The gym, a place where individuals go to improve their health, self-esteem, life-style, and more with the use of heavy machinery and equipment, all serves as a way to better oneself.

For a majority of my life, I was never happy being in my own skin. It could’ve been because of remarks made toward me, or my own conscious being so negative. I started my journey at 15 years old, for the sole purpose of aesthetics. My goal was to change the way I looked. Being that as it may, continuing to work out for the wrong reasons and with the wrong mindset, put me at more of a disadvantage. I wasn’t properly nourishing myself, I developed severe body dysmorphia, worse than before, and my mental health took a toll. Eventually as time went on, I let go of negative and restrictive thoughts. I saw the gym as a privilege. Having the time and ability to work out is a privilege. So I started treating it as such.

The gym is a hobby, not a punishment. Walking a few miles on the treadmill, swimming in the pool, lifting weights, using machines, all improve our moods. The more our body moves, the more our mind can ease itself. Mental health is not considered when one joins the gym, though it should be. Working out can be calming, as well as clear one’s mind. A popular reason a lot of gym-goers have, is the yearn for a new life-style and/or to aid health problems. Some people go to prevent future problems, like weak joints. Others go due to already existing problems, like healing from a fractured bone.

The gym benefits and improves individuals in more ways than one. It also can be used as a social outlet.  But most importantly, the gym will help you feel better about yourself.