Hi everyone!
Today I wanted to discuss working out & starting a workout routine. I know what you’re thinking, how are you going to fit a workout routine into your busy schedule? Let me tell you, if you make working out a habit, you will do just about anything to fit it into your schedule. I used to work 12 hour days and go to school full time without having any days off and still fit a one hour gym session into my day, 4-5 days per week. Let me tell you, getting that gym membership will be the best investment you’ve made in a while. There is no better thing to invest your money in then your health and well being.
Going to the gym is more than trying to look good, lose weight, or gain weight. Yeah, it does help with these goals, however it can also help you mentally, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, strengthens muscles and bones, helps with brain health and memory, increases energy levels, and helps with sleep quality . Sounds like a pretty good investment to me.
When I have a stressful day at work, I go directly to the gym from my workplace to let off some steam. When I was in college, a hard workout would provide me with a clear mind and the energy to get through my study materials. Now, when I first started working out, I am not going to lie, it was hard. The time I used to use relaxing on the couch or watching Netflix had to be sacrificed for an hour of lifting metal. In the beginning, there were weeks where I would not go to the gym. It took a lot of mental commitment to push myself to follow my routine even though I did not want to. Now, I have been consistently at the gym for almost a year without giving up. I know this sounds cliche, but I can’t go two days without hitting the gym or else I feel terrible.
Within this past year, I have noticed changes in my body and mind since working out. I started off weighing about 105-110 pounds, with no arms whatsoever. I look a pictures from a year ago and am shocked by how my body has changed. Now, I weigh about 130-135 pounds and I have much more muscle than before. I have found that my mind is clearer and that I relieve my stress much quicker with the gym. I find that I can lift items I could never lift before and it makes me feel empowered, especially as a woman.
I am going to post more about what to do when you first start out at the gym and what to do according to your goals, but I hope this post was somewhat motivating to go buy yourself a gym membership. I can say that my gym has been a great community to be a part of. I see the same people every day and everybody in my gym motivates each other to achieve their goals. Now go, tour some gyms and find your place.
College Fitness Lifestyle 