When I sat and talked to my day (part 6)

Today lets talk about one aspect of my daily life - that of pursuing calmness through working out! 

In no way I am a fitness freak or a gym rat, all I do is try to keep myself fit and healthy. I am not even in the mad rush to make me look good, but I just want to stay somewhat happy. It all began in 2011 after the elder daughter had grown 2 years old and was able to take care of herself. She could say when to go to sleep, when and what she wanted to eat and what she did not like. That meant I had some free time over and I could focus on my wellbeing.

Back in those days, in Sweden, we would prefer to hire a personal trainer, at least for a few hours to give us a demo of all the machines available at the gym. I did the same, more so, because I had never touched any of those machines ever in my life before. My only orientation to exercises were - some free hand push-ups, sit-ups and squats, first at a local cricket club and then on the rooftop of our house in India.

The association with the gym started there and continued to grow. Today, after 15 long years, I can safely say, I have not grown 6-pack abs, I have not built up huge muscles, but I have stayed consistent. 

Why do I go to the gym? Perhaps 3-4 blog posts would not be enough, and will keep writing on this topic. Not to mention, I will keep posting some pictures from the gym - on other social media platforms, they are rather popular!

1. A gym is a place where "they all do not look the same"! Each one of us has some issue or the other. Some have big tummy, some no muscle mass, some have problems to sleep, some have no control on eating. Gym is a great leveller - it helps us reconnect to ourselves. 
2. It is a great place to reflect on life, seriously. You might be thinking that I joking, but I am not. When we are in a rhythm of some sort, we tend to become calmer, quieter and introspective. often ask questions and seek answers
3. It enables you to push a bit harder, to be a tougher version of yourself. I mean 5 years ago, I would not have dreamt of bench press, or a skipping session of 500 hops. But today I do, thanks to me asking more from myself.
4. It allows to be one among many, yet, be one like you. In other words, what I mean is, you can be yourself, yet be part of a troupe that is eager to prove themselves, mentally ad physically. So, in a way, you know how your body is growing, but in perspective to how others are also growing in their own journey.
5. A gym is a place where a real journey begins, but never ends. There is no endpoint, only a travel! Everyday you come from office or work, work out your way, and take a shower to wipe off any stress whatsoever that you had over the day.

Happy gymming!

Concluding the day when I did not visit the gym, but will do tomorrow. Consistency is the key!