^{By Rafiya}

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There are a number of reasons why people decide to become
involved in fitness. It’s not necessarily illnesses or physical appearance that
motivates individuals to join the world of Fitness. One doesn’t have to be an
expert to realize when a change is needed. Becoming physically active has
innumerable benefits both in short and long term. However, it has now become an
ongoing trend to be a part of some sort of a fitness regime. It is no longer
the basis of wanting just better health but a means of socialization too. Specifically,
talking about Pakistan this industry is now booming with the addition of
programs such as the 42 Day Challenge or The Keto Diet programs that are now
promising people guaranteed results.

The introduction of many new programs and gym facilities the
general public has been introduced to a whole new way to bond and even catch up
with friends and make new friends that make the journey even more fruitful. Almost
every gym offers a facility of a trainer who in return become your ‘best
friends’ over time; quite literally. Trainers are provided to establish a
better connection with individuals to help them train according to their body
type and need, they usually end up becoming your ‘frenemies’ though. Gyms offer
a way to get rid of loneliness in a manner people would’ve never thought it
could. The much dreaded word ‘Gym’ itself has built a whole new reputation for
itself in the market. Which no one could argue is a bad idea anywhere.

Going to the gym is considered as a dual benefit. Studies have shown that people who go to the gym generally happier than those who do not exercise regularly. Its not only a better spend of your time but also balances the chemical system of one’s body. It increases the flow of the hormones Serotonin and Endorphins in the human body which are basically the ‘happy’ hormones. Similar to the satisfaction one would feel when they are with a loved one. It doesn’t depend on how intense your workout is as long as you get your blood flowing! A regular habit of staying active also helps the body relax and catch more z’s at night. The science behind this in lay man terms would be that your body temperature rises when you workout, remember those flushed cheeks you saw when you once worked out at some point? That was your body’s temperature rising, then later on when you shower and lay down or sit down your body temperature starts to decrease again relaxing your body just like a massage would. A study has shown that there has been a 65% improvement in the sleep pattern of those who religiously followed some sort of a fitness regime.

Then comes the most obvious reason to known man. The better
you look the better you feel. Looking good is a morale booster. It works in
almost every situation. ‘I’m upset because someone complimented my body today’, said no one ever. The human mind and heart thrives on attention, the world is becoming tougher to deal with every day; and we’re all just trying to collect as much happiness as possible. This in reality proves to be an addiction for many. Small even, those amount of positivity proves to be the pushing factor for a lot of people. Fitness is the golden ticket to that satisfaction. Your body already feels better after working then come the compliments, I’ll take both please.

I believe in friendly body shaming personally. I mean why wouldn’t? If it wasn’t for the mean kids in my school I would’ve probably ended up in
a much worse place. Sure being bullied wasn’t and isn’t great but a little
tough love from close friends and family should probably be encouraged more. Trust me; it’s far better than seeing them go through pain on a daily basis when they fight obesity later on. Take it from someone who reached to a point where I had the stamina of someone who’s probably 75 I couldn’t partake in activities that children my age generally would. I was missing out on my childhood. Fitness was definitely transformative.
Let’s make our life plans the real workout plans now. Help
each other reach our potentials, become better people, build better
relationships and put positivity out in the world where the traces of any good
are hanging by a thread.