Pumping Iron

Although I don’t claim to be an avid gym-goer or athlete, I understand that working out is a source of good feelings for many people. 

Sweat

Breaking a sweat always feels like a huge accomplishment. I don’t sweat easily, so when I do, I know it’s because I’m working my body pretty hard. Even if you are someone who is a sweater (hmm…sp?), sweating is still an accomplishment of sorts. 

For one, toxins are literally flowing out through the biggest organ in your body… WOAH. The ultimate purge. Two, sweat is a result of some sort of effort (physical, mental, or both), which always makes us feel proud of ourselves. Three, it makes people look shiny, like exercise gods and goddesses. 

Society told us so.

Yiiiiikes, I know you’re all ready with the pitchforks when you see this one. I believe it to be true, though. I am willing to bet that those of us who have never formed a consistent workout routine feel guilty to some extent, mostly because friends, family, and “the media” tell us we need to workout in order to lead a healthy life. I have reached the point where, sometimes, I feel LESS normal for not being fit.

On the other hand, society tells us we need to work out because, well… we do. America is fat and hundreds of thousands of people die each year as a result. For once, the SYSTEM may be one to something here… working out does seem to make a lot of people look and feel good. 

Let’s face it, sometimes it feels good to fit in.

Endorphins

We’ve all heard that exercise releases endorphins, a magical neurotransmitter that mimics opioids and inhibits the transmission of pain signals. 

In millennial terms, when you workout, your pituitary gland is like YAAAAAAS and floods your bloodstream with stuff that gives you a sweet sweet high.

When you’re starting your workout and you’ve felt discomfort or pain, did you ever notice it ease up after a few more reps? That’s those endorphins, baby. Keep ‘em flowing. 

Others are watching.

Working out is showing off, whether it is to yourself, the universe, or the people around you. YOU’RE NOT A BAD PERSON FOR WANTING TO SHOW OFF. Being proud of our own accomplishments is something that humanizes us. 

This is part of the reason people post gym pics, talk about going to the gym, buy attractive gym clothing, etc. If you haven’t done any of these things and feel the urge, I say go for it. No one should judge you for being fit and fab. 

There is no place for humility at the gym. 

Competition 

Whether you are competing against yourself or others, a little competition motivates us because it raises the stakes. Throw competition into the mix of exercise, and you’d be surprised how much HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER you become. If you “beat” your opponents or your own high score, you are left with a great sense of accomplishment and pride. If you lose, you have even more motivation to kill it next time. Boom, good feelings. 

Primal instinct

This one is speculation, but I’m willing to bet that part of the reason we like to pump iron is that the stronger we are, the better equipped we are to survive in general. Although physical strength and endurance may not be as necessary as it was before urban living, those instincts still live somewhere in our DNA.

Solitude

Apart from using the bathroom, working out is probably one of the best methods for introspection. You are left alone with your own thoughts throughout your workout, and you must learn how to motivate yourself to reach your goals. This is no easy task and once completed, you have another reason to be proud of yourself because you did it alone. Even in group exercise settings, no one is moving your limbs for you- you could stop at any time. I believe that willing oneself to push through physical exertion strengthens the mind as well as the body. 

Bettering oneself

Because who doesn't always want to be “better?” I would venture to say that exercising more is on the top of a TON of people’s New Year’s resolution list- I know it’s on mine every year. The reasons for this are all listed above… working out is supposed to make us better. 

If you want to do it, go for it. If you don’t, feel free to not exercise, but don’t be stubborn. It makes a lot of people feel good, so why not give it a go?

Animalia

When I asked folks to tell me what makes them feel good, a huge percentage told me all about their pets. I’ve been around pet and non-pet people all my life, and I’ve noticed that they all have something surprising in common. 

Humans like it when animals show them affection. 

Whenever I go to the zoo, I stare through the glass at the animals in the exhibits, wishing as hard as I can that one will make eye contact with me, notice me. I wonder what they're thinking about, and what we look like to them outside the glass. Most importantly, I wonder if they like me. 

Now, everyone might not be as wacky as I am about animals, but I’m willing to bet that you get a few butterflies in your stomach when a gorilla waltzes right up to the glass in front of you and stares. Have you ever tapped fish tank, hoping the fish will notice and follow your finger across the glass? Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. 

It goes without saying that us animals lovers adore when our furry friends cuddle with us. 

Humans are complicated, animals’ needs are physiological. 

Animals rely on us to be fed, protected by shelter, and socialized. These core requirements are all they need to be happy and healthy. Considering Maslow's hierarchy of needs, animals only need the basics: food, water, warmth, rest, security and safety. No need to worry about intimate relationships, esteem needs, or self-actualization. 

No emotional baggage (usually), no verbal arguments. Their bouts with puberty and rebellion last maybe months, whereas human "phases" last years. If you don't buy them a Christmas or Birthday present, they won't feel neglected. The list goes on. It takes very little work, compared to taking care of a human, to feel like you have a made a real difference in the life of an animal. We humans get that coveted "I'm a good person" feeling without having to do much.

Animals can’t talk. 

Although animals undoubtedly have their own version of language, thank goodness we humans can’t understand it. The fact that animals cannot speak makes living with them irresistibly simple. No arguments, snarky comments, sexual innuendos, opinions, or annoying banter. We have no idea what they are actually thinking, which makes us assume that that they are thinking what we want them to be thinking… I think. 

Fur is pleasing to touch.

Who doesn’t love furry things? I know, not all animals are furry, but those that have fur are often the most desirable. I’d like to think that this dates back to ancient times, when human tribes needed fur to survive and keep them warm. Just a hunch.

Animals don’t live very long.

This one is a little morbid, but still so true. Humans often spring for buying or rescuing a pet long before they consider having children, and I believe it is because the commitment is shorter and less complicated. Animals have a comparatively short time on this earth (unless you're a parrot or sea turtle), and humans want to make every moment worthwhile. 

I am a volunteer at PAWS, a wonderful shelter here in the city. Moments like this explain why.