I finally joined the gym a few weeks ago after a long time of saying I would. Summer is just around the corner and every year I say I’ll look good for it but compulsive snacking and laziness just doesn’t allow it. Joining with a few friends has kept me motivated to go regularly, as does the price tag when you’re living off a student loan.
My initial aim is to become healthier. I’m already a healthy eater but I know that’s only half the battle when it comes to being physically healthy. I’ve found that the hardest part of going to the gym is finding the motivation to leave the house, however, once I’m there I’m motivated to put in the work.
In order to track my progress, I regularly review my weight and body fat to ensure that I am progressing and not regressing which is common. Regression is something I worry about as I’m aware that people often gain weight when joining the gym as although calories are burnt, exercise releases the hormone ghrelin which promotes hunger.
On days when I have gone to the gym, I notice beneficial changes in my mood and motivation towards other tasks. Exercise can help fight problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress by releasing endorphins, changing neural growth and reducing inflammation in the brain. These are all benefits which I have noticed within myself since going to the gym.
My aim is to both make myself feel healthier and to look somewhere between Jennifer Lawrence and the Rock by June. These dreams have been shot down.
Bibliography:
Denis Faye, M. (2018). Working Out But Gaining Weight? 4 Reasons why | The Beachbody Blog. [online] The Beachbody Blog. Available at: https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/ask-the-expert-why-do-you-gain-weight-when-you-start-working-out [Accessed 5 Mar. 2018].
Helpguide.org. (2018). The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise: The Exercise Prescription for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. [online] Available at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm [Accessed 5 Mar. 2018].
