Things I Learned from Consistent Fitness

    The catalyst for my fitness journey came in the summer of 2023 when I realized I couldn't fit into the pants I bought in 2022. Upon weighing myself, I discovered I had gained 5 kilograms over the course of 2022. Without a habit of exercising during that year, I knew the added weight wasn't muscle but pure fat. From that point on, I embarked on a fitness journey, spending the entire summer of 2023 cultivating the habit of consistently going to the gym. In these two months, it was challenging to see changes on the scale, especially after anaerobic training when weighing is inaccurate due to muscle water retention. Facing the numbers on the scale became the first lesson I gained from fitness—learning to confront them with equanimity. Changes in body measurements may provide a more intuitive indicator.

    At the onset of my fitness journey, I often found myself preoccupied with observing others' workouts or worrying about potential ridicule. I would contemplate whether my attire was appropriate and if it made me look even heavier. However, as days passed, not only did my exercise routines become more familiar, but I also discovered increased concentration during training. Throughout the process, maintaining focus involved continuous visualization and control of the targeted muscle groups. This heightened focus allowed me to block out the surrounding environment. After experiencing this improvement in concentration, I noticed it translated to my study sessions, making it easier for me to immerse myself in the present task. This became the second benefit I gained from fitness.

At the beginning of the exercise, I did not have much strength, so I bought a very cute power strap. Sunday, April,20th (Photo/Yu Xinrui)

    During the course of exercise, the body releases various hormones, such as dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, and endorphins. Among these, dopamine and endorphins induce feelings of pleasure, but dopamine's effects are more short-lived. Activities like indulging in sweet foods or purchasing liked items trigger dopamine release, while endorphins contribute to relieving depression and anxiety. Personally, I found that the endorphins generated from fitness helped alleviate the anxiety stemming from body image concerns. This became the third positive outcome of my fitness journey.

    Throughout fitness endeavors, individuals often discover inherent strengths in their upper or lower limbs. This talent isn't measured against professional bodybuilders but rather within the context of one's own body. In my quest for self-discovery, I realized that my upper limbs exhibited more natural prowess. Recognizing this uniqueness made me feel like a distinctive individual. Perhaps achieving results in lower limb workouts requires double the effort compared to others, but the innate talent in my upper limbs is undeniable. This realization led me to understand the importance of not only focusing on weaknesses but also appreciating strengths—a crucial factor in building confidence. This constituted the fourth benefit I derived from my fitness journey.

    After reading this, would you consider adopting a regular exercise routine?