Is consistent exercise something that builds on itself? Will I want to exercise more and do more forms of exercise the more I exercise?

[WhiteBoyChill]

I’m a 22 year old guy but I kind of do have the introverted “everybody please leave me alone and let me do my own thing” kind of mentality. I’ve kind of felt like a grumpy old guy the past couple of years if I’m being totally honest.

So I’m not rushing to join adult sports leagues in my area that meet after 6pm or anything like that.

I did Martial Arts in High school and I wasn’t involved on a single sports team.

I wasn’t even involved with any sort of athletic clubs in College, and that was by choice. I personally just didn’t care to involve myself with sports clubs that met late in the day (as in after 5pm).

I preferred to just join more academic clubs. All the clubs in college always met later in the day, after dinner hours.

Anyway, I’m not obese or anything like that but I have been more on the lazy side the past few years if I’m being completely honest.

Everything used to work completely fine for me the first couple of years since Covid but lately these past couple of years I’ve been noticing that I need to make lifestyle changes.

My headaches and stress have been a practically daily occurence. I just feel bored in life.

Anyway, I was at home today trying to get work done on my laptop and I just felt my patience starting to wear thin.

So I did something I don’t normally do.

I decided to leave the house and go for a bike ride.

And I honestly felt a lot better after that.

On the drive home, I almost felt like going to the public park with a basketball.

Anyway, I was thinking to myself, I might as well exercise everyday if it feels this good.

The truth is, I have no interest in a gym membership at this point in time.

I understand that is something a lot of people my age do though, but I really do think I’ll eventually get there, but right now just isn’t my time.

So if I establish a consistent exercise schedule on my own, would gym membership be the logical next step?

I feel like I just need to form a regular habit of exercise, before I join a gym.

[Sonorous]

Do whatever helps your goal. If you want to get big muscles, go to the gym, if you don't, then you don't have to if you prefer to exercise in other ways. Most people would be immensely healthier if they just walked more rather than goin to the gym. It can be healthy but the gym is mainly for vanity causes.

[exitseven]

Get a dumbell/barbell set. Find some routines on line and get a schedule. Workout at least 3 times a weelk4 is better. After a few weeks you will feel stronger and your body composition will change.

Maybe after that you might consider joining a gym.

[WhiteBoyChill]

I much prefer being outside than inside a gym or my basement though

[exitseven]

No Pain, No Gain

[WhiteBoyChill]

Yeah, but the exercise is more for my mental health than just “gains” though

[exitseven]

Yes, excrmerdise will make you feel better. Becoming stronger and more muscular will give you confidence.

[SeriouslyNotSerious]

You're doing great! Do whatever feels right now, then step further once you feel comfortable. Yup doing it consistently will turn into a habit, which is great.

[WhiteBoyChill]

That’s what I figured as well! 👍

[Caroline91]

Only if you do stuff you enjoy or if you stick with it long enough and like the results enough to make it a habit.

[Dongie]

I believe it will.