University Press (Beaumont, Tex.), Vol. 75, No. 45, Ed. 1 Wednesday, April 28, 1999 Page: 6 of 12
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University Press • Wednesday, April 28,1999 • Page 6
Gym jitters?
Benefits of exercise outweigh initial nervousness
Fitness has become a daily ritual with many peo-
ple. Exercise is now seen as a priority, and people
hit the gym as regularly as they go to work.
What? This isn’t you, you say?
Well, why not?
If you are nervous about being the new guy at the
local fitness center, you aren’t alone. Many people
feel the same way when they take those first steps
toward fitness.
“If it has been a while since you exercised, or if
you never have at all, one of the hardest things to do
is walk into a gym for the first time. You imagine
that everyone in there is in great shape, except for
you,” said Brian Austin, personal trainer and local
gym owner.
“In reality, about 80 percent of typical gym mem-
bers are either overweight and trying to trim down
or they’re small and trying to get bigger and
stronger. The majority of them are doing exactly
what you want to do, so they know how you feel,”
Austin said.
(“Excuse me. His name is Austin, too?” Okay,
you got me on that. My source is my brother. He
does know his business, though. Sometimes the best
story ideas happen close to home. But, then, so do
most car wrecks.)
Even the resident “muscle kings” are not as
unapproachable as you might think. They are often
more than willing to answer questions, give advice
and encouragement when you "need it.
When do you need it? When you’re getting tired
and the weight you’re lifting gets really heavy. This
is usually the exact moment that a few complete
strangers will invariably walk up and give you just
enough “pep talk” to lift that weight one more time.
Presto! You’ve just made some new friends.
Seem odd? Not really. Just by showing up at the
gym, you’re expressing an interest in an activity they
love, and that always fosters goodwill. It’s like ask-
ing your neighbor about his new sports car: He’ll
probably be more than happy to tell you everything
you want to know, and then some (unless you’re
asking to borrow it for the weekend).
If you want to be fit, but you don’t want to
become a big barrel of bulky muscles, don’t worry.
Austin says that lifting weights doesn’t necessarily
equal becoming muscle-bound.
“People associate weightlifters with bodybuilders
and huge milscles,” Austin said. “Believe me, you
only get huge muscles if you train and diet specifi-
cally to get them, and only if you do this for a long
time. Most people who work out regularly will build
some muscle and stay toned for a natural athletic
look.”
So, now that we’ve looked at reasons not to join
a gym, what are the reasons you should join one?
One obvious point worth making: A gym is made
for exercising. That’s pretty much what goes on
there. If you go to a gym, you will work out as
opposed to finding some distraction, except maybe
that cute guy or gal you’ve noticed in aerobics class.
Exercising is not always a natural, routine habit.
It is a chore in some ways, something you have to
make yourself do. This becomes easier to do if
there’s nothing else to do.
Austin says that weight training can actually help
you lose weight, which is probably the most com-
mon fitness goal.
“The advantage of weight training is that when
you have more lean muscle, your metabolism is
higher, even at rest. This means you are burning fat
all of the time.” he said.
Some other benefits of getting in shape:
— You feel better. Exercise gives you more ener-
gy. You actually want to do more than sit on the
couch and watch TV. And, no, eating potato chips
doesn’t count as “doing more.”
— You live better. Exercise helps boost your
immune system. People who exercise on a regular
basis get sick less often. This is why many companies
have small gyms on site. Healthier employees mean
fewer sick days. In the long run, regular exercise
also lowers the risk of heart disease and all sorts of
health-related problems. Unfortunately, too many
people find this out only after a heart attack or
pulled muscle serves as a wake-up call.
— You sleep better. If getting a full night’s sleep
is a problem, maybe you are in one of those desk
jobs that doesn’t provide much physical activity.
Wearing yourself out in the gym often helps pro-
mote sleep. Just make sure you leave a few hours
between gym time and bedtime.
— You look better. This may be the biggest moti-
vation there is to get in shape and stay that way,
especially here in Texas. There are only about two
weeks of winter in which to cover your “spare tire”
with a coat.
And if you think the whole point is to impress
others, think again. You should stay in shape for
you, and you alone. If you can look in the mirror
and smile, thinking, “Gee whiz, I look good,” then
chances are you won’t stop to worry about what oth-
ers think. Besides, with all the self-confidence you’ll
be exuding everywhere, you won’t have to wonder
about how you look. You will know.
Sid Austin is a UP staff writer
GOOD LLICK
ON FINALS
ratulations Graduates!
Ill Hi mm wM 'wM MM .
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Dorman, Billie. University Press (Beaumont, Tex.), Vol. 75, No. 45, Ed. 1 Wednesday, April 28, 1999, newspaper, April 28, 1999; Beaumont, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth500780/m1/6/: accessed July 3, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Lamar University.