Why Rain Makes Me Lift Weights

By Noel Galon de Leon

I don’t know what kind of sorcery the weather gods are playing with, but for some odd reason, rain motivates me to go to the gym. Weird, right? While most people associate rain with naps, champorado, or binge-watching shows under a blanket, I’m out here thinking, “Perfect weather for squats!” Maybe it’s because when it rains, it’s not boiling hot. And honestly, I despise hot weather, especially that humid, sticky kind of heat that feels like a giant hairdryer is following you around.

So today, despite the howling wind and heavy downpour, I didn’t let the storm stop me. Nope. I marched to the gym in my somewhat-too-tight gym outfit, which was specifically requested by Coach Dawn. (Shoutout to her for giving me homework and a dress code.)

Let me be honest though, I’m still adjusting to wearing sleeveless tops. I’ve never been into tight, body-hugging clothes, especially after the pandemic. During that time, I developed a serious appreciation for oversized shirts. Give me something loose, comfy, and preferably in black or white, and I’m good. Bright colors? Hard pass, unless it’s for work or a party, and even then, I hesitate.

But Coach Dawn had a point when she asked me to wear a sleeveless top today. She explained (very patiently) that it helps her check my form during chest and arm exercises. She’s the kind of coach who won’t just tell you to do something, she’ll tell you why, and that’s something I really appreciate.

For example, she didn’t just hand me a bottle of supplements and say, “Drink this.” No, she explained the science like a nerdy gym fairy godmother.

So right now, I’m taking two key supplements: BCAA and Glutamine. And before you roll your eyes thinking I’m just hopping on some fitness trend, hear me out:

BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) are basically the VIPs of muscle recovery. They include leucine, isoleucine, and valine, three fancy names for amino acids that help reduce muscle soreness, prevent muscle breakdown, and keep you from turning into a sore zombie post-workout. Apparently, when your body is low on energy, it starts eating your muscles for fuel (how rude). BCAA helps stop that and supports muscle growth too.

Glutamine, on the other hand, is like your body’s behind-the-scenes hero. Even though it’s a “non-essential” amino acid (meaning your body makes it naturally), it becomes essential when you’re under stress, like from intense workouts, injuries, or simply trying to survive adulting. It helps muscles recover, supports your immune system, and keeps your gut happy. Basically, it’s the Swiss army knife of supplements.

To top it off, I’m also taking Vitamin B and C Complex because no matter how tough I think I am; I don’t want to catch a cold mid-deadlift. These vitamins help keep my immune system in check, especially when I’m pushing my body to the limit for 2.5 hours straight in the gym.

Reading all this might make the gym sound like a science lab crossed with a military boot camp. But the truth is, fitness is a process, and it really helps to have someone who knows what they’re doing. I trust Coach Dawn a lot. She’s not just some random fitness influencer with abs and ring lights, she’s someone who’s been through it.

Back before the pandemic, she was actually on the heavier side. I saw the receipts, her old Facebook pictures. But after 2022, she took her health seriously, committed to the gym and clean eating, and now? She looks incredible. But what impresses me more is her knowledge and consistency. She checks in with me regularly, not just about workouts but my diet, too.

And on my part? I’m committed to being honest with her. I think that’s my responsibility as a trainee. If I sneak in a cheat meal or skip a stretch, I tell her. She can’t help me if she doesn’t know what’s really going on, right?

It’s already Wednesday, and tomorrow’s my rest day. (Praise be!) I’m halfway through the week, and you know what? I’m surviving. More than that I’m actually enjoying this process. Despite the sore muscles, the weather, the sweat-soaked shirts, and Coach Dawn’s eagle-eye during form checks… I feel good. Positive, even.

So whether it’s a drizzle, a full-on typhoon, or just me battling my inner lazy self, I’m not letting anything stop me from showing up. Progress doesn’t pause just because the weather’s bad. And neither should I.

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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.