As the calendar turned to January, the traditional mantra of “new year, new me” echoed through gyms nationwide, drawing in an abundance of newbies armed with resolutions and loyal regulars. The John Wooden Center, hidden among our campus’s scholarly pursuits and caffeine-fueled study sessions, is one of these sanctuaries of sweat, determination and the occasional dropped dumbbell. My journey into fitness, however, was not launched with the fanfare of New Year’s resolutions, nor was it prompted by a sudden epiphany under the soft glow of holiday lights. It started with a simple but daunting goal: build muscle and definition. A goal that spoke to me amid the rustling pages of textbooks and the soft hum of late-night study sessions.
As time went by, I found the gym, with its ever-changing lineup of fitness enthusiasts, to be a curious sight, especially as January rolled around. The “new year, new me” brigade arrives, armed with brand new workout gear and playlists that will “inspire” even the most physically inactive individuals. The energy is clearly apparent as treadmills are in popular demand and securing an open bench in the weight room becomes a quest worthy of its own epic tale.
However, as the novelty of the new year begins to fade, the crowds thin, revealing the dedicated regulars and a scattering of determined newcomers. I quickly realized that the challenge of building muscle or achieving your dream body was less about weightlifting and more about the perseverance, discipline and occasional sense of humor required to succeed in this journey. Staying motivated in the pursuit of gains is similar to maintaining a straight face during a particularly amusing lecture; it requires focus, creativity and the ability to find joy in the process.
The previously crowded space and tightly fought-for machines find a new rhythm, balancing the enthusiasm of newcomers with the perseverance of regulars. This fusion of energies alters not only the physical space but the overall atmosphere of the gym. It is during this transitional period that the true essence of the gym community appears, revealing a space as dynamic and multifaceted as the people who live in it. This changing environment lays the foundation for a better understanding of how the influx of new members affects the gym’s culture.
Jean-Max Fawzi, a third-year student majoring in business economics with a minor in linguistics, sheds light on the phenomenon through his keen observations. “John Wooden Center has a reputation for being the super intimidating hardcore gym, and more newcomers, I think, soften that atmosphere,” he said. His insight reflects the subtle shift from an environment that once felt exclusive and intimidating to one that is more inclusive and welcoming. The shift is more than just numbers; it’s about bringing new energy, perspectives and motivations to challenge traditional gym culture — making fitness more accessible to the larger campus community.
Echoing a complementary perspective, Ahmed Enany, a third-year student majoring in economics and a seasoned gym goer, offers a thoughtful take on the underlying motives driving the “new year, new me” crowd. “I feel like people use it as a driving force or motivation, when the date on the calendar shouldn’t really affect your goals, or when you start working on them,” Enany said. His commentary calls into question the reliance on a new year for personal growth and promotes the concept of continuous self-improvement. Enany’s words highlight a deeper truth about this journey that goes beyond the symbolic turning of a calendar page, reflecting a belief that growth and progress are continuous and self-motivated — one must be disciplined in their routine; otherwise, they will just give up.
The value of discipline for the gym journey cannot be emphasized enough. Discipline is the quiet force that motivates us to get out of bed for an early morning workout, even when the warmth of the covers protests. It’s what motivates us to choose the gym over a spontaneous Netflix marathon on a Friday night. This kind of discipline doesn’t shout; it whispers, nudging us straight to our sneakers when the appeal of the couch seems almost irresistible.
The true art, however, is maintaining a balance between this discipline and the realities of life. It is about accepting that the body or mind may require rest on some days, and that is completely okay. The pursuit of your ideal body is a marathon, packed with rest stops and scenic routes that may or may not include dumbbells and protein shakes. Finding this balance becomes crucial because it transforms a fitness regimen from a demanding task to a sustainable lifestyle capable of managing both academics and personal interests.
A subtle shift in perspective can be seen in this balance. The gym becomes more than just a place to build your dream body; it becomes a place where mental resilience and physical strength are forged. Each rep and each set demonstrates the discipline we’ve developed, not just in our workouts but in our approach to life’s true challenges.
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Featured Image via Adobe Stock
