Midtown exercise guru Chip Conrad doesn't talk about exercise routines — he talks about rituals. “A ritual is what inspires progress," he said. "Routine just meets base needs. And the only way for movement to empower the body is if it's progressive. You have to get better at it." Conrad’s gym, Body Tribe on 21st Street in Midtown, is surely Sacramento's most unique gym. It doubles as a social center and even art gallery on Second Saturdays. But the real difference is that he takes his acolyt... davidwattsbarton Bucklanddd comment-14894 2009-10-03T00:34:48Z 2009-10-03T00:34:48Z Reminds me of the concept of muscular bonding that is documented in a book by William H. McNeill called "Keeping Together in Time" 1995. It presents and illustrates the idea that group activities such as calisthenics and other body drills promote a significant degree of community spirit, comradeship and cohesiveness . McNeill is a prominent historian His books are great. ' Bucklanddd 2009-10-03T00:34:48Z princessmyd comment-9372 2009-06-12T08:17:24Z 2009-06-12T08:17:24Z This is great! I've been looking for an alternative to the traditional gym, and this sounds like the perfect option at a great price. If only I lived in Midtown... princessmyd 2009-06-12T08:17:24Z Ronnie Ledesma comment-9349 2009-06-12T02:25:55Z 2009-06-12T02:25:55Z I first learned about Body Tribe in a men's health and fitness magazine. The concept sounded sane, logical. I liked it. After all, I'm President of the Gym-haters Club. I heard about Midtown Shape Up and it sounded interesting. I was hoping for a 6AM group, but after reading this article, sounds like I'll be signing up for round two. Thanks for this motivating article. Ronnie Ledesma 2009-06-12T02:25:55Z Kat Haro comment-9296 2009-06-11T20:48:25Z 2009-06-11T20:48:25Z I've seen groups in McKinley and love the practical nature of moving in 'real life'. The community aspect is intriguing and is generally what keeps me motivated in any kind of activity. Signing up immediately. Kat Haro 2009-06-11T20:48:25Z JT Long comment-9287 2009-06-11T17:23:01Z 2009-06-11T17:23:01Z Great pictures. JT Long 2009-06-11T17:23:01Z Oracle comment-9283 2009-06-11T15:43:10Z 2009-06-11T15:43:10Z Good story. The workout sounds like the typical bootcamp workouts that some instructors have been conducting locally for years. Being outdoors is terrific, too. Well done. Oracle 2009-06-11T15:43:10Z