A few weeks ago, I decided to invest in a gym membership for the first time in my life.

I have an elliptical in my basement that I would occasionally use when I'm watching TV, and I go to the gym at my college every once and a while. However, I have never consistently gone to an actual gym several times a week.

I would like to say there was more to my decision to joining a gym, but I was actually just watching the episode of "Young and Hungry" -- the one where Sofia gets a job as a spin class instructor, and I was like "Huh, that looks like fun." So I joined a gym the next day and have been going as much as I can.

I am currently halfway through college, so my body is nothing like it was in high school. I don't play varsity sports anymore, and I spend a lot more time in classrooms or studying than walking around or exercising. This change never really bothered me that much, but it was enough that I changed some things in my daily life.

I wouldn't wear as tight of clothes or take as many selfies as I used to. I would always think a million times before posting something on social media because I wasn't sure if my arms looked OK, or something equally silly.

A few days ago, after I went to the gym, I decided to take a quick Snapchat to send to my friends. Here is the result:

I took this picture after an hour long workout at the gym. I wasn't wearing any makeup, I was sweaty and gross and my hair was a mess. Originally the picture was meant to be a silly one, but after I took it I finally realized what going to the gym had done for me.

Going to the gym has made me a million times more confident. I haven't been told that I look any different than I did three weeks ago, but I feel different. I know that I am working hard and that makes me feel great about myself, regardless of what the scale says.

I plan on continuing to go to the gym, because I love that confidence boost. As a young woman, having a little extra confidence in your body can never be a bad thing, especially when you have already experienced the notorious Freshman 15.

Of course in the long run, going to the gym will do much more than add a little confidence. It'll add muscle, subtract the fat and (hopefully) produce the pre-Freshman-15 body that I and every other college student is trying to go back to.

However, going to the gym can do so much for you other than getting you into shape. It gives you a more confident smile and makes you feel like you can do so much more. It makes you feel beautiful, even when you know you are sweaty and gross.

Going to the gym can alter the way you see yourself. It makes you feel more confident in your own skin and if you feel good about your body, you will see yourself in a more positive light.

So go out and invest in a gym membership, or at least dust off that elliptical in your basement. It'll work wonders on your mind, before your body even starts to change.