By Eryn Costello – Junior Copy Editor

I started getting serious about working out roughly four years ago. During COVID, it seems like everyone either gained or lost 10lbs. In my case, I lost approximately 40lbs and have never felt better. As lockdown came to an end and the university’s facilities started loosening restrictions, I began what would become my most stable relationship: a love story not with a man, but with the gym. 

We all know the benefits of fitness. Stress relief, increased self-discipline and overall health are undisputed benefits. Why is it then, that more people don’t workout? I believe that one of the biggest barriers holding people back is a general fear of the gym itself. Maybe you’re afraid of looking stupid or comparing your body to those around you. There are so many misconceptions about the gym. Lucky for you, I’m here to clear a few of them up. Hopefully after reading this little article, you’re more inclined to rethink the gym stereotypes you’ve heard. Maybe I’ll even catch you in the weightroom.

Firstly, the gym is not a competitive atmosphere. Respectfully, no one cares about you. No one is looking at you. No one is judging the type of workout you choose to do. No one is critiquing your form (unless you’re actually going to hurt yourself). We’re all so focused on ourselves, that others become irrelevant. The people around you most likely have their music blaring and are in their own little world. 

The hardest part of going to the gym is actually going to the gym. By just showing up, you’ve already accomplished something massive. It’s so important to remind yourself that it doesn’t matter if your workout lasts 20 minutes, or two hours… as long as you show up for yourself. Just stepping in the gym earns you mega respect from those around you. Every single person in that gym has been in your shoes before. We all started somewhere. Even the most jacked guy in the gym started exactly where you are now. 

I’m now speaking directly to my fellow ladies, the ones who’ve always thought about dipping their toes into working out, or have resorted to secretly doing Chloe Ting ab workouts in their bedroom. I understand that being a woman in the gym poses its challenges. Traditionally, the gym may seem like a peak symbol of masculinity; a bunch of scary, buff men loudly throwing weights around. I’m telling you right now, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I understand that it may be intimidating to look over your shoulder and see a 200lbs man bench-pressing your own body weight. My advice to you would be to use that as motivation. I myself have asked countless of these ‘scary’ 200lbs men to spot me. They will never say no, nor will they judge the amount of weight you’re lifting. What they will do is both support and push you. I actually attribute most of my personal record lifts to these men. Shout out to all the scary gym bros out there. 

Over my five years, I’ve seen a huge increase of women in the weight section of the Bishops’ gym. I couldn’t be prouder of my girlies, showing up in their matching workout sets to pump some iron. Understandably, building this type of confidence takes time. For many women, it may seem more empowering to workout in a testosterone-reduced environment. In this case, I recommend you check out the women and gender non-conforming only hours. The specific times can be found on the university’s website.  Another thing I’ve come to know over the years is the importance of mixing up your workouts. Though I’ll always be a weightlifting advocate, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Working out is supposed to be fun. I can tell you for certainty that your consistency will stay strong if you genuinely enjoy the workout you’re doing. Thankfully, there are so many options at your fingertips. Maybe you’ll discover that you’re more of a runner. If cardio’s your thing, swimming’s one of the best forms out there. I recommend you look into the pool’s free swim hours, as well as their aqua jogging classes and masters club. Fair warning, it’s not a style of workout for the faint-hearted. Yoga, A.B.B, and HIIT classes are also offered by the university. Not sure which class to register for? No worries! Each class is free for the first week, so you can dip your toes into as many different workout styles as your heart desires. I promise you, there is a workout out there for you. On behalf of the Bishops gym rats, you are always welcome in the gym. It’s not nearly as scary as you think it is.