Getting out of the zone of what you’re doing, especially after a long day, and being able to put on athleisure wear, go to the gym, work out and do it consistently doesn’t sound like the most appealing way to spend free time. However, on the occasions that I’ve dragged myself to the nearest gym and gave it a try, I’ve never regretted it. I found myself not only looking but feeling even better than I was prior to exercising. I’d heard of the many physical benefits from “fitness gurus” and sports fanatics, but I’d always taken their advice with a grain of salt because I thought it was mainly for naturally athletic or sporty people; I’d stay in my own lane of interest and they would stay in theirs. Already feeling dissatisfied with my body and frustrated with my previous unsuccessful attempts to get fit through restrictive eating, working out seemed like the only other option. First starting with simple at-home workouts, the subtle changes I saw in my physique boosted my self-confidence enough to motivate me to continue. 

Working out began to reshape more than just my body. Something I did not expect was the improvement in my mental health that exercise would provide; feeling more in line with how I wanted to look was something that I’d never experienced before. This new feeling became a powerful stress reliever. The focus required to work out regardless of the activity acted as temporary headphones to the constant noise in my head. Even after the workout, the sense of pride of accomplishing something and the endorphins rushing through my body stayed with me throughout the day, making me want to chase that feeling by working out again. Over time, I noticed a decrease in my depression and anxiety, accompanied with cognitive developments that made my mind feel sharper, more present and perceptive. I could take on responsibilities or personal problems with a clearer perspective. Working out might not have directly fixed my mental health and relationships with people, but the change in mindset definitely helped. 

When I first started a fitness routine I figured it was all about achieving an ideal body through a variety of physical exertion techniques, considering that was the main topic of interest from gym communities. The other benefits of this effort ended up being more rewarding than the physical results. Working out has made me more resilient. Physical strength builds one rep at a time. It often goes unnoticed at first, but gradually lifting heavier weights, running longer and pushing through a workout becomes easier. Similar parallels can be seen in most aspects of life. You can hit a wall or a point where you feel like you can’t continue during a set or on an assignment. If you persevere because you’re doing this for a reason, you’ll eventually overcome it. This “I can do it” mentality has been stated and restated time and time again to the point where the meaning is taken less seriously. Regardless of the cliche, determination is strength. Thanks to that lesson reinforced by my time in the gym, I see myself becoming closer to the person I’ve always aspired to be. 

Wanting to go to the gym is one thing; actually going is another. This task can be even more intimidating when you don’t have much experience with fitness. I felt like everyone else seemed to know what they were doing while I fumbled through my routines and equipment. However, I soon realized that everyone is here for their own version of improving themselves. Viewing this environment as a personalized community where you can be independent or work with others helped me stay focused and committed to bettering myself. It allowed me to see my goals and how I can reach them without being distracted by insecurities or potential judgement. 

I think it’s important to note that even though working out has numerous benefits, it won’t fix all your problems. It is, however, a great resource that everyone has even without a gym pass. That’s especially helpful when accompanied with other efforts. The start of my workout journey was based on insecurity about my body, but as I kept doing it I learned that it’s less about changing my appearance to fit some idealized standard and more about appreciating myself and what my body can do. Each workout is a reminder that our bodies are capable of so much more than they are often utilized for. That discovery, over time, has built my self-esteem in ways I never thought it would. There’s a holistic sense of well-being that comes from moving your body where all aspects of it are being used simultaneously; your brain releases dopamine and endorphins that make you feel good while you burn calories from muscle exertion and feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence from doing something difficult that benefits you. So, regardless of where you’re at in terms of working out, there are layers to the benefits that go beyond the physical result, and that in itself is worth discovering on your own.