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Nigeria is so weird, but I think I am probably part of the problem, at least not all the time, but in terms of weirdness. Proof of this is all over this post I am about to write.
I came back from the gym in one of those instances when I was waiting for my afternoon shift to start so I could go to work, and I saw students playing outside my rented apartment with their uniforms on and everything.
I looked around and noticed that there were teachers, and they were organizing some sort of sports competition. It wasn't on a track...it was on our tarred road where children could really get hurt (but luckily, no one did).
While walking past to go buy groceries, I noticed one of the teachers glance at me more than once... "She's cute," I thought in my head, "I should go talk to her," but I managed to talk myself out of it.
Walked into my house and started thinking about the worst-case scenario. She says "eww, get away from me"...that seems a whole lot like it's her problem...or we have a conversation and know if I like the conversation.
So I pick myself up and go talk to her...but before I did, I shit you not...I did a weird counting game I usually do in my head when I'm about to lift really heavy weights.
ONE TWO THREE, GO!!
Alright, long and weird story short, she's a cool girl, and it took extra bits of confidence to do that, and it all stemmed from the fact that I had been hitting the gym for some months.
Although I haven't confirmed it yet, but I think I was worth the glance in the first place because I was hitting the gym, and I was able to pick myself up and go talk to her because I had been hitting the gym.
In today's post, I want to explain why I think going to the gym is super important for your self-confidence.
Self-confidence from a psychological perspective is the individual's belief and trust in their abilities, skills, and judgment. It is a positive assessment that stems from a person's perception of their own competence and worthiness.
Confidence and Hitting the Gym
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You might be reading this and wondering, "How does confidence have anything to do with lifting weights?"
Well, if my analogy went past you, and you still couldn't see how it played out in my life (by viewing a girl as a barbell...I'm sorry), then here are some ways that are backed by science to give you a reason to find yourself sweating more often."
The Looks
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One thing people don’t realize is how much their lifestyle shapes their identity. If you exercise, the food you eat, and the clothes you wear regularly, it's what defines you.
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat”…at the gym…”you are what you bench”…I don’t know anybody that is capable of benching heavy weights who does not look impressive.
It is a known fact that bigger, more muscular animals tend to be more attractive in the animal kingdom – bigger birds, bigger mammals, bigger primates, and bigger humans. The only problem with this analogy is that, in the animal kingdom, bigger animals tend to be attractive to predators too.
Luckily for you, there is no predator coming after you. But even if there were, you’d be able to fight them off with your big muscles…both physically and mentally…which brings me to the next section.
Better Brain Activity
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During exercise (particularly endurance), our body releases a hormone-like protein in response to physical exertion by the skeletal muscles, and this molecule is responsible for regulating energy metabolism and promoting the growth of new neurons in the brain.
Long story short, exercising saves your brain, okay? If you want, I have links to posts that show those at Harvard are in on this information I’m giving you.
I imagine if you had your body looking good and your brain functioning properly, I’m sure your mental health would be in check.
Better Mental Health
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Some studies have compared exercise and antidepressants and found that medications are not as effective as exercise in treating depression and anxiety.
This is the case for most exercise, but particularly High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which is more beneficial for this effect.
I explained to someone that you can’t be self-loathing and picking yourself up at the same time. Then I came across a book title that explains it perfectly:
I exercise every day. It is one of the first few things I love to get out of the way as I start my day. I feel accomplished afterward.
Sense of Accomplishment
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I like to challenge myself at the gym. If I don’t, it feels like a waste of time. I do heavier weights, faster reps, better form every week, and I try to get better. From time to time, I beat my personal record.
Objectively, I know I am a better man than I was last week simply by showing up and doing what needs to be done.
Finishing a workout session is one of the best ways to start your day. You know that you can do the task in front of you because you already have a track record of doing it.
Do you wish you could start working out but don't know how to begin?
You can send me a message on WhatsApp at +2348134530293, and we can have a conversation, or you can speak with a licensed therapist.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hitting the gym can have a significant positive impact on your self-confidence, mental health, and overall well-being. When you exercise, you not only improve your physical appearance and strength, but also boost your brain activity and release feel-good hormones that can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes with challenging yourself and setting personal records can translate into other areas of your life, giving you the confidence to tackle any task.
So, if you've been considering starting a workout routine but haven't taken the plunge yet, now is the time to do it! With the benefits outlined in this post, you have all the motivation you need to hit the gym and start building a better you.
Inkscape.org
Have you ever noticed a correlation between hitting the gym and your self-confidence? What's your favorite workout routine, and how does it make you feel after a session? Have you ever tried high-intensity interval training (HIIT)? How has it impacted your mental health?
Do you agree that a sense of accomplishment after a workout session is one of the best ways to start your day? If so, why? How do you prioritize physical exercise in your daily routine, and what benefits have you experienced from it?