Working out can sound like a daunting task, especially for someone who doesn't know what the heck a deadlift or dumbell squat is. Typically, we see working out as a serious routine surrounded by a set number of reps, complicated looking contraptions that you're convinced could actually kill you, and protein powder. Lots of protein powder.
But what about those of us who aren't so soul-crushingly serious about working out? I feel as though the only way to get any respect in the gym is to be working toward a higher bench press or more reps or a lower number on the scale. And if you aren't striving for any particular fitness goal and don't show up on a strict schedule, you're seen as just another body getting in the way of others' routines. And sometimes all we underachieving gym-goers are so afraid to be judged that we refuse to even go to the gym to complete our own versions of working out, whatever they may be. But I strongly believe that working out doesn't have to be only for muscular sports players and toned fitness gurus. You can love pizza, ice cream, and sleeping in until noon....and still feel confident going to gym whenever you want to, whether that be once a month or once a week. I promise.
Working out doesn't have to be about just "looking hot." Sure, those goals are obviously priorities for some, and that's OK too. But, sometimes, I just want to be able to work out without there needing to be some ulterior motive for doing so. Maybe I want to try my hand at yoga just to say I did it. Maybe I need to clear my head, so I go running once without planning to become a marathon runner. Or maybe I really need to punch something, so I take a couple swings at the punching bag on a random Thursday night.
Maybe I try free weight exercises with my boyfriend simply because that's what he's doing at the gym and I want to spend time with him. And maybe telling me that the third slice of pizza I'm about to eat is going to ruin all the work I put in at the gym doesn't matter because I don't work out solely to shed fat. I work out to feel good. I work out to relieve stress. I work out to be physically and mentally healthy. I don't work out to impress others, to look good, or for any other reason than that it makes me happy. Maybe I'll never have a "before and after" post on Instagram. And maybe that's okay, too.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not telling you all to give up your #fitnessgoals. I'm just saying that it's OK not to have them and still enjoy working out in your own way. There's something to be said for exploration and trying new things "just because." For those who are experts in certain fitness activities, like yoga, thank you for being there to try to teach me how to do a proper downward facing dog. But don't take it personally if I never come back. It just means that I've moved on to my next fitness adventure.
Ignore all the regimented gym natives. If you want to go to the gym just to jump around and act like Ke$ha in the dance studio, you go right ahead. I might just join you.
