How Changing a Habit Can Change a Life 

For years I never saw the importance of working out, being content with the way I looked, convinced that working out would just be a waste of time and energy. This changed when I took a trip to the doctor's office. I remember this day vividly, it was a warm October day and the birds were out chirping. I was going in for a routine checkup and didn’t think anything of it. 

I remember the drive with my mom. She asked me how school was, how my friends were, and whether I had gained any new hobbies since it was my first year at a new school. I told her it was difficult to make new friends at this school and that fitting in had been tough. 

We finally arrived at the doctor's office. I got led into the exam room by the nurse. I remember the air feeling cold. My nose filled with the smell of hand sanitizer. The nurse started with some regular tests, nothing out of the ordinary, then left the room. The doctor came in a couple moments later and told me that I had high cholesterol and blood pressure. At first I didn't think much about the news but when the doctor explained what that really meant I became worried. My heart was working overtime just so I could pump blood throughout my body. Hearing this news at the young age of 16 made my heart sink. You could hear a mouse breathe with how silent it was. This is when I knew I needed to make a change. I decided to start working out, a decision that changed my life. 

At first working out seemed hard. I had no idea where to start. At first the gym intimidated me, but the life lessons I would learn were a welcome surprise. As I walked through the doors of the gym the atmosphere buzzed with people of all ages and fitness levels. Everyone there was there for one reason: to better themselves. As I kept going back day in and day out I started to recognize some of the regulars and eventually started to have conversations with them. Everyone supported me on my journey. It was here where I met Caden, at first he was just someone I saw over and over but we eventually became great friends. 

Progress was slow at first, and I didn't notice any changes in my body or health, which was discouraging, but I kept finding myself going back every day. The feeling after each one of my workouts was euphoric, and I always felt accomplished. This, along with the support of the people there, kept me motivated. I started to workout with Caden every day and I finally found a good friend at my new school. The gym helped us bond, but our friendship would become so much more than gym partners. 

I soon realized that the benefits from the gym go far beyond just physical health. While there are countless physical benefits like reducing the risk for chronic diseases like diabetes. Exercise has also shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and boosting overall mood and self-confidence. I noticed these mental benefits early in my journey, another factor that kept me motivated. As someone who suffers from anxiety, I discovered the gym instantly helped me with this and was more effective than any pills doctors tried to give me. My self-confidence also improved, and I found it easier to talk to people. 

After making the gym a daily habit, I realized going to the gym is kind of like brushing your teeth. At first the two activities seem completely different but are actually very similar. Both activities are essential for maintaining good health and require consistent effort to see results. Just as brushing your teeth is a daily habit that helps prevent cavities, going to the gym regularly helps keep your body in good physical shape. Both require discipline and commitment, as skipping even one day of brushing or working out can set you back and lead to negative consequences. 

At first, brushing your teeth can be uncomfortable or even painful if you have cavities or sensitive teeth, just like going to the gym can be uncomfortable or even painful if you are out of shape or have not exercised in a while. Both activities require technique and consistency. Brushing your teeth properly involves using the right amount of toothpaste, brushing for the right amount of time, and using the right technique to reach all areas of your mouth. Similarly, working out effectively involves using the right equipment, performing exercises correctly, and challenging yourself with increasing levels of intensity over time. Brushing your teeth can have positive effects beyond just preventing cavities, such as fresh breath and a cleaner-feeling mouth. If you do stay consistent, going to the gym becomes a daily habit just like brushing your teeth. Both have similar benefits that can improve your life. 

Some may argue that they can just workout from home. While it is possible to get good exercise at home, going to the gym provides access to a variety of equipment. Additionally, going to the gym can help you stay motivated and reach your fitness goals. The gym can also provide you with an easier daily schedule to follow, if you go at the same time everyday it can help set up the rest of your day. Being around other people may give off extra motivation as well. The social aspect of the gym is also significant. I met one of my best friends at the gym.

 Another argument is lack of time. I too once thought I didn’t have enough time to go to the gym. Being a student I was focused on school, but I came to the realization that I only get one body in life so I should treat it that way. At first I tried to carve out 30-60 minutes a day to get in some sort of exercise. By just committing a little time each day you too can increase your overall well-being and mental clarity. 

Overall, going to the gym can have a significant positive impact on both physical and mental health, making it an essential part of a healthy and happy lifestyle. The benefits of going to the gym greatly outweigh the cons. I went back to the doctor’s after a year of consistently working out and my blood pressure and cholesterol had been lowered. Not only did I improve my physical health through my journey, I also improved my mental health, and my self-confidence skyrocketed. A small habit I started to try to improve my heart's health has changed my life.