There are many reasons why going to the gym is important, but some are better than others. I never joined a gym when I was in high school, mainly because I had so many activities that there was actually no time to drive over to the gym. But on campus, it’s just a short walk to work out. Walking to the gym is part of my warm up. I sometimes listen to music on the way over to get me pumped up.
One reason why going to the gym is important is because it gives you an excuse to get away from your study space. After studying, or procrastinating in your room or the library, most of us want to get up and move around. And working out is a good study break activity. Did you know that exercising can get your brain “moving”? Getting your heart rate up can help the blood flow to your brain smoother, which can help improve your memory. Then after you are done at the gym, you can grab food and get back to studying!
Another reason why going to the gym is important because in college, when you walk into the dining hall, there is unlimited food for you to eat. And some days you are just hungrier than others. If you work out and burn some calories, if you order fries later at dinner, you won’t feel so bad about it. And let’s be honest, you are thinking about food while you work out.
The biggest reason why it is important to go to the gym is to stay active. If you are not involved in a sport or activity, the gym is a great place to get a quick workout. From running or jogging on the treadmill, the elliptical to the many leg and arm machines, medicine balls, or lifting weights--you can work out any part of the body you wish. Even if you go to the gym for only an hour, you are still burning many calories.
Going to the gym in college has helped me relieve stress about things like a big test coming up, an argument, or just thinking about life. My goal was to lose some weight and gain more muscle, and I am proud to say that I have achieved both. Even if you are sore all over, even if you didn't even work out that muscle, you will be glad you went. So when you want to sit in your bed and watch Netflix and eat chips, think again. Oh, and don't skip leg day.
