Why have I had the sudden urge to workout and spend time at the gym recently?

[Anonymous]

I feel as though the last few months of my life have been pivotal in some ways. I have found the right major in school, am really enjoying class for the first time in my life, and couldn't be more excited for the future. Also, I have really found the desire to workout and get myself into shape. The last 2 or 3 months I've been frequenting the gym and doing cardio, and lifting weights too, and I can feel myself, little by little, getting stronger.

With so many positive things happening lately, I wonder if it's because I'm finally seeing myself in a positive light and seeing myself for my potential and I wonder if mentally, it's sparked the urge to get into physical fitness as well. I am certainly not complaining, I am loving my time at the gym this time. There have been times in the past where I just didn't stick with it, for some reason, but this time, I don't see myself stopping.

Does anyone have any tips for staying motivated in case I do falter a bit? I only ask because of it happening before. It does feel different this time though. I just feel like my head is really in a good place right now and I love it!

[acdelight]

Keep setting goals for yourself that are achievable.

Lift heavier weights, more reps, run faster, lose fat, gain muscle, increase balance, become more flexible, eat healthier, and etc.

Oh and a work out buddy always helps.

[RaskolnikovRo]

I find Gym, the perfect hobbie, once you start noticing results you're going to love it even more as I do. To me normal is being on healthy food, diet supplements and lots of cardio. Girls love shredded bodies :)

[Asker]

What does your diet consist of?

[RaskolnikovRo]

breakfast:
no time: half portion of protein shake plus my supplements (vit E, calcium, glucosamine, fish oil, CLA, chromium picolinate). If I have time 4 whites and 1 yolk with coconut oil and coffee plus supplements

2 meal cuccumber salad with whole wheat pasta and tuna salad

3 2 lean fish steaks with broccoli and a little of either whole wheat pasta or brown rice

4 apple + gelatin no sugar

I would go on but system won't let me. lemme know if you re interested ;)

[RaskolnikovRo]

for the record, my meals go around my routine. I focus in loosing fat, keeping muscle mass not increasing it. Hardcore routines, no breaks etc: 30 to 40 min intense cardio, 30 min routine, 15 minutes post workout cardio, 20 min steam room, end. ;D

[MaskofInsanity]

You're feeling motivated and pro-active. The better you feel, the more you realise that you want to keep making positive changes in your life.

Congrats :)

[Asker]

Thank you! It feels great, especially after quite a few years of battling depression.

[MaskofInsanity]

I really do think depression is largely linked to lethargy and self esteem. Exercise and healthy habits do wonders for your mentality (at least in my experience).

[Asker]

It's been a long road, but I made a lot of breakthroughs in the last 8 months or so, not a lot really I guess, just major breakthroughs... I think one has kind of led to another and it's like I finally am starting to see myself on another level. As if I am starting to feel worthy of achieving a better me, if that makes any sense.

That's honestly what it feels like. I can finally see myself in a new light and I just want to live up to that!

[MaskofInsanity]

That sounds great man, happy for ya. Really admire your positivity, it's something a lot of people lack.

[Asker]

Thanks a lot! It hasn't always been easy especially with how unmotivated and down a lot of people seem to be where I live. There's just so much negativity in the air and I'm anxious to get out. Turn on the TV and there's always some depressing news story happening locally. I don't feel like I have much in common with people around here anymore.

I've even started going to a different shopping mall that's like 3 times the distance from my house as the one I'd regularly go to, like 30 miles, just to have a better overall experience, even at the expense of travel time and gas lol.

But with working out, I really hope I stay with it. I haven't gone as much this week, and probably won't next week with classes resuming and my work schedule being so heavy. It's not a 24 hour gym unfortunately.

[MaskofInsanity]

Negativity breeds negativity. Definitely good to get away from it when you can.

And yeah, lately I've been pretty shocking with exercise, but it kinda goes like that. You've just gotta look at it as a lifestyle change, not a fad or phase.

[Rocco-K]

With spring around the corner you seem to be blooming yourself. It seems like you are turning over a new leaf to better yourself. My advice is try to encapsulate how good you feel right now, and next time you feel like you are about to falter have this positive state of mind drive you out of the rut.

[johari]

Working out is great, helps relieve stress

[Asker]

I have seen an increase in stress over the last year too, so hopefully it helps reduce it quite a bit.

[johari]

Ya and having a goal helps too. When you reach it you'll feel soo good :D