Until I had to use a gym, I never thought I could loathe anything more than math class. I used five pound weights for bicep curls and then I couldn’t bend my arms for three days. I did four squats and then it hurt to sit. I’m pathetically out of shape, and I’ve decided to let it go on no more. This year, I’ve sworn to myself to go to my university’s gym at least twice a week, and while I’ve made good on that promise, it has not been fun. I also can’t help continuing to stuff myself with a variety of unhealthy foods, which sort of counteract the exercise I’m doing, but god, I just want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath. This has been my journey so far:

1. Exercise is terrible!

I try to keep my body healthy and my reward is sweat and pain…nice. And some people enjoy this? What’s wrong with them?

2. Feeling self conscious about your appearance.

How are some people’s gym outfits so cute? I’m over here in whatever mismatched clothes I could find that were easy to move in. And I probably look really dumb and gross.

3. Seeing someone who didn’t wipe down equipment after using it.

I saw you the sheen of sweat you were covered in, and you just walked away.

4. Getting pumped after doing minimal exercise.

Oh, man, check me out on this stairmaster. I could be an Olympian. I could be like Uma Thurman in Kill Bill, or Buffy. I’m gonna be so strong, no one’s gonna be able to mess with me. Ugh, I’m tired now. Maybe I’ll be an Olympian later.

5. Smelling the strong stench of sweat.

It hits you the moment you walk through the door. And after you leave, you now carry the scent.

6. Feeling self conscious about the amount of exercise you’re doing compared to others around you.

I know everyone should go at their own pace but wow, I am wiped out after five minutes on the treadmill and this girl’s been going half an hour!

7. The extremely relaxing shower/bath when you get home.

I have never felt so fresh.

8. Imagining results after one trip.

My figure is getting trimmer already! Or maybe it’s just the lighting in here.

9. Being super sore.

Tell me this stops happening soon. It hurts to lift my arms above my head.

10. Wanting to give up the first time you go.

It took years for me to muster up the will to go to the gym of my own agency, and just looking at all the complicated machines, I got scared. I was super sore, super sweaty, super angry. I did not return for months. But keeping yourself in shape and getting those muscles working is important, and it sucks a little less each time you go. Don't give up!