Like most people, I first began working out because of how I hoped to look eventually. My earliest memories of exercising were paired with the hatred of having to do something that I disliked, and it was always a struggle to stick to a rigid schedule. I would print countless calendars, engage in so many "30 day challenges," and set absurd goals for myself to exercise for an extended period of time every day. I didn't care about-or for that fact notice how working out made me feel. I was so fixated on sticking to a schedule, and meeting my own personally devised criteria to achieve any fitness goals. I would feel especially disappointed if I couldn't meet my own expectations for that day or week, and therefore each day I lived with the constant concern of getting my exercise in.
The culture of modern day society very much relies on this need for control. Many people appear to be obsessive in terms of adhering to a fitness schedule, and it also becomes monotonous. More often than not, people share that their motive for working out is a physical one-a desire for some kind of change. Frequently, people focus on "losing x pounds" or "getting a six pack" or "toning their arms."
Unfortunately, I easily fell right into this habit of working out for the visual changes. Not only can this infatuation easily cross over into dangerous territory in terms of mental health and body image, but it also only proves to give fleeting pleasure or happiness. In fact, for every part of our body that we become content with, we seem to discover 2 new flaws in our image. Even when numerical goals are obtained, new ones constantly develop and act as a constant moving finish line. This is the unspoken hardship of exercise and working out-it can easily become either an obsession or a burnout.
Up until my first year of college, I would only have certain "health kicks" when I would work out. It would be a period of about two weeks where I would set a strict regimen for myself, altering my diet and alloting at least an hour of my time every day to exercise. The two weeks would be brutal, and I would feel demoralized when I missed a day or two of scheduled cardio. The desire for physical results would not be enough to keep me committed for long, especially when I hadn't seen any results in the time that I had dedicated to working out.
My first year of college, something changed. I would go to the gym early in the morning before class with no intention of calculating results and changes. After my workout, I felt empowered with an overwhelming sense of energy and mental calm for the day. I was no longer tired, and instead, I would leave the gym happy and motivated-for my classes, for my relationships, and for my future. I stopped setting a strict schedule, and instead went to the gym when I was able to, as well as when I felt most motivated. I returned each time, not with the expectation of physical change that often came with dread and fear of failure, but instead, I began going in order to allow my mind to rejuvenate and so that I might leave feeling as empowered and content as I had initially felt.
And that is what I have discovered-working out hasn't truly changed for me in the past year, as I still use the same machines and do many of the same strength moves, however, my entire mindset and approach to exercise has completely evolved. Instead of committing to schedules and numbers, I find myself addicted to the positive mood and sensation of strength and happiness. Why focus on the long-term goals and allow them to deter you when instead you can commit yourself to the very feeling that comes immediately when you set foot on the treadmill, elliptical, etc.? Recognize as I have that when done with the right intention and motivation, working out can be therapeutic for the mind and soul.
