We are all guilty of procrastinating when it comes to establishing a gym habit. Our attempt at “new year, new me” continues to fall through. Whether this is due to the temptation of Netflix and chill, the comfort of our beds, or the overwhelming workload of varsity life. There always seems to be something standing in the way of our fitness goals, especially with winter rolling in swiftly. But there is truly only one thing standing in the way – you.
So, here is why you should finally sign up for that gym membership you have been putting off for ages:
- Tomorrow never comes:
We all keep saying, “I will start tomorrow.” However, tomorrow often turns into next week, then next month, and before you know it, next year. This challenge of merely starting can be linked to activating or initiating energy. In chemistry, initiating energy is the amount of energy required from reactants for a chemical reaction to occur. On a psychological level, it is merely the mental energy required to start something. This means that if there are many perceived mental barriers between where an individual is (lying in bed) at the current moment and where they want to be (the gym), it will be harder to start. So, sign the gym contract. Pack your gym bag the night before. Plan to walk or drive past the gym on your way home after classes. Or even start in your room with three exercises. This way your mind has less opportunities to perceive barriers between you and your fitness goals.
- Preparing for your ‘hot girl’ summer:
This year, winter is rolling in faster than usual. It can be easy to take that as a sign to abandon all plans to get physically active and merely hibernate. However, we all have an aspirational dream body. It is easy to slip into the aesthetic idealisation of what it means to have your dream body. But what about your functional dream body? Do you aspire to run in the Comrades next year? Maybe you have always wanted to go on a rock climbing journey? Are you recovering from a surgery and trying to get back on your feet? Or maybe you simply want to climb the stairs of Thuto without feeling winded when you get to the top. This focus on being physically stronger or more flexible to cope with your daily activity is just as important as looking good in the mirror. Whatever your goals might be, it is at your discretion to put in the effort to make those dreams a reality. So slip on your most oversized hoodie, your fuzziest pair of socks and get down to the gym. Remember, being a “hot girl” can mean whatever you want it to mean.
- De-stress and feel your best:
Academic responsibilities can cause a lot of stress, especially in the second quarter. However, the gym is not just about lifting weights, it is also a great way to blow off steam and clear your mind. According to an article by the Mayo Clinic, exercising releases endorphins, which are the feel good neurotransmitters in one’s brain that stimulate positive feelings. The same article also stated that because exercising demands so much focus, it detracts your attention from your life’s stressors, alleviating your mind from the negative impacts thereof. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, lace up those sneakers and sweat it out.
- Make some gym buddies:
The gym is not just a place to work out – it is also a great place to meet new people. The mutual support of a gym buddy spotting you or high-fiving you after setting a new personal best is motivating. Who knows, you might even find your soulmate while you are there. Note, we said might, so do not come for PDBY if you do not, but you will more than likely find a community willing to support you on your fitness journey.
So there you have it, fellow procrastinators, no more excuses. Sign up at your nearest gym (cough cough – TuksGym) or set a home programme, grab your water bottle and get moving. Your future self waits for only one man – and that man is you.
