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Heartbroken people dismissing "hit the gym" advice as a meme

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lol

"My <insert preferred gender here>friend totally found new <insert preferred genital to bump uglies with here>. BUT HEY AT LEAST I LOOK GOOD!"

Lol, it works though. You have to ascend high enough where you don't even care about an ex, all you care about are the gainz. The iron is your only love.

What I want to know is why we always "hit" the gym instead of just "go" there. Do you hit the park? Do you hit the Mall? Hit your mom's house? Odd.

Yup I say those phrases as well. "Let's hit up Sweetgreen for a salad."

Being young is fun.
 
I mean, this veers into more general philosophy, but where is that value derived? Like if "living a long time" is a goal, then yeah, exercise is valuable because it contributes to that goal. You and I would agree that a long, full life is a good thing. Most people would. But some people don't agree, and there's nothing wrong with that - it's everyone's own best guess at finding meaning in the world.

For this subject in particular, though, we can assume the person looking for advice wants to be happy, so I don't think it's unreasonable for a gym dude to say "this makes me happy, maybe this will make you happy?" But the whole "objective, inarguable facts!" tone - that this WILL make you happy, and you SHOULD listen to my advice, is imposing. The tradeoffs you make are not the tradeoffs everyone wants to make. Your idea of fixing a problem isn't everyone's idea. That's the issue, and why I used religion as a comparison - not everyone has the same worldview or comes from the same place goal-wise so saying "Just change your lifestyle to my lifestyle and your problems will go away!" to someone is chauvinistic. An internet stranger doesn't KNOW what will and won't work, so they shouldn't act like they do.

The difference is that when you exercise, actual things happen inside your body that cause you to be happier. It literally makes you happier.
 
People that "hit the gym" to control mood are a close cousin to those that "hit the bottle" to control mood. It's more natural and better for you but it can lead to very addictive behavior and dependency. Nothing wrong with working out and obviously it great for you physically but mentally and psychologically you are not really addressing the issue, you're basically just ignoring it. You are getting high to feel better. I've never been into the gym but have turned to physical activity, just hit the mountains and snowboarded like mad. Feels amazing till summer rolls around then you realise well I still have the same issues to address with myself.
 
better to say "go get some light exercise." "hitting" the "gym" is phonetically harsh.

also, for many, gyms are places to judge and be judged

sorta depressing
 
I joined a gym and it was a waste of money. I've never been a gym rat, had no idea how to run the equipment, no plan on what to do, and the people working there weren't much help as they were too busy hitting on the women or working out themselves. I spent most of my membership time just walking around the track.

And whos fault is that?

Go on youtube man, you can literally learn how to do anything
 
I mean, this veers into more general philosophy, but where is that value derived? Like if "living a long time" is a goal, then yeah, exercise is valuable because it contributes to that goal. You and I would agree that a long, full life is a good thing. Most people would. But some people don't agree, and there's nothing wrong with that - it's everyone's own best guess at finding meaning in the world.

For this subject in particular, though, we can assume the person looking for advice wants to be happy, so I don't think it's unreasonable for a gym dude to say "this makes me happy, maybe this will make you happy?" But the whole "objective, inarguable facts!" tone - that this WILL make you happy, and you SHOULD listen to my advice, is imposing. The tradeoffs you make are not the tradeoffs everyone wants to make. Your idea of fixing a problem isn't everyone's idea. That's the issue, and why I used religion as a comparison - not everyone has the same worldview or comes from the same place goal-wise so saying "Just change your lifestyle to my lifestyle and your problems will go away!" to someone is chauvinistic. An internet stranger doesn't KNOW what will and won't work, so they shouldn't act like they do.

Yea, that is getting a little philisophical, and in my opinion overcomplicating what really is basic truths to the benefits of being in shape. Your stance also makes the assumption that a person is always in the right frame of mind when deciding what is beneficial for them, or feeling what makes them happy.

I agree that there is a nuance to both nurturing someone who is hurt and giving them sound advice to get better. I do think it's unfair to say that when someone lays out their personal grievances on here, that we should not offer any sort of direct advice. With such a limited platform to learn about a person, we can only use our personal experiences and knowledge to help.

better to say "go get some light exercise." "hitting" the "gym" is phonetically harsh.

also, for many, gyms are places to judge and be judged

sorta depressing

Right, when someone says "hit the gym" on here, I've never seen it said in a rude or derogatory way, and usually it's pretty obvious that it is just another way of saying "exercise", however you best see fit to do so
 
Thats great it works out well for you, but for me weightlifting just doesn't work. I weight lifted for 3 years and eventually quit cause I realized it was just not fun for me and left me really stressed out every time. I'm not masculine at all though and don't get excited or pumped with this type of stuff, though. I actually just dread it. So maybe its a mentality thing.
 
better to say "go get some light exercise." "hitting" the "gym" is phonetically harsh.

also, for many, gyms are places to judge and be judged

sorta depressing

gym-meme.jpg
 
Boy, I wish I lived in this magical land of $10 a month gyms. Around here (rural Virginia) the closest gym is 40 minutes away, has really shitty machines and charges 120 up front for a membership and then something like 30 a month after that.
 
Thats great it works out well for you, but for me weightlifting just doesn't work. I weight lifted for 3 years and eventually quit cause I realized it was just not fun for me and left me really stressed out every time. I'm not masculine at all though and don't get excited or pumped with this type of stuff, though. I actually just dread it. So maybe its a mentality thing.

The typical gym with weights may not be, but the great thing about living today is that there are so many different avenues to get in your exercise, and most of them aren't wrong, just different. From yoga to martial arts, to running, to dvd home workouts, to group sessions. Find what works for you. I guarantee there is something out there.
 
6 month at my tiny local gym is 800$.

Not that i can't affordit's not "cheap" lol. Especially if there's plenty of good free alternatives.

Yeah gyms can be really expensive of you're not in a metro area where there's a ton of them. Lack of competition always drives up prices.
 
Whole lotta no frills $10 a month ones out there with a $40 yearly charge.

And it has become a meme but I think people don't realize that physical excersion really is a great way to deal with frustration and depression. Not in major cases of depression, you can't just bench press that away. But it is worth it in typical non severe cases.

Exercise is a proven anti-depressant. Gotta release that endorphin yo. Not to mention it gets you out of the house and around other people.
 
These days I just have a medicine ball and some dumbbells. I know what to do and going to the gym just takes too much time.

I did like going though, but with two kids now doesn't make sense.

I realize for some folks working out at home doesn't work because they cannot get motivated.
 
The actual proven health benefits of going to the gym and being active in general cannot be ignored. To say its on the level of going to church is completely wrong. Not an opinion. Wrong.

I say this being someone who understands why people do not like going to the gym because it can be insanely boring at times. It isn't logical, but the human mind just reacts very paradoxical sometimes.

I like the gym personally and the increased strength helps in other aspects of things I like to do (like play basketball or go on hikes) but the main thing is it is good for you. Period. Physical activity is not one of those things where there is an actual downside apart from not wanting to spend the time doing it. Even if it gave your life zero meaning its still going to help you in a multitude of ways if you do it. That shouldnt be downplayed.

People just hate being told what to do, even (or especially) when they already know it's the right thing to do.

I think you'd have to be a complete idiot to argue that being fit and healthy isn't a good thing. But the entire idea of telling people to hit the gym when they had a brutal breakup sounds absolutely tone deaf to me.

I mean, you could apply this to ANYTHING. You mom died? Lift weights, it's good for you! You lost hope for the future? Do squats, it'll release endorphines, it's science! Your spouse cheated on you? Here are some kettle bells and protein powder, that'll help!

Of course physical exercise has health and mental benefits. I just don't see why people have to bring it up in such a context, it feels so condescending.

For example, meditation has been an absolute turning point in my life, I assume in a similar way that people have with exercise. But I am very careful to bring it up when talking to others unless the context specifically fits, because I know how annoying this can be.
 
The typical gym with weights may not be, but the great thing about living today is that there are so many different avenues to get in your exercise, and most of them aren't wrong, just different. From yoga to martial arts, to running, to dvd home workouts, to group sessions. Find what works for you. I guarantee there is something out there.

Yeah I've found running to be must better for me. Its a lot less 'sudden' and more relaxing. I can just pop in a podcast and go.
 
gyms are expensive.

Yep. The cheapest one near me is 40&#8364; a month*. I go to a gym now but it was a lot of money when I was still a student. Add to that that you will also spend more on food because bulking and it's goodbye to wallet as a poor chap.

*There are two 20&#8364; a month ones but both of them lack basic equipment.
 
it's true. going to the gym not only acts as a distraction, not only will make you look better and therefore increase your self confidence, but it LITERALLY elevates your serotonin levels. serotonin elevates your mood. when you're depressed, which is likely when you have your heart broken, you have low serotonin. sitting on your ass and moping isn't going to help your serotonin.

hitting the gym, or just doing pushups at home, going for a run, doing p90x... EXERCISE is essential after a heart break. I'm saying this from the roughest experience possible.
 
Bullshit. Planet Fitness is what, 15 bucks per month?

All the cheap gyms by my house are awful. Don't even bother going after work to find an open piece of equipment. I have a gym at work thankfully but before that unless you paid for club fitness or something higher end finding equipment is impossible
 
My gym membership cost $102/month and I can use 7 different locations within my city. To use the two rooftop/penthouse pools at specific locations it would cost me an extra $60 that I would have to pay every month despite the pool only being open for 4 months.

My gf also goes to the same gym.

Plus I buy supplements (protein, multivitamin, creatine, fish oil).

It can get costly. I could always downgrade to a gym further away from me (my gym right now is a 20 second walk from my front door) that costs less.
 
My gym membership cost $102/month and I can use 7 different locations within my city. To use the two rooftop/penthouse pools at specific locations it would cost me an extra $60 that I would have to pay every month despite the pool only being open for 4 months.

My gf also goes to the same gym.

Plus I buy supplements (protein, multivitamin, creatine, fish oil).

It can get costly. I could always downgrade to a gym further away from me (my gym right now is a 20 second walk from my front door) that costs less.
What the hell. My gym is $30 a month and I feel that is a bit much.
 
To all of you arguing about inaccessible or expensive gyms as a reason for not working out, I'll call you out on your bullshit by saying that you can work out within a ten foot parameter and still see results and feel better.

While I do go to the gym, I make it my goal to perform at least 150 pushups every other morning and another 150 pushups in the evening. Sometimes I double the morning routine if I know I won't be going to the gym that day. From two weeks of pumping out this many pushups alone, I've seen results on my chest and arms.

I won't say that it's easy when feeling down to simply feel motivated enough to workout or do anything enjoyable, especially after a break up. I empathize with you people there. It takes time to find your way.

But please, stop bullshitting yourselves if you think there are no benefits to exercising.
 
You don't need to go to the gym to improve mental health, but exercise in any form is a great way to avoid falling into a slump. I just got back from the gym and the free weights were rammed with people, so I just did some cycling to clear my head and do something. Go for long walks, run, cycle.... Whatever. Just do something. It helps.
 
Exercise is a proven anti-depressant. Gotta release that endorphin yo. Not to mention it gets you out of the house and around other people.

I really dislike when people mention that exercise helps with depression lmao. Like yea that's true but depression is what is preventing you from leaving the house in the first place.
 
People seem to think gyms are a cure-all, especially for mental health. There are other ways to take care of yourself during depression.
 
Home gym is best. Netflix and lift is something I really enjoy doing.

I do all my exercise at home as well, cardio and weights with some yoga. Then run 10ks on the weekends. I'm in the best shape of my life and never once went to a gym.

Plus I don't like exercise around other people. Smells. Grunts. Accidental farts...not my thing.

On a side note, I had a hell of time spelling "exercise" for some reason...
 
I really dislike when people mention that exercise helps with depression lmao. Like yea that's true but depression is what is preventing you from leaving the house in the first place.

So what is your solution with helping people deal with depression, if you dislike people giving advice to help with depression?
 
My gym membership cost $102/month and I can use 7 different locations within my city. To use the two rooftop/penthouse pools at specific locations it would cost me an extra $60 that I would have to pay every month despite the pool only being open for 4 months.

My gf also goes to the same gym.

Plus I buy supplements (protein, multivitamin, creatine, fish oil).

It can get costly. I could always downgrade to a gym further away from me (my gym right now is a 20 second walk from my front door) that costs less.

lol maybe we should look into gym deserts to go with our food deserts
 
I really dislike when people mention that exercise helps with depression lmao. Like yea that's true but depression is what is preventing you from leaving the house in the first place.

It's actually one of the few things that works for me, which 90% of the time is enough to get me there.
 
People that "hit the gym" to control mood are a close cousin to those that "hit the bottle" to control mood. It's more natural and better for you but it can lead to very addictive behavior and dependency. Nothing wrong with working out and obviously it great for you physically but mentally and psychologically you are not really addressing the issue, you're basically just ignoring it. You are getting high to feel better. I've never been into the gym but have turned to physical activity, just hit the mountains and snowboarded like mad. Feels amazing till summer rolls around then you realise well I still have the same issues to address with myself.
Clearing your mind of stress via exercise is very healthy. Nobody says that is makes your problems go away. But it's a healthy distraction that makes you look good and makes you more attractive to a new mate.
 
Gyms aren't that expensive.

Anyone can lift.

As long as you follow proper etiquette, nobody is going to laugh or get angry at you in the gym.

You can read what proper etiquette is online.

Lifting won't turn you into Hulk Hogan.
 
It's actually one of the few things that works for me, which 90% of the time is enough to get me there.

Fair enough but if someone told me to start exercising when I was developing depression, I probably would have never went if I didn't already go to the gym regularly at that point.
 
Got some weights to use at home, being able to avoid people and bulk up at the same time is pretty neat.

This is what I did. I bought 50 pound adjustable dumbbells and some other equipment (pull-up bar and medicine ball.) The gym I go to is about a 30 minute drive, so getting this equipment helps save me time and cost. I still go to the gym; however the majority of my workouts are from home. Getting the equipment has been money well spent.
 
I really dislike when people mention that exercise helps with depression lmao. Like yea that's true but depression is what is preventing you from leaving the house in the first place.

Ok but you can say that about literally every solution for depression.
 
If people put as much effort into their mental gymnastics to not exercise as they did in real gymnastics they'd realize how great it feels to be in shape.
 
Going to the gym should not have any kind of stigma about it. Some people praise it more than they should, but don't knock it until you've tried it properly yourself (maybe ask for a personal trainer for one day to show you things, or go in with some knowledge about a few machines).

I know personally I would have had a lot harder time going if someone had not shown me a few basics my first few times because it can feel intimidating. I won't lie, I could not see myself in every gym - I had to choose one that didn't feel intimidating. But after going for a while you see every kind of person - old, young, super in shape, just starting out, recovering from an injury, wanting to build strength for first time, etc.

You will push through both mental and physical barriers going the gym, I think that's the reason to go, and don't let things get in the way of that. One more thing! You compete with yourself in the gym, not other people. Everyone is there to improve themselves one way or another.
 
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