Two years ago we were testing body mass index and calculating fat percentage in health class when I realized it was time for a change. For months we were drilled in obesity stats and lectured about the importance of exercise. The benefits were numerous: weight maintenance, reducing stress, increasing flexibility, improving heart health…

I was inspired to be healthy, to feel fit. Small changes began: white bread to wheat, 2 percent to skim. Suddenly the after school routine changed from boredom-induced TV marathons and chips to hitting the gym 3-4 days a week. By the end of the semester I bought a YMCA membership. Up until that point I had never stepped foot in a gym.

As workouts wore on, I picked up a few lessons. No one cares what you look like. You’re there to challenge yourself, not to look good. Everyone has different skill levels and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s an individual thing. Varying obstacles are facing us. Distinct goals are our motivators. Each workout you are there to try to beat your own personal best. To improve just 1/5^th of a mile more, to do one more rep, to lift 5 more pounds.

Attainable goals are important. Progress, even if it’s small, is an amazing self-confidence boost. And when you reach a goal, you create a new one. If you can do endless sets of something you need to increase the weight or add a level of difficulty. You should be struggling. You’re not paying however much a month to do something you already know how to do. If you’re not rosy red, sweat beaded and frizzy haired on the walk out you’re doing something wrong.

Unfamiliar things are intimidating but trying something new is how you improve. Don’t be afraid to ask how to use a machine. Proper form is vital to securing the rewards of exercise and avoiding injury. It’s okay to lower the resistance or limit the number of reps. Do whatever you need to do to adjust. It’s called a starting level for a reason. It’s not a hindrance. It’s simply a fact of where you are right now in your training. A month from now you could be at a completely different place. At this moment this setting is right for you and that’s perfectly fine.

GVSU has well-equipped recreation center free of charge to students. But if you’re not the “exercise type” or you have limitations it can be overwhelming to just go to the gym. A great free resource offered by the Fitness and Wellness Center is the UFit plan. With consideration of your current physical health and your medical records, a fitness plan is created. This process occurs over several meetings.

Exercise doesn’t have to be confined to the gym though. There are a variety of club sports like soccer and baseball. If a group atmosphere interests you but you aren’t looking for competition, the Rec Center offers fitness classes such as spinning and the ever-growing Zumba. Yoga club meets every Sunday from 5 p.m. to 6 pm. Pickup basketball and volleyball games are always happening. There’s lap swim or the more relaxed open swim. GVSU even has a rock climb wall. Physical activity is not a concrete thing; don’t limit yourself. Be creative in your exercise and do something you enjoy.