I never thought that I would actually do it. Every year I tell myself that I need to start, yet the motivation comes and goes without much of a change. Why is that? Perhaps it's due to my simple laziness, or my desire to change just not being extreme enough to get me there. Or, it could be due to my history of having a hard time taking the first step when I know there will be minimal results for doing so. The fact of the matter is, though, that most good things in life are the same way. I began working out this semester not as a New Year's Resolution, but simply in an attempt to better myself. After spending the last two weeks going to the gym, I have found many things to be true.
1. First and foremost, working out still sucks; I don't want any falsehoods to be spoken here. I still do not enjoy it, though I hope to eventually reach that point. The difference, however, is that I am now going anyway. I have finally recognized the simple importance of working out.
2. You don't actually feel that awful after going, which was a revelation for someone like me. In my mind, working out practically meant death afterward.
3. In fact, you may actually leave with more energy. This may not kick in until after you shower, but it is definitely not a lie that working out brings out some adrenaline that helps you get through the rest of the day with a little less grogginess.
4. Netflix is your friend. I feel like this is an unspoken rule of life, and the gym is no exception. Pick an hour long episode of your favorite series, and go for it. I can promise you, it makes your butt going numb from the bike a little less noticeable.
5. You'll start to notice your unhealthy habits more. I'm talking about eating, ladies and gentlemen. After you go to the gym, all of the sudden that donut you really wanted just isn't as appealing. I would say that this is because all you can think about is how that single donut just zeroes out your entire workout, which would not be very satisfying. RIP donut.
6. It takes some time to become comfortable. The gym can be an intimidating place, especially if you go at a time that the major workout junkies are there (always). The thing to remember is that they started out the same as you, a newbie to the gym life, and everyone is there for themselves. This means that they aren't very worried about what you're doing and what you look like doing it.
7. Friends help. A lot. It's a lot easier to run to the Rec Center with friends than alone, and even more so to keep going after 15 minutes when you know that your friend was planning on being there for 45. Whether through actual encouragement, or indirect guilting by them or yourself about them, it works.
8. Take advantage of a free recreational center. This is not something you will always have, and it is much better to get in the habit of going when you don't have to pay, versus hating having to spend than $10 dollars per month to even have the option to go do something you hate.
9. This includes free classes. Never wanted to do yoga in your life? Well, today is your lucky day to go anyways and try it! The classes offered encourage me to go at scheduled times, and for someone like me, that is very good.
10. Consistency is key. Make yourself go at the same times each day. This allows you to mentally block out time in your schedule and no longer see yourself as having to fit it in.
11. Do it for you. Working out, while making your body look good, is one of the simplest forms of self-care. By taking care of your heart and body, you are telling yourself that you're important, that you're worth the hour on the elliptical. And that's a really nice feeling to have.
So, the next time going to the Rec comes to mind, or someone asks you to join, I encourage you to say yes. Maybe you'll fall in love with working out, maybe you won't, but the worst that can happen is knowing you gave yourself the chance to try something good for you.
