As I squeeze the cold iron barbell with all my strength, I take a deep breath in and explode up. My quads lock out, and I stand over the barbell, feeling like Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston. It felt like I was lifting the world off its axis. My friends all mob around me because I had just exceeded my previous personal record by over 30 pounds.

With ripped calacies, I begin to celebrate with my friends in the gym. The rush of accomplishment surges through my veins, and I feel like I can do anything. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love the gym. 

“[Working out is] one of the most important things you can do for your health,” said the Center for Diseases and Public Health. 

Working out offers an array of different physical and mental benefits that can last you a long time. It can improve your brain health, help you manage your weight and strengthen your bones and muscles.

“Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries,” said the Mayo Clinic.

As well, it’s really easy to do. A workout can consist of anything from yoga to “power-lifting” to just going on a walk. 

“Exercising helps me with everything I do,” Nicolas Gebheart, gym teacher. “Whether that be going outside with my classes, or spending time with my daughters outside, any form of physical activity is good for you.” 

Maintaining a healthy weight is not solely a matter of appearance but a cornerstone of our well-being.

“Regular exercise plays a pivotal role in weight management by facilitating calorie burning,” said the CDC.

Complemented by a balanced diet, physical activity becomes the bedrock of sustainable weight control, offering improved overall health and well-being.

By boosting blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain, physical activity stimulates the growth of new neurons and strengthens neural connections. Improved focus, heightened productivity and enhanced mental well-being become the natural outcomes of this cognitive. When blood flows to the brain, it allows the brain to work much easier, making it easier for us to think and feel. 

“I love working out,” said Sam Carter, senior and varsity hockey player. “A healthy balance of exercise and rest on a solid schedule is very beneficial for my mental and physical well-being.”

Finally, working out allows you to form relationships you wouldn’t usually form anywhere else. 

“All of my closest friends were made in the gym,” said Brody Petersen, junior. “I lost over 30 pounds of fat and have never felt better.”

Overall, we, as a collective, need to move more. So many people are content with sitting on the couch doing nothing all day. We, as a society, are starting to regress into the people from “WALL-E.” So, I am challenging you to get out there and do some physical activity for an hour today.