For so many years of my life, I’ve been very uncomfortable in my own body. I’ve always looked at myself in the mirror and pointed out every flaw that I see. I was never happy with the way I looked, ever.
At the beginning of this summer, I decided to change my life around. This meant physically bettering myself, but also fixing the mentality I’ve lived my whole life with. My battle to a healthier life wasn’t just on the outside. It was majorly about the thoughts that ran through my head every day. “I’m not fit enough to explore the world.” I’ve always stopped myself from going on adventures because of this fear that was, basically, all in my head.
This summer was the first time I had a full-time job. I was working 40+ hours a week, sometimes getting up to even 60 hours a week. It was very stressful, and it really hindered my mental health. I was getting yelled at by customers on the daily for things that were out of my control. I felt exhausted and unstable for most of my time there.
At the end of July, I decided I was going to start going to the gym. I went along with my mom and my sister for the first time ever. I was extremely nervous about it. I had never been before, so I wasn’t sure if I would like it. Would people stare at me and judge me? Will they think that I don’t belong in this place? After that first time, I fell in love with going. All my fears vanished, as Planet Fitness is a judgement-free zone. I even purchased my own black card and went almost every day after work. (x)
I would work 9-12 hour shifts at work and then go right to the gym. I left feeling encouraged and genuinely feeling good about myself. I felt healthier than I ever had before.
I started slow, just walking on the treadmill for about 30 minutes and then going on the bikes for 30 minutes more. After I got more comfortable with the gym and realized that no one really cared that I was there, I started pushing myself to do more. I learned how to use the different machines and started working on my arms and abs. I got more and more confident with the equipment and actually enjoyed the time I spent there. It wasn’t all about weight for me. It was about taking control of my body and being more confident in myself. It was pushing myself out of the comfort zone I had created. I bought fruits and vegetables and actually started thinking about the stuff I was putting in my body.
This thing that used to scare me so much, turned into something that empowered me and provided me with energy to get through the weeks. It’s only been about a month and a half since I started going, so I’m definitely not where I want to be yet, but I’m okay with where I am right now. I’ve learned that life isn’t just about your weight or what you look like and being healthy is not just about going to the gym. Going to the gym worked for me, but it doesn’t always work out for other people. Taking care of yourself is so important, no matter where you are starting, you can always improve your life.
With that being said, no one should feel obligated to work out. I did it to better my own health. If you are confident and you are comfortable in your body, then good for you! No one should feel like they need to succumb to the expectations that society pushes on us. Be yourself, and love who you are. Your body is yours, and no one can tell you what you should do with it.
Going to the gym made me feel happier in my body. I feel like I can accomplish anything once I leave those gym doors.
Pushing yourself through your days should not be your goal. If you are feeling down and unhappy with how you are right now, change it up a little bit. Often times, routine can make us bored and drained. Every now and then, it’s good to break your habits. Take a different route home. Do something you’ve never done before, or try something you never thought you’d like. It might surprise you with how much you love doing something new. My new thing was working out, but that doesn’t have to be your new thing. Try painting, or write in a journal, or just sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Live the life you’ve been given. Everyone deserves to be happy in their bodies.