped in for Coach Dawn during those two days, and although he was a bit reserved at first (maybe he was feeling me out too), he still guided me through eight different leg exercises on Saturday alone. And not just the usual squats and lunges. These were next-level movements that had me questioning if I’d ever walk normally again. But I loved every minute of it.

What I really appreciated was how he explained each machine, what it does, how to use it safely, and which muscles I was targeting. He didn’t just throw me into the deep end. He paid attention, corrected my form, and made sure I wasn’t just going through the motions.

Coach John may be quiet, but he’s definitely focused and present when he’s coaching. Just like Coach Dawn, he doesn’t leave you to flail around. He watches, guides, and makes sure you’re doing it right. That’s honestly so reassuring, especially when you’re still learning the ropes.

Honestly, I feel really comfortable with the coaches at Metal Core. I think they’re a bit older than me, but their personalities are approachable and friendly. There’s no intimidation factor at all. You can easily walk up to them, ask for help with a machine, or clarify an exercise, and they’ll explain it with patience (and not with an eye roll or a grumble, like in some other gyms I’ve tried).

That’s probably one of the biggest reasons I actually look forward to going to the gym now. It’s not just about the physical gains. It’s about knowing I have people like Coach Dawn and Coach John in my corner, ready to help and support me when I need it.

Because let’s be real, going to the gym every day isn’t easy. Some days, motivation is nowhere to be found. But for now, just showing up and finishing my one-month program feels like a win. And having supportive, hardworking, generous coaches makes a huge difference.

And hey, getting to see good-looking, well-built people every day? Not exactly a downside! Let’s call that the cherry on top of a protein-packed sundae.

But at the end of the day, what matters most is that I feel safe, included, and encouraged to grow here. That’s the kind of space Metal Core Fitness offers, and I’m excited to see what else I’ll learn in the weeks ahead.

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Noel Galon de Leon is a writer and educator at University of the Philippines Visayas, where he teaches in both the Division of Professional Education and U.P. High School in Iloilo. He serves as an Executive Council Member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts.