In order to grow mentally and physically, many people find working out to be enjoyable, worthwhile and an activity to grow relationships with friends and become better athletes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, working out can be beneficial for people no matter their age, race, gender or any other deciding factors.
Physical activity can “improve brain health, [reduce] short-term feelings of anxiety and can help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills.”
According to senior Jayden Bergey, his mindset while working out and participating in physical activity is to stay consistent and take everything slowly.
“Being consistent and being simple, honestly, that is what I have learned is the most important,” Bergey said. “If you can find ways to work out that are simple but also allow you to keep doing what you are doing on a consistent basis.”
Just like Bergey, freshman Chase Hart is also motivated by overall just wanting to be fit.
For junior Patrick Wendell, that is not the case. According to Wendell, his motivation is to inspire young ones to pave their own way.
“I always wanted to inspire kids to follow the right path,” Wendell said, “being able to get your body the best you can is a way for that dream to become a reality.”
Jjunior Ezra Swartley said his motivation is found in music. He finds music to be “positive” and “uplifting.”
These athletes have found that working out has helped them to improve from a mental standpoint, as well.
According to Hart, working out allows him to be happier with himself, and it helps give him a mission for life.
“It gives me a lot more energy, and it gives me a purpose throughout the day,” Hart said. “Lifting has brought me better self-esteem because it is just something I can be proud of.”
For many athletes, being active, training and working out are shown to help produce better competitors, no matter the sport.
Wendell said, working out has also helped him to become more undisturbed and fearless when playing baseball.
“Working out has helped me 100% on the field,” Wendell said. “It has allowed me to be faster, more confident and more relaxed.”
According to Bergey, being confident is needed when trying to improve.
“Have that confidence in your body image and your own image, your identity, who you are and who you want to be,” Bergey said. “Your body allows you to do amazing things.”