1. Your body will thank you in the long run.

You may not feel as though your body is thanking you the day after your workout when you roll out of bed feeling sore, but that’s only temporary. As you get stronger and exercise more your muscles will get stronger and more used to the workouts you give them. Along with losing weight, gaining strength and toning up, your body will be better at fighting off illness. Your heart and lungs will also be strengthened, along with a reduction in blood pressure. That’s a lot of benefits for a little effort!

Animation: Mr Potato Head lifting weights

2. It will improve your relationships and help you make new ones!

You will have more energy to be around the people in your life. Your confidence will start to increase, and you’ll be excited and proud to share your progress with people. Along with improving your existing relationships you can make great new friends at the gym, whether it be through doing group classes or just frequenting the gym in general. The prospect of making friends at the gym is a bit daunting, although give it time and you’ll find that everyone is friendly – and they’re in the same position as you are.

Animation: Group of people doing aerobics

3. You’ll feel better.

It’s a good feeling to walk out of the gym — at least a much better feeling than walking in. Your body will make a tonne of endorphins while you’re working out, so you’re sure to leave with a buzz and feeling accomplished. It doesn’t matter how slow you start, you just have to start!

Group determined looking of women

4. It will improve your sleep.

Exercise tired the body naturally, and I’m sure we’ve all heard the benefits of a good night’s sleep! You can hit the pillow at night knowing that you’re on the right path to being fit and healthy, and you’re going to be stronger tomorrow because of it.

Animation: Man back-flipping into bed

5. You’ll be less stressed.

Stress can stem from lots of things, such as having too much time on our hands to let our minds bounce from one worry to the next, and unhealthy habits that cause physical issues, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Getting to the gym even if it’s just a few days a week can become a little escape that just happens to be full of benefits.

Animation: Man waving fingers in the air
So, you think you might like to check out the gym? Well, luckily enough CSU has a range of sporting facilities, including gyms, on our campuses – FREE to use regardless of if you’re studying on campus or by distance. So get moving, and start reaping the benefits of the gym!