By Dakota Rose
When I first came to college, I found myself with more free time than I had ever had before. Classes no longer took up full days but only a few short hours. My weekends were my own to do whatever I wanted, dominated only by plans of my own making. It is a big adjustment! I also found myself with time for hobbies. Craving a routine, I decided I should start going to the gym. After donning my favorite workout set, filling my water bottle, creating a thorough playlist, and doing a substantial amount of “research” on Pinterest as to how to start weight lifting, I headed to the gym. Unfortunately, to me, the gym felt like a scary place, and the weight room especially seemed filled with people bigger than me who knew exactly what to do and the results it would give them. I succumbed to the treadmill, a safe haven from the weight room. Flash forward almost three years and I am in the gym weight lifting nearly every day, and no one can tell me I don’t belong there.
The gym can be intimidating at first, but it is actually a very supportive place. Here are some things that helped me begin my weight-lifting journey and find a place for the gym in my life.
Well, I had one thing right: the right clothes can make a big difference! I always feel that I have the best workouts when I like and feel good in what I’m wearing. This is obviously different for each person. For me specifically, I love leggings and a matching fun workout bra, usually with one of my favorite sweatshirts over top at least until I warm up.
I found it helpful to do research as well. There are over six hundred muscles in the human body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For me, it really helped me to identify the muscles I wanted to grow and the muscles that I didn’t want to. Additionally, research helped me clearly define my goals. As my goals develop and change, so do the things I research. A good place to start is simply some anatomy-related information about what muscles are where in your body. Then, start looking up how to achieve more specific goals such as losing weight, building muscle, toning muscle, etc. Research can help you feel more confident in the gym and with the work you’re doing there. This will also lead, inevitably, to looking into how to support your fitness journey through food.
Food is an important part of going to the gym. If you don’t properly nurture yourself, it won’t matter how often you’re at the gym, you won’t be achieving your desired results. Furthermore, being undernourished will actually sabotage your health and body.
Consistency is really important as well. Set a time that works for your schedule one semester or one month at a time. For me, the morning works best so I know every morning from 7:30 to 8:30 am is my gym time. Now, you’re building a habit. The first couple of weeks it can be hard, but eventually, it will become second nature.
Finally, if the gym still feels intimidating, ask one of your friends who already lifts to go with you. My freshman year, I asked one of my friends to show me his workout split and how to start lifting. He taught me his lifting split and helped correct my form, etc. This may be something you do once or twice or maybe working out together fits both of your goals and you have a gym buddy! For me, it was the latter. We research together, create our routine, and stay in communication about what works to fit both of our fitness goals.
Going to the gym, specifically lifting weights, has become way more than a pastime. It helps keep me healthy physically and mentally. Now, in my junior year, when college has proven to be way busier than anticipated, lifting weights at the gym is a way to take care of myself and a touchstone. For me, the hour a day I spend in the gym is a moment of personal care and improvement in the midst of a busy world. It is a safe space for me, and it can be for you too. I know it can be intimidating but everyone there is on their own journey and wants you to succeed just as much as they want to succeed themselves. The gym is for everyone, so start today!
