How I Started Losing Weight

The day I decided to lose weight was when I heard myself heaving like a hog as I replayed a video I had just recorded.

“Surely that’s the AC or something, not my breathing,” I thought to myself as held my breath. I resumed breathing then I heard it. “Yep, that’s my panting. I need to get my butt to the gym.”

Of course, I didn’t go to the gym immediately. I kept sitting on the couch because those animal crackers were not going to eat themselves. I huffed and puffed then carried on with my snack fest.

In my defense, I had shoulder surgery the year before and needed some time to get back the gym. Anyway, I finally started going to the gym a couple months later. The gym was hella intimidating, even though I used to work out regularly as a rugby player at the gym I worked at for 4 years. I was going with my friend for a while and later started going at 6 a.m. I still wake up before the Sun about 5 days a week.

One of the reasons I worked out that early was because the gym was the least crowded at that time. Also, there were less people to judge how I did my bicep curl or shoulder press. I had thoughts like, “what if I use the machine wrong?” and “what if people make fun of me?”

But the most important thing I eventually said to myself was “I don’t give a darn what anyone thinks while I’m exercising.” If you’re making great efforts to improve yourself, you should let what other people think slow you down. They probably don’t care anyway. Even if they did, their opinion is none of your business.

I had nothing to lose by going to the gym. Well, besides some body fat. I definitely had a lot to gain, especially better health and confidence. Oh, and don’t forget the muscles.

Fast-forward to me writing this article to the soft tunes of classic rock/oldies, going to the gym is one of the best things I’ve done. I become more disciplined, and it made other aspects of my life better. Heck my doctoral dissertation was about health and fitness. I’ve made friends, gotten brand deals, and been featured on Men’s Health magazine so far. Yes, I gain more than muscles by going to the gym.

If you’re reading this, go to the gym or start an exercise routine. Exercising once a week makes a difference. You can bump it up to twice a week when you’re ready. Everybody starts somewhere! Forget about muscles for a minute and just think about the numerous health benefits of adding exercise to your life. Heck you can start with bodyweight exercises like pushups and jog around your neighbourhood. If you have a favourite sport, that’s another great way to start.

Of course, there’s more. Drink enough water, eat more lean protein, fruit, and veggies, and sleep better. If you need help, PLEASE ask for it. The greatest investment you’ll make is in yourself.