males of all ages joined palaestras, just as modern men and boys join the ymca, gyms, or health clubs. greek men developed an affection for the gymnasiums and the palaestras where they grew up, and some were buried in their favorite gymnasium or palaestra. these buildings could be a center for politics: the plot to free thebes from sparta was formed in a palaestra and a revolt against macedon found its supporters in the gymnasiums and palaestras of argos.