The Pump

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The gym room made example of choreographed movement through a predetermined program, the exercise program.  The user has a set routine which they wish to perform in a set manner in order to target the required muscle groups.  In doing so the particular muscles are put under intense strain causing the muscle fibers to tear.  It is in the repairing of the muscle tissue that the overall muscle mass and increased strength is built-up.  The exercise program defines rules of the game – the game is one with no competitive element, nor finish line, thus the joy and act of play is found purely in the taking part.  It is a period of escapism, of self-indulgence where the person is able to concentrate solely on the improvement of the self. 

The pump achieved when the user has completed a number of sets targeting the same muscle group.  In performing the exercise the heart rate quickens and muscle is supplied a rush of blood to provide the working muscle with oxygen and nutrients.  This inflation of the muscle is known as ‘the pump’, giving the users  a confidence boosting increase in overall muscle size and body size.

The psychological impact of the pump can be can be likened with that of the masquerade.  The user presented themselves in a different persona, as if they were strengthened by dutch courage or the confidence that their identity is concealed.  They walk with a swagger and a heightened sense of masculinity and conviction, feeling strong and powerful. 

This is, of course only a temporal, provisional state of being, as once the exercise regime is complete ‘the pump’ will last for little longer than 30 minutes before the excess of blood is drained from the muscle to the other areas of the body and the muscle size is restored to ‘normal’.  The masquerade is over and the state of being is restored.