5 things I’ve learned about life from going to the gym

I’ve had a tough four months. I won’t bore you with all the gory details. I’ll just say that I’ve had the emotional wind knocked out of me more times than I care to think about.

Through it all I continued to work out. This is in stark contrast to the fair-weather work out style I normally have. Normally there’s an I-have-to-be-in-a-bikini-in-three-months panic that propels me into a frenzy of lunges, jumping jacks and bicep curls, which I then abandon the moment the weight has been lost and the bikini wearing has occurred.

But around this time last year I started going to a gym. And I found that keeping in shape on a regular basis is not only healthier physically but mentally as well.

And lucky for me that, when this emotional storm hit, I had this routine established. It turned out to be a life saver. When my heart hurt so badly it felt like it might burst, when my head spun from being unable to stop thinking about all the torment, for an hour I could go and transfer that pain into beneficial physical activity. And thanks to the wisdom of some awesome gym instructors, I started to notice that some of the principles of working out can be applied to facing many challenges in life. Here are five of them.

1. Moments of discomfort build strength.
As I’m lamenting the hurt in my heart while trying to focus on step class one day, I suddenly pick up on something Heather, the ultimate step class instructor, is saying: “Moments of discomfort help to build the heart’s strength. And we all want strong hearts.” Or when Tammy, strong and sensible Power instructor, says during the squat routine: “Get down, go to the bottom. Know you’re going to be there for a while. It’s not supposed to be easy but this is how we build strength.” Something shifts in my brain and I realize that there’s a reason why I’m going through this right now.

2. You’ve always got more than you think.
Often when we’re towards the end of Step class and I feel like I just can’t go on, just can’t summon the energy for one more move, Heather reminds us to “empty the tank.” “You’ve always got more than you think,” she says. And I recognize that, when I think positively, what I think I cannot endure becomes possible. I dig deep and somehow find that as-yet-untapped source.

3. It won’t last forever.
When we start on the intense cardio portion of Step class, I push myself hard and I start to wonder if I can keep it up. “It won’t be for long,” Heather says, “so while we’re here give it everything you’ve got.” My heart eases in the knowledge that, like this cardio burst, the pain can’t last forever. One day it’ll be a memory.

4. Open your heart.
After working and pushing myself beyond my perceived limits, Tammy leads the class in stretching. “Look up,” she says, “spread your arms wide and open your heart.” I need this reminder. Although I may be tired, I may want to lie down, curl up in a ball, shut everyone away, I understand the importance of standing, holding my head high, and not closing my broken heart. But to open it. Arms wide. Heart open.

5. Leave time for stillness.
Then the calm and wise Sue, yoga goddess, reminds us that there is a time to work to make our bodies stronger, and there’s a time for stillness. I lay in the darkened room on my mat and appreciate the quiet in my mind, sigh and feel my body let go, as my mind finally empties. Rejuvenation.

These days when I walk out of the gym it’s not just with the calm satisfaction of having physically pushed myself, but also with mental clarity. A sense of peace.

Moments of discomfort are for a reason. Don’t ignore them. Embrace them. They’ll make the heart stronger.

It won’t last long.

So I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.