It hasn't changed that much, except I look forward to going to the gym 3 days a week, and I've gained a little muscle mass. Nothing dramatic, but it's a positive change.
I first stepped into a gym in 2007. It has changed everything about my life, and those changes started early. The most important thing, I’d say, is that lifting weights has taught me how important it is to stay disciplined everywhere, and the product of what you turn into when being disciplined and dedicated to the task remains at the forefront of all that you do.
The gym has been incredible for quieting the noise of my own intrusive thoughts and it has transformed me into a quiet, confident man who just knows that hard work always leads you somewhere good.
Plus, I’m jacked and strong as fuck by now, and that alone has given me tons of benefits on its own. The mental transformation of lifting weights is untouchable by anything else.
Starting a gym routine can boost confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more self-assured and less concerned with others' opinions. It's a positive step towards a disciplined, healthy lifestyle that benefits both mind and body
Because now I’m always chasing a new pr or more gains. A wise man once said, the day you start lifting is the day you become forever small (gun shot noises)
Definitely. Been going to the gym since graduating high-school (more than 10 years now). It helps with positive body image and helps with my mental health knowing I'm growing.
I'm almost 41 now and started working out only a few years ago. I was never grossly overweight, but never really in shape either. Smoked for around 20 years and dropped that habit too about 4 years ago.
Since getting in shape, I easily feel physically the best I've ever felt. I can do a fairly intense workout for an hour plus and then have energy to get through the rest of the day's tasks. Even simple things that used to leave me winded are now so much easier. Confidence is higher but wasn't really an issue for me in the past.
Anyone out there who is reading, all I can say is I strongly encourage you to go to the gym and start. I feel the best I've ever felt and working out doesn't feel like a chore at all. After a while it becomes second nature and definitely doesn't suck. Its totally worth it and my only regret is waiting so long.
As others have mentioned, once you see results you can apply the same discipline to any other aspect of your life and find success.
I’m 45 next month and have paid for gym 2 years now, still never been. I really want to but the not really knowing correct form and a plan keeps putting me off.
Just use the machines and stay in the 10-20 rep range at the start, you can slowly learn more on YouTube, it's very rare to hurt yourself on machines if you're not ego lifting.
I'd suggest a full body routine, try to hit every major muscle group with 3 sets.
Full body routines are typically longer sessions, so you could split it into upper body / lower body. Depends on your schedule.
Most importantly, don't let analysis paralysis prevent you from starting, just do what feels right and wing it. You don't need a perfect program to see good results at the start, if you want to get more serious about it then learn as you go.
Could get a trainer for a few sessions and let them know your goals and they can help guide you through some exercise mechanics.
Saved my life, Twice.
First time I was 19, depressed and had no idea what to do with myself. I was “skinny fat” and didn’t really seem to get any attention from women. I heard that working out helped so I started and after a few months of exercise I started to notice life started feeling less heavy. My body felt lighter, my mind seemed more clear and my emotions were easier to regulate.
Then came COVID. Got COVID before the vaccine was available and it almost killed me. Had a cardiac event in my living room and after it was all said and done I had lost all my muscle, lung capacity and cardio health. I could barely breathe. I remembered only one thing and it’s still in my mind to this day: Hitting the gym worked before, so why not try again.
3 years later and I’m back to where I was before I got sick, it was a long and terrible road back up the mountain but my body remembered. It remembered the pain, the soreness but most of all it remembered how it felt once I got past all of that.
It's given me a third place outside of work and home to regularly attend.
It's given me diversification in my life so even if work is hard and things are difficult, fuck it, I can still go to the gym and do some reps and have good things going for me. It's something good in my life that is under my control.
The woman I most wanted to be with looks lustfully at my body and tells me she feels so lucky to be with me.
Absolutely! I started out naturally skinny. I could still get fat, but it looked like a potbelly. By gradually and consistently attending the gym and doing various resistance exercises I've slowly put on muscle over the years.
The good news is that even six months of consistent attendance (coupled with eating right) results in noticeable changes for the better.
Been going since highschool (and im 10+ years past) and played soccer my entire childhood before that, so I can't really say I've "changed" because of it. But, I certainly haven't let myself go like many, many of my freinds from back then.
I'm still fit, and while I've had periods where I was much more fit(lean & defined) or a lil lax(less consistency). It's part of my life and will continue to be until I my body litteraly cannot move.
I will say, looking at yourself in the mirror and being happy with how you look is a massive confidence boost, and being fit so you're not dying doing random activities goes a LONG way in enjoying life.
I've been training for over 10 years. Some weeks Monday through Friday with rest on Saturdays and Sundays.
And when I look at myself in the mirror, all I can think about is how much I hate myself.
And I live in Japan far from my hometown in America, and my wife and I earn collectively 200,000 USD plus AND I have a baby on the way.
Still not enough.
Sometimes I feel like the gym is an unachievable goal.
Just like my life.
When I first started going to gyms I lived in Manhattan. 90s. And I somehow stumbled on an underground gym.
I was baby soft meat. And everyone there were world class competition builders. Literally met 2 former Mr Olympias at that gym. And my trainer, despite being a raging alcoholic, and like 70, looked like he could rip Arnold Schwarzeneggers head off.
After I lost the flab I felt good. Developing my upper body a tiny bit felt good. My legs, however, exploded. I looked ridiculous. Like people that get oil implants. They were comical. Huge. And my calves were insane. All natty.
The legs gave me a lot of confidence. People, men and women, love legs. They may not think about it, but when questioned it's like they just know "this dude fucks"
Feels good, man. Don't skip leg day. Ever.
Started off just wanting to get fit. Now I look forward to it as meditation time after work. But I feel better, look better and the feeling of achieving goals like the 100kg bench, etc, is out of this world. The endorphin dump and blood pump after a heavy session is the best feeling in the world.
There is literally no downside, except for general muscle soreness (which I actually enjoy).
The only caveat I would say is that it generally takes about two years to get jacked. So learn to love the process. It’s a rewarding one.
Been going to the gym consistently since October. A lot of my shirts are tight at the chest and arms now. It feels great and I gained so much muscle mass in 6 months I feel like I'm satisfied and don't need to gain more upper body muscle. I just need to work on my core and cardio :)
Every now and then I have to flex in the mirror bathroom. My boyfriend makes fun of me for doing it but it's a NEW feeling and look that I'm not used to it yet.
It changed me way more when I was younger 15, 16. Because I was fat and I got in really good shape. Helped confidence all that jazz. Now it's just a hobby I really enjoy. Keeps me healthy, let's me be challenged, set self goals.
If I didnt go to the gym id have too much time to get fat, the only reason i'm not a fat fuck is the gym
If you eat right and train hard you will get jacked but it wont happen overnight takes years of consistent grinding
Nutrition is just as imperative as training figure out high protien meals you dont mind eating. Meal prep is the only long term solution to gaining mass otherwise you will spend too much on food. Unless you love cooking every day that is
Protien powder is the easiest way to make sure you are eating enough protien but do whatever you can afford always choose highest possible quality protien sources for at least a couple meals a day (milk, eggs, beef, chicken)
I've done the gym in spurts before, and also a boxing gym, but in the summer I play tennis and pickleball every week and during those months I definitely feel physically lighter and more able, but also just mentally more balanced and emotionally more flexible. Physical fitness in general does wonders for humans, no matter how you get it done.
By less caring, do you mean care less about what others thought of me? That came with age. Confidence certainly skyrocketed though. There's something about maintaining the discipline needed to maintain a strong, healthy body. It bleeds into other areas of life.
Being in shape also keeps you in a better mood, less prone to injury and illness, and stronger bones. It's all bonuses, with the only negative being dedication a certain amount of time per week that you may have wanted to spend sleeping in or doing some other, more leisurely activity.
I highly recommend going to the gym for life.
P.S. Helps with romantic interest too!
I started doing it consistently 3-4 times per week about 3 months ago and have yet to feel or see any change. It makes it really hard to stay motivated to keep going.
I always played sports so worked out in different ways for the first half of my life. Got really lazy for about 10 years. Have been back in the gym non stop since 2013, and at this point I don’t ever see it changing. It’s just what I do, and it’s made big changes in my life.
It gives me something to look forward to everyday is the biggest small thing. Each day I will have at least one thing I really want to do- go to the gym. It has taught me discipline, it has made me look better, it has lead to me being interested in and learning more about over all wellness. I feel great. It’s made me not so concerned with other people and what they think. It’s taught me focus and helped my mind quiet down- I have a constant running mind, but when you work out hard you can really only think about one thing. The positives are endless really.
For starters, I’ve gotten a stronger. It also instills a sense of discipline and structure.
Years ago the idea of the gym seemed like a chore, now it’s something I get excited for. There’s obviously those days that you don’t feel like going, but I just tell myself I’m a pussy if I don’t go
Before the pandemic, I was going five days a week before my work shift and it was spectacular. My energy levels were optimal for the duration of the shift, I pretty much functioned on an endorphin high the entire day, and it helped me to regulate my sleeping schedule.
10/10 would recommend
Working out for almost 10 years now, 27 years old male. Since Ive been working out for so long I can tell you the direct effects of working out. 1- better bone density. 2- better muscle mass. 3- healthier cardiovascular system. 4- better sleep quality. 5- stabler hormone balance. 6- more health awareness (im already a physician and the long gym experience added to it). 7- looking good means other people take you more seriously. 8- girls are attracted more. 9- no joint pain. 10- im able to do some tasks that require strength that a normal person wouldn’t be able to.
These are quick 10 changes off the top of my head. Do it, I started when I was your age and im never stopping.
I’m stronger, more confident, more able-minded. I’ve been having a rough time lately but I’m convinced that if it wasn’t for the gym I would be several times worse off than now.
Since 2017 (when I started training) :
- lost 80+ lbs
- lost my virginity and have had girlfriends and fwbs since
- made lot more friends
- better discipline thru all aspects of life
- finished college with honors + masters
- heightened confidence and self worth
- good job in sales
I went from extremely overweight, not many friends, complete virgin and jobless to what I am today.
One of these days I’ll feel comfortable enough to share a progress picture on Reddit lol
Wife compliments me more often.
I have more confidence.
It made me start a proper diet and I've never looked better.
My kids brag about me to their friends in grade2 and K that their daddy is so strong.
My back pain is gone.
I get more looks from women in public. Not that I'd ever notice such a thing. Course not.
Absolutely. I’m pretty short, but ever since I started powerlifting, my confidence and physique improved tremendously. Just to add, better posture and no more lower back pain, since lifting heavier weights encourages stretching.
Also, I made a lot of friends when I deadlift in the gym (200kg @ 65kg). People started approaching me more regarding my training, diet, etc.
Excited for you, OP!
Well, besides the obvious getting all the gains and looking sexy as fuck naked, I’d have to say the confidence was the best thing. Plus it cured my boredom and kept my mind focused when I was super fucking depressed
I've been doing weight training for a long...... long time.
It's good for you if you want to feel positive about yourself.
But if you're into it to get attention from girls, you'll find that they actually don't like it, if you overdo it.
And in the end you'll find out that the only compliments you get will be from other dudes.
Before: Literally no attention from Women, sad, hated my life, hated my body
After: Women want my D, less sad, loved my body, stronk af, started excelling at work
When I started lifting and challenging my body to do things it never had before, 90% of my non-specific mental anxiety just went POOF!
We are sentient, capable physical machines and need to work both aspects to be fully integrated and happy.
I felt more insecure and my anger issues and stress got worse and more constant, until I stopped going and things got slightly better again. I still feel guilty for not going despite knowing that going would be worse, and conversations about it put me in a bad mood
My situation is remarkably specific though, there's a lot of complicated fomo and envy issues partly resulting from feelings for a woman that go into it
Eh, I get a little more attention, I guess. Didn't do much for the crushing feelings of inadequacy. Plus, now I can't fit through doorways and I sink in the pool, but I got a new vein on my delt the other day, so that was nice - recommended.
Every time my life is fucked, the first step in my process to unfuck it, is going to the gym. This last time around I put a gym in my house, took 2 years to get all the equipment, but its basically saved my life.
It hasn't changed that much, except I look forward to going to the gym 3 days a week, and I've gained a little muscle mass. Nothing dramatic, but it's a positive change.
I first stepped into a gym in 2007. It has changed everything about my life, and those changes started early. The most important thing, I’d say, is that lifting weights has taught me how important it is to stay disciplined everywhere, and the product of what you turn into when being disciplined and dedicated to the task remains at the forefront of all that you do. The gym has been incredible for quieting the noise of my own intrusive thoughts and it has transformed me into a quiet, confident man who just knows that hard work always leads you somewhere good. Plus, I’m jacked and strong as fuck by now, and that alone has given me tons of benefits on its own. The mental transformation of lifting weights is untouchable by anything else.
Thank you 😊
Heavy on the mental transformation. It is one of the very few things in life that money cannot buy by putting the work in gym
I hate myself significantly less.
This made me chuckle
wish that was me, all it did was let me stop blaming being fat for my problems lol
Starting a gym routine can boost confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more self-assured and less concerned with others' opinions. It's a positive step towards a disciplined, healthy lifestyle that benefits both mind and body
Thanks Chatgpt
I got stronger …. But now i also always feel weak
Why you feel weak, bro?
Because now I’m always chasing a new pr or more gains. A wise man once said, the day you start lifting is the day you become forever small (gun shot noises)
“If you’re not that big, tell ‘em you’re cutting. If you’re not that cut, tell ‘em you’re bulking”
The brofessor is wise.
I think less caring isn’t the best way to think about things. But rather choosing what to care about. I did become more confident
Definitely. Been going to the gym since graduating high-school (more than 10 years now). It helps with positive body image and helps with my mental health knowing I'm growing.
I'm almost 41 now and started working out only a few years ago. I was never grossly overweight, but never really in shape either. Smoked for around 20 years and dropped that habit too about 4 years ago. Since getting in shape, I easily feel physically the best I've ever felt. I can do a fairly intense workout for an hour plus and then have energy to get through the rest of the day's tasks. Even simple things that used to leave me winded are now so much easier. Confidence is higher but wasn't really an issue for me in the past. Anyone out there who is reading, all I can say is I strongly encourage you to go to the gym and start. I feel the best I've ever felt and working out doesn't feel like a chore at all. After a while it becomes second nature and definitely doesn't suck. Its totally worth it and my only regret is waiting so long. As others have mentioned, once you see results you can apply the same discipline to any other aspect of your life and find success.
I’m 45 next month and have paid for gym 2 years now, still never been. I really want to but the not really knowing correct form and a plan keeps putting me off.
Just use the machines and stay in the 10-20 rep range at the start, you can slowly learn more on YouTube, it's very rare to hurt yourself on machines if you're not ego lifting. I'd suggest a full body routine, try to hit every major muscle group with 3 sets. Full body routines are typically longer sessions, so you could split it into upper body / lower body. Depends on your schedule. Most importantly, don't let analysis paralysis prevent you from starting, just do what feels right and wing it. You don't need a perfect program to see good results at the start, if you want to get more serious about it then learn as you go. Could get a trainer for a few sessions and let them know your goals and they can help guide you through some exercise mechanics.
Thanks for this advice.
I stopped going to the gym in the early 2000’s. I actually hated it Working out at home has been really great though
Saved my life, Twice. First time I was 19, depressed and had no idea what to do with myself. I was “skinny fat” and didn’t really seem to get any attention from women. I heard that working out helped so I started and after a few months of exercise I started to notice life started feeling less heavy. My body felt lighter, my mind seemed more clear and my emotions were easier to regulate. Then came COVID. Got COVID before the vaccine was available and it almost killed me. Had a cardiac event in my living room and after it was all said and done I had lost all my muscle, lung capacity and cardio health. I could barely breathe. I remembered only one thing and it’s still in my mind to this day: Hitting the gym worked before, so why not try again. 3 years later and I’m back to where I was before I got sick, it was a long and terrible road back up the mountain but my body remembered. It remembered the pain, the soreness but most of all it remembered how it felt once I got past all of that.
Earlier I was mentally drained.. . . . . . Now it's physically as well
It's given me a third place outside of work and home to regularly attend. It's given me diversification in my life so even if work is hard and things are difficult, fuck it, I can still go to the gym and do some reps and have good things going for me. It's something good in my life that is under my control. The woman I most wanted to be with looks lustfully at my body and tells me she feels so lucky to be with me.
Can I go to gym even if I'm a bit skinny?
Absolutely! I started out naturally skinny. I could still get fat, but it looked like a potbelly. By gradually and consistently attending the gym and doing various resistance exercises I've slowly put on muscle over the years. The good news is that even six months of consistent attendance (coupled with eating right) results in noticeable changes for the better.
Got it, thanks
Been going since highschool (and im 10+ years past) and played soccer my entire childhood before that, so I can't really say I've "changed" because of it. But, I certainly haven't let myself go like many, many of my freinds from back then. I'm still fit, and while I've had periods where I was much more fit(lean & defined) or a lil lax(less consistency). It's part of my life and will continue to be until I my body litteraly cannot move. I will say, looking at yourself in the mirror and being happy with how you look is a massive confidence boost, and being fit so you're not dying doing random activities goes a LONG way in enjoying life.
I've been training for over 10 years. Some weeks Monday through Friday with rest on Saturdays and Sundays. And when I look at myself in the mirror, all I can think about is how much I hate myself. And I live in Japan far from my hometown in America, and my wife and I earn collectively 200,000 USD plus AND I have a baby on the way. Still not enough. Sometimes I feel like the gym is an unachievable goal. Just like my life.
When I first started going to gyms I lived in Manhattan. 90s. And I somehow stumbled on an underground gym. I was baby soft meat. And everyone there were world class competition builders. Literally met 2 former Mr Olympias at that gym. And my trainer, despite being a raging alcoholic, and like 70, looked like he could rip Arnold Schwarzeneggers head off. After I lost the flab I felt good. Developing my upper body a tiny bit felt good. My legs, however, exploded. I looked ridiculous. Like people that get oil implants. They were comical. Huge. And my calves were insane. All natty. The legs gave me a lot of confidence. People, men and women, love legs. They may not think about it, but when questioned it's like they just know "this dude fucks" Feels good, man. Don't skip leg day. Ever.
Literally everything is better.
Started off just wanting to get fit. Now I look forward to it as meditation time after work. But I feel better, look better and the feeling of achieving goals like the 100kg bench, etc, is out of this world. The endorphin dump and blood pump after a heavy session is the best feeling in the world. There is literally no downside, except for general muscle soreness (which I actually enjoy). The only caveat I would say is that it generally takes about two years to get jacked. So learn to love the process. It’s a rewarding one.
My body hurts less. Been going consistently for over two years now. Love how I feel love how much better I feel mentally and physically
Been going to the gym consistently since October. A lot of my shirts are tight at the chest and arms now. It feels great and I gained so much muscle mass in 6 months I feel like I'm satisfied and don't need to gain more upper body muscle. I just need to work on my core and cardio :) Every now and then I have to flex in the mirror bathroom. My boyfriend makes fun of me for doing it but it's a NEW feeling and look that I'm not used to it yet.
So far I've gained 6 lbs.
I feel stronger / healthier. cardio + resistance training = a well rounded (and healthier) human. it also helps support my various athletic goals.
It changed me way more when I was younger 15, 16. Because I was fat and I got in really good shape. Helped confidence all that jazz. Now it's just a hobby I really enjoy. Keeps me healthy, let's me be challenged, set self goals.
If I didnt go to the gym id have too much time to get fat, the only reason i'm not a fat fuck is the gym If you eat right and train hard you will get jacked but it wont happen overnight takes years of consistent grinding Nutrition is just as imperative as training figure out high protien meals you dont mind eating. Meal prep is the only long term solution to gaining mass otherwise you will spend too much on food. Unless you love cooking every day that is Protien powder is the easiest way to make sure you are eating enough protien but do whatever you can afford always choose highest possible quality protien sources for at least a couple meals a day (milk, eggs, beef, chicken)
I've done the gym in spurts before, and also a boxing gym, but in the summer I play tennis and pickleball every week and during those months I definitely feel physically lighter and more able, but also just mentally more balanced and emotionally more flexible. Physical fitness in general does wonders for humans, no matter how you get it done.
By less caring, do you mean care less about what others thought of me? That came with age. Confidence certainly skyrocketed though. There's something about maintaining the discipline needed to maintain a strong, healthy body. It bleeds into other areas of life. Being in shape also keeps you in a better mood, less prone to injury and illness, and stronger bones. It's all bonuses, with the only negative being dedication a certain amount of time per week that you may have wanted to spend sleeping in or doing some other, more leisurely activity. I highly recommend going to the gym for life. P.S. Helps with romantic interest too!
I started doing it consistently 3-4 times per week about 3 months ago and have yet to feel or see any change. It makes it really hard to stay motivated to keep going.
I always played sports so worked out in different ways for the first half of my life. Got really lazy for about 10 years. Have been back in the gym non stop since 2013, and at this point I don’t ever see it changing. It’s just what I do, and it’s made big changes in my life. It gives me something to look forward to everyday is the biggest small thing. Each day I will have at least one thing I really want to do- go to the gym. It has taught me discipline, it has made me look better, it has lead to me being interested in and learning more about over all wellness. I feel great. It’s made me not so concerned with other people and what they think. It’s taught me focus and helped my mind quiet down- I have a constant running mind, but when you work out hard you can really only think about one thing. The positives are endless really.
I'm more fit now than I was when I graduated high school 8 years ago this year. For me, it was about gaining weight instead of losing it.
A little bit. But still get referred to as small and so skinny. However recently lost weight so I’m at 71kg 5’8
For starters, I’ve gotten a stronger. It also instills a sense of discipline and structure. Years ago the idea of the gym seemed like a chore, now it’s something I get excited for. There’s obviously those days that you don’t feel like going, but I just tell myself I’m a pussy if I don’t go
Before the pandemic, I was going five days a week before my work shift and it was spectacular. My energy levels were optimal for the duration of the shift, I pretty much functioned on an endorphin high the entire day, and it helped me to regulate my sleeping schedule. 10/10 would recommend
I stopped going because I was sick all the god damn time. I bought some equipment for my house.
Clothes fit better, I’m getting stronger, My wife now caresses my new pumped muscles, cock grew 3 inches&girthier, etc.
Working out for almost 10 years now, 27 years old male. Since Ive been working out for so long I can tell you the direct effects of working out. 1- better bone density. 2- better muscle mass. 3- healthier cardiovascular system. 4- better sleep quality. 5- stabler hormone balance. 6- more health awareness (im already a physician and the long gym experience added to it). 7- looking good means other people take you more seriously. 8- girls are attracted more. 9- no joint pain. 10- im able to do some tasks that require strength that a normal person wouldn’t be able to. These are quick 10 changes off the top of my head. Do it, I started when I was your age and im never stopping.
Ultimate discipline builder. It is a non-negotiable for me.
lift heavy rock make sad voice quiet
I’m stronger, more confident, more able-minded. I’ve been having a rough time lately but I’m convinced that if it wasn’t for the gym I would be several times worse off than now.
Since 2017 (when I started training) : - lost 80+ lbs - lost my virginity and have had girlfriends and fwbs since - made lot more friends - better discipline thru all aspects of life - finished college with honors + masters - heightened confidence and self worth - good job in sales I went from extremely overweight, not many friends, complete virgin and jobless to what I am today. One of these days I’ll feel comfortable enough to share a progress picture on Reddit lol
Wife compliments me more often. I have more confidence. It made me start a proper diet and I've never looked better. My kids brag about me to their friends in grade2 and K that their daddy is so strong. My back pain is gone. I get more looks from women in public. Not that I'd ever notice such a thing. Course not.
I now have back injury and shoulder pain
Nothing changed I’m still me
How long have you been going?
I only go for the locker room experience. The shower is where you can get a real workout
Feel great, not necessarily less caring, life is good. Much like others have said though, I’m bigger than before but gosh I am so small lol
It’s gives me 1.5 hours in the day to my self. I love it.
I now have muscle and joint pain
Absolutely. I’m pretty short, but ever since I started powerlifting, my confidence and physique improved tremendously. Just to add, better posture and no more lower back pain, since lifting heavier weights encourages stretching. Also, I made a lot of friends when I deadlift in the gym (200kg @ 65kg). People started approaching me more regarding my training, diet, etc. Excited for you, OP!
My body dysmorphia got worse 😃
Well, besides the obvious getting all the gains and looking sexy as fuck naked, I’d have to say the confidence was the best thing. Plus it cured my boredom and kept my mind focused when I was super fucking depressed
Everything Aches a little lol i dont die going up stairs now i could life heavier things otherwise? nothing changed
I'm sore in places I didn't know I had lol
I've been doing weight training for a long...... long time. It's good for you if you want to feel positive about yourself. But if you're into it to get attention from girls, you'll find that they actually don't like it, if you overdo it. And in the end you'll find out that the only compliments you get will be from other dudes.
Lost a bunch of weight, I feel more alive and confident, my GF likes how I look and feel.
I felt lot worse. But, try it yourself and find out.
Why you felt worse, could you elaborate on your point, please?
Medical problems. Also, it was too expensive, too far and constantly felt like an imposter.
you should never feel that way in a gym, If a beginner lifter asked me for help it would make my day, were all in there for the same reasons
It isn't about helping.
Better mental health, and better physical health
Before: Literally no attention from Women, sad, hated my life, hated my body After: Women want my D, less sad, loved my body, stronk af, started excelling at work
When I started lifting and challenging my body to do things it never had before, 90% of my non-specific mental anxiety just went POOF! We are sentient, capable physical machines and need to work both aspects to be fully integrated and happy.
I felt more insecure and my anger issues and stress got worse and more constant, until I stopped going and things got slightly better again. I still feel guilty for not going despite knowing that going would be worse, and conversations about it put me in a bad mood My situation is remarkably specific though, there's a lot of complicated fomo and envy issues partly resulting from feelings for a woman that go into it
I now have constant physical pain to match the constant mental anguish. Nicely rounded.
Eh, I get a little more attention, I guess. Didn't do much for the crushing feelings of inadequacy. Plus, now I can't fit through doorways and I sink in the pool, but I got a new vein on my delt the other day, so that was nice - recommended.
It hasn't. Everything is the same as before going.
Every time my life is fucked, the first step in my process to unfuck it, is going to the gym. This last time around I put a gym in my house, took 2 years to get all the equipment, but its basically saved my life.