The humiliating memories from gym class—being picked last for teams or my teacher yelling at me for not hitting the volleyball over the net—haunted me well into adulthood. I was convinced I wasn’t the “sporty type,” and the gym world—where I imagined everyone was confident, muscular, and judging newcomers with disdain—just didn’t seem like a place for me.
Then my desire to help overcame my fears. A close friend, who regularly went to the gym, was going through a tough time battling severe depression. Alongside medication and therapy, exercise seemed to ease his anxiety symptoms, though getting himself to the gym was often a huge challenge. To support him, I became his workout buddy. Together, we started going to the gym, where he patiently and with a touch of humor showed me warm-up and stretching exercises, plus how to use the machines properly. The result? Now I go several times a week, often alone, and it’s become one of the best parts of my day. Why? I have five great reasons!
Finally, Time for Myself
Gym time feels almost sacred to me. It’s a rare moment in my day when I’m not trying to meet others’ expectations, not rushing, not multitasking—just focusing on myself. Every move I make feels like a gift to my body and, in turn, my soul. Each exercise completed is a small victory. I measure myself only against myself. And that’s incredibly freeing.
It Calms Me and Quietens Anxiety
I completely understand why exercise helped my anxious friend ease his symptoms. Though I’ve never faced depression, everyday anxiety was a constant companion for me. My mind would race—what will tomorrow bring, what did I mess up yesterday, what tasks are still waiting? But at the gym, it’s a different experience. I can’t think about anything else except doing the exercises correctly, counting reps, and holding the weights. This focused attention stops the flood of thoughts, and for a few hours, I truly switch off.
Being Around Positive People Feels Uplifting
I never expected it, but now at the gym I go to, there are “familiar faces.” Not close friends I chat with for hours, but people we greet each time, sometimes exchange a half-smile or an encouraging glance. This quiet sense of community among those working toward the same goal feels really good—especially in a world where we often feel isolated.
I’m Constantly Improving—and I Can Feel It
At first, even a simple push-up was a challenge. Now I do weight training and have clear goals. Each week, I can do a bit more, get a bit better—and this progress builds me up mentally as well as physically. I realized sports aren’t a special talent you’re born with, but a journey anyone can improve on. That gives me confidence in other areas of life, too.
My Relationship with My Body Has Changed
I used to see my body mostly as a “problem” to hide or fix. Now, I see it as a partner—something I need to care for. No, the cellulite on my thighs hasn’t disappeared completely, but when I look at my legs now, I don’t see that—I see the muscle I’ve built through consistent effort. And that feels amazing.
I first went to the gym to help a friend, never imagining how much of a favor I’d be doing myself. If time allows, my workout buddy and I still enjoy training together, but now I also exercise alone, just for me. The gymgym has strengthened two important relationships for me: a deep, honest friendship and the one I have with myself.
