The distinct smell of hard work, perspiration, and smoothies greet me as I walk into the campus recreation center. Decked out in my workout clothes and water bottle, I fit right in with the rest of the tank top wearing, gym bag carrying, and protein shake drinking rec members. The atmosphere is infectious, and to be completely honest, the guys there aren't bad either.
However, these were not the reasons for me going to the rec center. I had a goal to reach and for once, when it came to fitness, I was dedicated. I convinced one of my closest friends to workout with me for a consecutive 30 days. It was a challenge to see if we could do it and what we would accomplish.
We had a total of six exercises to do every day: squats, sit-ups, push-ups, tricep-dips, lunges, and calf raises. Each day the exercises increased anywhere from 5-15 reps. For a point of reference, our first day we did 25 squats and ended with 250.
Was it difficult? Yes, neither one of us were in shape so even the small amounts of reps were difficult at first. I pushed myself to another level, participating in cardio workouts every day as well. Was it worth it? Absolutely!
My self-confidence has risen just because I feel better about myself. I could see the changes in my body. I could see and feel my muscles. I began to look forward to going to the gym every day. It was almost like an addiction as weird as that sounds. I had more energy and I wasn't inclined to eat as many terrible foods because I did not want to destroy the good work I had put in that day. I became more positive, I smiled more, and my outlook on life changed. I made new friends as well.
Half of my texts with friends now consist of: "Hey, when are we working out?" "What group fitness classes are today?" "Y'all get a solid workout in today?". Never once in my life did I think that I was going to become one of those people who can easily spend two hours at the gym, but here I am and I couldn't be happier.
So, I would encourage anyone to try going to workout every day, even if it's for 30 minutes at first. It's better than nothing and it has the ability to change your life. It's changed my life so much that I want to become a fitness instructor at the campus recreation center.
Grab your tennis shoes, t-shirt, shorts, and water bottle and just go try something. You never know what might happen.
