So there you are, sitting on your couch, elbow-deep in a bag of chips. You're scrolling through Instagram and you see a dozen sets of perfect abs on the beach. You instantly want those bodies and I bet you find some excuse as to why you will never look like that.

Well, I'm here to give you eight unarguable reasons why you should put down the chips and throw on one of the adorable gym outfits you bought last year when you swore to yourself that you would get in shape.

1. You'll never get there if you don't start.

Unfortunately, wishing to have your dream bod isn't enough to actually get you your dream bod. So, stop scrolling through Instagram and cyberstalking the person you wish you were "hot enough" to get and go to the gym. "Oh, but what if I get off track and fail?" Well then that is the perfect opportunity to start again and do a better job this time around. My point is that starting is the hardest part, so take the leap and just go for it.

2. "I don't have time, though."

Listen, you and I both know that you've been scrolling through social media for a total of 3 hours today. The gym doesn't need to take more than an hour. Which, by the way, is only about 4% of your day. If your goals mean enough to you, you'll make time for them.

3. You're not the first person to be confused by all of the weird machines.

Let's be honest, some of those machines look kind of like they could be used as torture devices. And those stupid elliptical machines that have more buttons than the laptop you've had for 3 years and can still barely operate. So here's a pro-tip: every machine has directions and every piece of cardio equipment has a "Quick Start" option. "But what if I go flying off the treadmill or get stuck between the pads of one of the machines?" You're not the first person to do these things and you certainly will not be the last. Plus, that cute guy on the treadmill next to you is too busy jamming out to Nickelback to realize that you just went flying off the back of the treadmill and took out the old lady walking behind you.

4. There are people who are literally paid to help confused gym goers.

This is coming from someone who is a trainer and works in a gym. Do not be afraid to ask the staff for help. We are literally paid to make sure people are safely executing their workouts So just ask how to use a machine and we are more than willing to show you how to use it. I cannot emphasize this enough. Just ask for help. We will not judge you and we want to help you. It is our job after all. Just an FYI, asking for help will probably prevent the aforementioned treadmill incident.

5. You don't need to devote your whole day to the gym to see results.

I know some people who spend 3 hours in the gym and I know some people who spend less than an hour in the gym. And quite frankly neither amount of time spent in the gym is necessarily better than the other. Any amount of time spent working out is better than no time spent working out. Run on the treadmill for 20 minutes or drag your roommate with you to try the newest ab routine you saw on Pinterest. Or, if you are feeling super ballsy, you can ask that person you secretly want to look like if you can tag along with them when they go to the gym the next time.

6. You will feel invincible.

Exercise is proven to be a mood-booster. I'm not going to get into the science of it because it would put you and I both to sleep. Basically, your body will begin releasing endorphins, which interact with brain receptors to reduce your perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling in the body. Plus by expending more energy in your day, you'll sleep better at night. And if that's not enough motivation for you, then this would be the time to tell you that physical activity acts as a stress reliever. That's right, there is indeed a productive way to relieve some stress.

7. You don't have to do it all at once.

Fitness is scary. It's a whole lot of crazy fads and science, that can be quite intimidating. Start small and as you get more comfortable you can start becoming more and more serious about everything. But something that I like to tell all new clients is that getting into fitness does not necessarily have to mean a complete lifestyle change.

You don't have to be grilling chicken in the middle of the winter to complement your bland broccoli for the 459th day in a row. Do some people like that? Of course. But it isn't for everyone. For some people, fitness is better suited as a way of complementing their existing lifestyle. Fitness means something different to everyone, but the important thing is that you incorporate it into your life.

8. You love yourself too much to let yourself down.

You obviously love yourself enough to want to be better, so why are you still questioning whether or not you should go for it? Love your body enough to take care of it and be the best version of yourself you can be. Love yourself because no on else will do it for you.