As a frequent gym-goer, I understand the attraction to exercise; the rush of endorphins after a good hour or so of putting your body through the ringer is enough to make getting out of bed worth it. However, I have yet to master the art of quieting my mind and finding my happy place while my muscles feel like they've been set on fire. Now, if you're anything like me, here are a few things that might have crossed your mind a time or two (or maybe twenty) before/during/after a workout.

1. "I can't wait to go to the gym, I'm going to feel so healthy after this workout"

That is, until the workout actually starts. Then you just start to feel sad and out of shape when you glance around you and see people running 10 miles/lifting enough to make the Hulk jealous. But, hey, at least you actually made it there.

2. "Is this workout almost done?"

You check the clock, feeling proud of yourself for running a whole lap without stopping and realize...it's only been 3 minutes. And there's 57 left to go.

3. "Do I always make this face when I'm lifting weights?"

If you've ever looked in a mirror while doing something strenuous, you know the face that I'm talking about. Teeth clenched, forehead wrinkled...it's not a pretty sight, and it's always worse when there are people around to witness it.

4. "...At least I look cute in these workout clothes"

When you look good, you feel good, and that's what I try to remind myself when I feel like I'm slowly dying on the inside (due to too much physical activity).

5. "I better look completely different tomorrow"

There's nothing worse than coming home from a hard workout, looking at your body, and seeing that nothing has changed. Obviously, the expectation of an instant Princess Diaries-style transformation is unrealistic, but a girl can dream.

6. "Is it possible for my muscles to explode?"

Because it definitely feels like they're going to if you keep pushing yourself. I try to remind myself that it'll all be worth it, but it's hard to stay positive while running a mile or lifting heavy weights.

7. "It's finally almost over"

It's a relief, but it's also a little sad that in a few minutes you have to go back to actually worrying about real life. I admit that, at times, I use the gym as an excuse to procrastinate on some of my responsibilities.

8. "I can't wait to come back again."

Because at the end of the day, there's no better feeling than the endorphin rush after a good workout.