Over the past few months, I have begun weightlifting. I have noticed my mental and physical health improving. I have been happier and less stressed. I started doing this to replace volleyball in my life because I had lost my interest in volleyball. But I still needed some physical activity, so I turned to the gym. I also felt motivated to start because my dad has recently been lifting.

Lifting makes me feel like I can finally be in control of something. It makes me feel good, and I can tell I look better. According to Professor Rod K Dishman of ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) when you do any physical activity, dopamine and serotonin are released into your body to give you that good feeling after you lift. Dishman also states that weightlifting can help people with anxiety and panic attacks by mimicking the effects of these two stressors and stimulating the brain. Although waking up early in the morning and getting ready to go to the gym does not sound very pleasant, Dishman recommends this for his students and athletes to get that feeling of accomplishment. You do not have to wake up early to achieve your goals, but I would recommend it if you are not confident lifting in the morning overall could help your confidence with the adrenaline rush after.

Within the Century College community, athletics are a big part of student life with the Century College community. There is even a part of the West Campus dedicated to sports! Inside the athletics department, there is a weight room located on the first floor to the right of the faculty. I visited the weight room, and I found it spacious with a variety of equipment. Inside they have multiple squat racks, bench presses, cable machines, dumbbells, and a whole room sectioned off for cardio! In this stress-free gym environment here at Century, beginners can receive help from others with more experience. Also offered are bands or small weights to accommodate people with injuries to do mobility exercises or stretching. The best part is that we pay for it in our tuition fees, and all you need is a student ID to get in! I found this a useful free resource, especially when I am stressed.

I have started to realize how many people use a weight room to take their minds off things which in turn improve their mental health. With this improvement, you will see more changes in yourself, and it will get you excited and make you happy. Overall, it will take longer for you to get weaker due to the muscle to fat ratio in your body! You just must put in time and work, and then anything is possible. Just you and weights, the sky is the limit.