The first 30 minutes after exiting the gym are fabulous, the endorphins flowing the happiness exuding and as the day wears out, the little fellow remarks did you go to the gym today? And a couple of days later he presents to me his scientific finding, that I get cranky on the days that I have gone to the gym. What a eureka moment he had, before promptly banning me from going to the gym. I was intrigued by his observation skills and then googled some more to find that it is actually a thing. But the gym is neutral and it isnt to blame, what is to blame are overtraining, poor form, anxiety about being at the gym (“gymtimidation”), not enjoying the activities you’re doing, pushing yourself too hard, inadequate rest days, or even underlying nutritional issues – all of which can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and a negative mood after working out.
While most of those may have been abetting my case, except for the over-training and pushing myself too hard, and inadequate rest days part, the fact remains that I do have a poor form, am anxious about being at the gym, I obviously consider it a torture chamber, and have nutritional issues for sure, with the poor air quality, the constant stimuli and not enough movement or sunlight who doesn’t. While I have flitted to the gym in the past, only after eating a whole brownie do I walk into the gym, it took me that much to get in, I haven’t been an avid lifter. The feel-good hormones do make their way in the beginning and then evaporate just as easily even before the sun calls it a day! Obviously a good trainer will help, but good is again hard to find. Then there is the question of fasted or non-fasted workouts, pacing out the workouts and lots more. The gym helped me tone up, am sure it always will, but it also tones down my patience!
The fitness trend glorifies the gym and all that can be achieved in there, which I do not doubt in the least, but for now its time to play some music and move!
p.s However, Axe said, exercise can actually also lead to spiked levels of anxiety or depression. ‘Gym rage’ – could working out make anger worse? Isabel Clarke a NHS clinical psychologist states that if you are experiencing symptoms of stress, working out can heighten your emotions. Therefor exercise should create a positive experience, so make sure you spend time doing what you enjoy.
If you find yourself leaving the gym in a worse state than entering research suggests many alternative ways you can keep fit, such as running, home workouts, swimming, fitness classes, martial arts, team sports, and even something more gentle, such as yoga. Opting for slower-paced exercises, such as a brisk walk, Pilates or Tai Chi will prevent you from getting too ‘hyped up’, which is what in turn causes our emotions to run wild. Not only will varying your exercise benefit your body, but it will also help to keep your mind active. Furthermore, joining group or team classes will encourage you to socialise more often, all of which will lead to improved emotional well-being.
Ahem! Am glad that summer is round the corner and its soon time to hit the pool!!
Vedasri Siddamsetty 