I ran across the Web page for Doug's Gym.. Great idea, and well
overdue. I would like to add my testimonial. I worked out at Doug's
Gym for 12 years, from September 1993 - August 2005. I left Doug's
only
because a career move took me out of the Dallas area. I can tell you,
there is no gym around like Doug's. I loved the "eye of the tiger" old
school feel of Doug's. That hard-nosed, bare-bones atmosphere always
put me in the mood to train like a champion. The people who worked out
at Doug's were some of the nicest and most colorful people around.
They
came from all walks of life, and were all very dedicated individuals,
with one goal in mind... to be in the best shape possible.
Perhaps what I miss most of all is Doug himself. What a great man he
is! Doug could always be heard discussing a wide variety of topics
with various gym patrons - topics that ranged from the war in Iraqi and
current politics, to the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle,
to playing the stock market. Of course Doug is a living encyclopedia
when it comes to physical fitness. Also, his dedication to his career
and to his gym members is beyond imagination. I can remember several
times over the years when an ice storm would hit the Dallas area, and
sure enough Doug would still be in the gym and open for business.
Sometimes in these bad weather situations, he actually slept in the gym
overnight, rather than risk driving home, and then due to bad road
conditions, not being able to make it back to Doug's the next day.
Doug is also quite an inspiration. Here is a man who is in his late
70's, an age when most people are either dead, or retired, who still
works full-time six days a week, (just like he has done since he opened
the gym in 1962), never is out sick, has never been to a doctor in his
life, and works-out with weights harder than many people in their 20's
do. Who else do you know like that?
I have great memories of my time spent at Doug's and feel very
fortunate
I was able to spend 12 years there. I used to joke with Doug telling
him
that when he turned 80, I was going to call Guinness Book of World
Records out to the gym and I would personally spot him as he set the
world record for the bench press for 80 year olds. It looks like I may
have to keep that promise.
Thanks Doug for the great memories, the expert advice, and most of all
for being such a great inspiration, outstanding role-model, and a very
good friend. I will always love you! God bless and keep pumping the
iron...
// Doug Vance