The gym; for some people it’s hell-on-earth, for other people it’s therapy. For the rest of us – well, for the rest of us the gym is just that place we have to visit a few times a week to cancel out all of those chicken nuggets and glasses of wine we had at the weekend. If like us, the bikini body graft is an ongoing chore, you’ll probably recognise these emotional stages of going to the gym:
Stage One: Pumped
This stage usually lasts from 8am when you look at all those inspirations fitness blogger’s Instagrams on the train to work, until about 3pm when the post-dinner lethargy sets in and you start craving biscuits. You’re pumped and ready to go – those fitness models on Instagram can eat their hearts out, because you’re coming for them. You’ve worked it all out, all you have to do is go to the gym every single day for one measly hour and you’ll be fit AF in a month. Easy, no problem, bring it on.
Stage Two: Avoidance
The 3pm lull has set in, your tired, cold and already thinking about your tea. I wouldn’t hurt if you missed one day, would it? I mean, you could just do a workout video at home. You won’t, but you COULD. As the seconds crawl by you convince yourself that a night on the couch is what you need, no, DESERVE. The gym can wait until tomorrow.
Stage Three: Acceptance
You had big plans to lie horizontal on the couch for five hours, but after spotting a girl sporting a gym bag and a peachy bum on the train home you decide to just go and get it over with. In fact, you’ve already started think about the food you can reward yourself with when you get home.
Stage Four: Pain
This. Is. Horrible. You’re sweating, you can’t breathe, your hair is plastered to your head. How do people do this every day. You’re wondering whether people can see the sweat patches that are 100% forming across your arse cheeks, and you vow to never wear grey workout pants ever again.
Stage Five: Elation
You’re done. You’ve finished. You feel AMAZING. You feel like an Olympic athlete, you can do anything. Endorphins are flying around your body and, honestly, you’ve never felt this good. You’re going to do this every day – watch out world, you’re coming for it!
Mountains, trails, paddleboards – if it’s outdoors, I’m probably obsessed with it! As an Outdoor Adventure and Travel Editor, I’m always seeking my next escapade. Through my blog, I share adventure stories, mountain-tested advice, healthy food inspiration, and training tips.
Follow Sam’s adventures on Instagram @sams_adventures_x
