A Different Kind Of High
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Different Kind Of High

196
A Different Kind Of High
Philadelphia Mag

9 out of 10 times I enter the gym, I already feel invincible. I don't take pre-workout, "aminos," supplements, any of that stuff. I rarely even have caffeine. But just being in the gym -- that presence of squat racks, and weights, and other people who want to better themselves just as badly as I do -- is enough to get my adrenaline flowing, my endorphins sparking, and my muscles ready to go.

Most people work out either to tone their body, or to bulk their muscles so they can show off later on. While they work out because they want to look good, others work out simply to stay fit. I'm somewhere in-between these reasonings. Years and years ago, I began working out -- mainly, doing cardio -- for the sake of my physical appearance. Then, it was for the competition, once I joined cross country and track and got really into running.

But as I grew sick of that sport, and eventually stopped, I've become more and more influenced to powerlift and weightlift (there's a difference between the two!). As my interest and time in the weight room increase, I find myself becoming more addicted to this incredible hobby, exercise, and pastime. The more I see my muscle showing through these thick layers of skin and fat, the more I want to go back. The more I see my own strength, the more I want to go back.

On my days off, I feel terrible: I feel more tired, more sluggish, even less confident. Lifting weights is like using drugs, in a sense. When I take too much time off, I have legitimate withdrawals, from mood swings all the way to fatigue and weakness. I need to work out. I need my clean and jerks, and my squats, and my deadlifts, and whatever else in order to feel like myself; in order to feel good about myself. With depression and anxiety, it's hard for anything to put me in a mentally good place. Going to the gym puts my in that "place" that I want to be in. It alleviates whatever mental pain I'm going through. Working out is, metaphorically, my anti-depressant, my anxiety meds. My every-kind-of-drug.

It's incredible how I went from once being a couch potato who hated any type of physical activity, to an avid runner, to an avid lifter. It's incredible to see what my body is capable of, and to have experience so many different phases of strengths and weaknesses along the way while trying to find my niche. And who knows -- maybe this is just a phase, too. Maybe in a year or two I'll be a cross-fitter or a hardcore yogi or something. What I do know is that I love the phase I'm in right now, and I know I'll be at it for quite a while.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

17575
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946381
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123050
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments