There was a time when I used to be so clueless when it came to all things fitness. Before last semester, I barely went to the gym. If you asked me what a cable machine was during my freshman year, I would tell you it was that black box that lets your TV play shows and movies.

But starting last spring — the second semester of my sophomore year — a wave of curiosity came over me and I suddenly wanted to know everything about working out. Even though I probably stuck out like a sore thumb, I mostly learned by doing — I only used the machines that had a sign for how to use it and I only did exercises that weren't too difficult to do.

Then I started watching videos that well-known trainers would post to their Instagram accounts. It's safe to say that I learned a lot from them because I now spend over an hour working out and exercise in almost every single area of the gym.

I started going to the gym because I wanted to get a little more in shape. I was never particularly active because I don't play any sports and I have such a busy schedule as a college student. It took a while to get in the swing of things because when I first started working out, I would get tired really quickly and would feel uncomfortably sore the next day — I would pop Advil like candy.

But the more I went, the better I felt after the work-out session. I noticed that I didn't feel as tired and I was actually able to walk the next day without limping in agony. I also visibly noticed how my body transformed. I started to notice some other changes that were taking place, too. These changes had to do with my mind.

Everyone takes their stress, anxiety, and even frustration out in different ways. Some of the ways people manage stress are unhealthy despite the fact that it relieves their anxiety. Working out became my stress-reducer, helping me cope with the busyness of college life.

I can literally feel my stress leaving my body as I'm exercising.

It's so hard to describe it in words because it's such an amazing feeling. And the best part about it is that it's so healthy. The fact that I can work out my body at the same time I work out my mind, thus improving my mindset and physique simultaneously, is incredible.

Not to mention, it provides me with a boost of energy that lasts for a few hours after I leave the gym. I love working out in the evening because it allows me to grind on my homework when I get back until the time to call it a night. Going to the gym and getting my homework done after makes me feel productive.

Working out also gives me something to look forward to. I use the gym as a reward for doing homework for a few hours. Exercising is my favorite study break because it's a healthy way for me to give my brain a rest from all things school-related and relieves my stress at the same time.

Oh, and did I mention that seeing attractive guys working out at the gym is a major motivator?

The bottom line is: if you've never used the gym as a way to relieve stress, you need to at least try it. Although it may be a little bit tricky at first, getting in the routine of working out will make things a lot easier. There are so many trainers on Instagram to learn tips and techniques from, so there's always someone to help guide you.

Instead of stressing yourself out by thinking of all the work you have to do, take some time out of your day to put your favorite leggings on, make a playlist to get you pumped up, and sweat all that stress away!