The Life Lessons I Learned From the Gym

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Going to the gym is often associated with physical growth; Losing or gaining weight is often perceived as the singular goal of working out. However, in addition to the physical benefits that regular exercise at the gym offers, it can also be a catalyst for a significant change in your personality and in my way of thinking.

Hitting the gym is not just about lifting weights and drinking protein shakes and Caffeine Free Pre-workout. There’s more to it than that, and there’s a lesson to be learned in just about any gym activity if you look hard enough. Here are some of the things we’ve discovered from going to the gym.

Growth and Comfort Cannot Coexist

The core principle of muscle growth is that for a muscle to grow, we need to exercise it in order to cause microtears in it. The body then repairs these microtears by filling in the gaps with newer, stronger muscle fibers. This is what causes a muscle to increase in size and in density, while the soreness you feel post-workout are the microtears in the muscle.

The lesson here lies in how we need to be ready to experience discomfort in the pursuit of our goals. Working for something inherently holds more personal value than something given.

Doing Things Right the First Time

When performing an exercise for the first time, it’s important to learn the proper technique to execute it. Not only does this help prevent accidents and injuries, but it also helps you form good habits. Repetitions don’t count unless they are done correctly. This principle also applies in almost every aspect of life; Whether its work, school, relationships, and even the simple act of doing chores. Do things right the first time, and form beneficial habits.

It’s Not About Weight, It’s About Effort

We all vary in terms of ability and strength, but the true beauty of going to the gym lies in the fact that everybody does so with the intent of self-improvement. It doesn’t matter how much weight you’re able to lift, but rather the effort that you put into a workout. A 20-pound weight might be too much for someone who is untrained, but training with enough lighter weights can help them achieve the eventuality of lifting a heavier one eventually. Consequently, the effort you put into conquering life obstacles and building your endurance matter more than whether or not you can tackle everything upfront. Be patient, and tackle smaller goals until you’re able to achieve the larger one.

Life is endless work, but that doesn’t mean you should spend the entirety of it working. Building good habits at the gym can act as a significant catalyst for change in your life. Don’t be afraid to give your best effort, especially when it matters most.