There are several reasons to go to the gym. However, the euphoria of endorphins racing through your bloodstream should be enough to get you there at least three times a week. So, what exactly are the good things about going to the gym? And how can you avoid being the annoying girl constantly telling people about your trips to the gym?
Already mentioned, the endorphins alone are a great reason to go to the gym. Endorphins are hormones released by the pituitary gland during a moderate- to high-intensity workout. Endorphins create feelings from joy to dulling feelings of pain.
So, maybe you might not be doing strenuous enough activity at the gym to release endorphins… But, here are some other reasons to go:
· To forget about schoolwork for a little while
· To keep yourself in good shape
· To increase your confidence levels
· To feel—and look—good
What people seem to forget about the gym are all the different activities you can do. At Quinnipiac’s gym specifically, there are several different possibilities for all different types of exercisers.
If you’re not exactly into lifting weights, running, abdominal workouts, or spinning, you still have a place at the gym: the track. You can walk on the track at any pace that suits you and for however long you choose. And, there are plenty of people that just casually walk on the track, so you’ll never feel pressured or intimidated.
But, maybe you don’t like running or walking. So, why not go into the weight room and lift some weights? There is a plethora of leg and arm machines to use in Quinnipiac’s weight room. And, what better way to start getting into shape for the summer than to tone up your arms and legs at the weight room?
Or maybe, you want to work on that six-pack that’s been hibernating all winter. So, why not go to the “ab corner” at the gym? There are plenty of yoga mats to use for sit-ups, crunches, and planks. Abdominal workouts are incredible and, if you do them right, you’re guaranteed to have sore abs for a few days afterward… And what could be more satisfying than that?
There are treadmills and bikes for those who like to run, walk, or bike. And there are also ellipticals for those trying to workout their legs, while simultaneously getting in some cardio. Each of these machines can be found in the three remaining corners of the Quinnipaic gym and you can sign up for one of these machines downstairs with the student workers.
Of course, you must remember that there is only a certain amount of bragging rights that you gain when you go to the gym. And that certain amount is none. Going to the gym doesn’t make you any better than people who don’t go to the gym. So, you exercised… Big deal. You don’t have any reasonable excuse to go online and tweet about the gym.
The only advice left to give is: don’t knock it till you try it. Even if you hate the gym or you’ve never been, just go. See what happens. You might love it. And if that’s not enough, here is why one QU student said about the gym:
“The gym is a place where I can distress and get away from class and schoolwork for a while,” said Marissa Faretta, sophomore, “It just makes me feel better and energized after a long day.”