Balancing Books And Barbells: How Training My Body Trained My Mind

When I first started going to the gym in 2022, I wasn’t thinking about personal growth or discipline, all I knew was that I wanted to become stronger and healthier. At the beginning of my fitness journey, I relied entirely on motivation.

I would watch some videos, look up some workouts online, and feel motivated. This worked for a while until eventually life got too busy with work or school. Before long, my workouts became inconsistent, and I realized I had no real plan.

Over time, I got better and better at showing up for myself, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. That’s when I learned motivation is temporary, but discipline lasts.  

Discipline Over Motivation

There have been many mornings when I didn’t want to go to the gym. I was tired, had assignments to do, or just didn’t feel like pushing myself. But I would show up anyway, and that’s where everything changed. Discipline became something I practiced daily, not just in fitness, but in every area of my life. 

The same mindset started to show in my studies. When I didn’t feel like writing a paper or studying for an exam, I would remind myself of how proud, accomplished, and grateful I feel to push through. It taught me that consistency isn’t about perfection; it’s about doing it regardless.  

Mind And Body Connection 

Working out became more than just physical. It started training my mind to focus, manage stress, and build strong habits. Exercising taught me patience, because progress doesn’t happen overnight. You have to show up, stay consistent, and trust the process. This mindset completely changed the way I approach life. 

I started setting small, effective goals for myself. Just as I track my progress in the gym, I started tracking it in class. I realized that both fitness and academics rely on the same principles, effort, structure, and recovery. You cannot expect results if you’re not putting in the work, but you also cannot grow if you’re not allowing your body to rest. 

Balance And Well-Being 

Balancing classes, assignments, and workouts isn’t always easy. There have been many times when I felt I was stretched too thin, trying to meet deadlines while keeping up with my fitness goals. But the gym became my reset, a space where I could clear my head, release stress, and come back to my studies with a clear mind. 

Over the years, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about being perfect. It’s about knowing when to push and when to rest, when to focus on your goals, and when to give yourself credit. Training my body taught me how to take care of my mind. 

The gym has given me more than just strength or muscle; it’s given me perspective. It taught me discipline, patience, and self-respect. It helped me learn that growth isn’t about how much weight you can lift, it’s about how much responsibility you can handle, how you treat yourself when things get hard, and how to keep showing up for yourself. 

So whether it’s in the gym, in class, or in life, start today. Build the habits that will carry you forward so you don’t have to rely on motivation. The best version of yourself is built one step at a time!

How are you training your mind this semester? Let us know @HerCampusSJSU!

• balance
• discipline
• fitness
• health
• mindset
• wellness