I didn’t realize how sedentary my lifestyle would become after beginning junior year. I had always assumed that I would make time to exercise. After being on the cross country and track teams during my sophomore year, I developed a love of running and hoped to continue it. Sadly, my busy schedule has led me to spend more time at the desk rather than on the treadmill.

I have harbored a tremendous amount of guilt over failing to use my 8-year-old gym membership for months at a time. My desire to regain the healthy lifestyle somewhat close to the routine that I maintained in sophomore year has always remained in the back of my mind.

Joining a sports team was never an option for this semester due to my night class schedule at West Valley College. So I made a goal—exercise at my gym for at least 30 minutes each day, for four days a week. It seemed doable, but I was worried that I wouldn’t prioritize my exercise regime and make excuses for not going. But there was no harm in attempting to develop a new, healthy habit.

Attempting to use the weight room was a hopeless endeavor. My previous attempts to build my upper body strength have been futile, and weight machines seem too complicated. Due to my lack of hand-eye coordination and clumsiness, I didn’t want to risk crushing my hands against metal bars or damaging my feet with dropped weights.

I decided to stick to what I am most comfortable with, cardio. Although I have been traditionally against using a treadmill, my current fear of the sun and paranoid mentality that running alone leads to abduction made me decide that pounding the pavement was the less favorable option.

The first day was the roughest. After running on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a decent pace, I could barely finish 10 minutes on the stationary bike. I limped back to my car from the gym, too tired to change out of my workout clothes, and collapsed onto the driver’s seat. My face was bright red and the burning in my legs was incessant. 

Although I was exhausted and felt ashamed that I had let myself go for so long without exercising properly, it felt satisfying to have finished a workout. I returned to the gym two days later and ended up working out for 25 minutes on the Exercyle and for 10 on the treadmill. I was still tired afterwards, but the feeling in my legs wasn’t nearly as terrible as the previous time.

I made two more trips to the gym that week, and even successfully used a weight machine for more than five minutes. I immediately noticed changes in my mood and sleep schedule. It was much easier to fall asleep at night, and I was noticeably less stressed out, which was a much-needed relief from my type-A personality.

Usually when I start a new regime to better my life, I vow to permanently incorporate it into my life. However, my personal conviction to the promise usually dies down about a week later, along with my progress. It surprises me that I feel like I can continue this plan in the future since it gives me a much needed release from the stresses of the day.