An Ode To The 6:00 a.m. Class

Written by Zach Erick

It’s dark…too dark. You open up your crusted eyes to the sound of an alarm clock annoyingly waking you at 4:30 in the morning. In those precious moments before you muster up the strength to get out of bed, you think of life.

“Why am I doing this?”

“That second glass of wine was a bad Idea.”

“Who am I?”

Eventually you talk yourself out of the severe depression everyone experiences when waking before the sun, and you’re finally out of bed. Some people drink water and run out the door; some choke down bacon and eggs, even though it’s far too early to have an appetite.

“6AMers” are a different breed. Those who I share my mornings with on Tuesdays and Thursdays have very distinct personalities, most bordering on genius and insanity. Some could possibly find the cure for cancer; others may be the next John Nash (A Beautiful Mind), decoding secret messages in the 40X0 tempo written on the board.

One thing is certain, however; my 6am class shares something that bonds us together like brothers and sisters of war – misery. Sometimes I feel like I am the doorman to a secret fight club. If you don’t give me the secret look, you don’t get in. That look needs to express exhaustion, suffering, and fury all in one. Pretty much, if you look like you want to kick my ass for bringing you through the “Inch-Worm”, you’re in the club. Anyone that’s smiling is out!

Seriously though, members that attend the 6am class are some of the most dedicated, motivating people I know. It’s unbelievably easy to hop out of bed in the morning to open the gym, knowing I get to start my day with some of my favorite people in the world. (Plus coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.)

Because of you, 6am, I make sure I’m in bed early enough to get at least six hours of sleep, I don’t drink any alcohol six nights out of the week, and I eat a big breakfast before I leave to ensure I have enough energy to last me for all of my classes and private sessions. You make me a healthier, happier coach. So thank you, to my 6am Honey Badgers, for not caring about having to do snatches first thing in the morning, not caring that you can’t touch your toes because you’re so stiff, and most of all, not caring that it’s 6 o’clock in the morning!