Personal Essay Example about Gym
I like to think that I have an eclectic range of interests, but if you were to ask any of my family or friends; they would tell you I am always at the gym. Some would even call me a “gym-rat” or “gym-bro,” and I agree with those claims about me. I have been going to the gym for almost two years now, and have enjoyed almost every moment. The gym helps with many different aspects of my life. The most recognized benefit of going to the gym is physical fitness, but the gym has other advantages for both my mental health and social life.
When I started going to the gym, I was 15 years old, and I was tiny. I weighed only 85 pounds and stood short at 61 inches. Since then, I have gained over 40 pounds of quality mass. I have gone far beyond the goals which I had set for myself back when I started. First it was the goal of 90 pounds, then 100 pounds, then 110, now I am weighing in just above 120 pounds, and have set loftier goals for myself. Previously, I could just go to the gym, lift weights and I would gain weight, but I have plateaued. I have reached a point where I have to eat well beyond the average amount of calories to gain as much as a pound a week, so now it is more than just a hobby.
I have gotten much stronger since I started too. The first time I bench pressed, I could only do the bar for a couple repetitions. Now, I can do over my body weight for multiple repetitions. Bench press is not the only exercise I improved in though. I remember back when I curled the 5 pound dumbbells for the first time, and my arms were left sore for more than a week. I can easily curl 6 times that currently, and only be left sore for a day or two. Most of my peers are impressed, and will compliment my strength, which makes me feel like my hard work is beginning to pay off.
The friends I have gained along the way are almost unreal. The ability to talk to someone who understands what I am working towards is awesome. I am able to reflect with them and build something with them. We can give advice to each other, whether it be workouts that helped us break through a plateau, or a meal plan that helped gain muscle. I can cheer on their success, while they encourage me towards mine. The gym is certainly a place where I feel connected to others.
Ultimately, the gym for me is an amazing place which provides me with a purpose. Even if I have nothing to do with my time, I can always go to the gym and work towards a better self. I think most people get intimidated by the gym because they think it is a place where big, mean “gym-bros” hang out. While people like those do exist, many people just like me exist in the gym; we are there to enjoy the few hours that we are there, and meet new people. Getting in the habit of going to the gym was the best decision I have made, and it has become a lifestyle of mine.
