When you first get into the swing of a workout routine, it can be intimidating and confusing as hell. You're proud of yourself for getting out there and trying something new, but at the same time, there are so many things that you feel like you might be doing wrong, and the struggles are just freaking real. Trust me though, there's a long list of things no one tells you about working out that virtually everyone encounters at some point. You are not alone, fam.
Most people are aware of the many benefits associated with working out, like the fact that it can increase your energy levels and improve your sleep. But what's not as commonly discussed, for example, is that grueling cardio sesh you endured like a champ when you forgot your headphones, or that time you had to wear bikini bottoms for underwear because your time at the laundromat has basically tripled since you started regularly hitting the gym.
However, among the myriad struggles of adapting to a healthy lifestyle, there are just as many rewarding things that can come from a regular workout routine, too, but people still don't seem to talk about either at the end of the day.
Here are 11 things that literally no one tells you about working out, but they're all insanely true and relatable AF.
You know the feeling: You're in the zone, lifting some weights or smashing in some burpees, and you want to continue listening to your killer playlist to motivate you — but where the hell do you put your phone?
Into your sports bra it goes, and when you remove it a few minutes later, the camera is literally all fogged up from your own gross, sticky sweat, and it's this close to suffering from actual, legitimate water damage.
It might seem annoying to strap a cellphone-holder on your arm during a workout, but it's so worth it, I promise. After all, you've got to keep that selfie game strong and sweat-free, amirite?
When you start working out on the reg, your shower schedule is likely to get majorly f*cked up. Like, I bathed myself in the morning, and now I have to rinse the sweat off again? The struggle's real, y'all.
If you wash your hair too much, it'll most likely get super dry, so invest in some kickass dry shampoo, and rejoice in the blessing that is not having to shower twice a day, every day.
Oh chafing, how I loathe thee.
You'll quickly learn that certain kinds of workout gear do not agree with your thighs. This is kind of just a feeling-it-out-as-you-go sort of thing, and you simply have to find what works for you. Be sure to see what works and what doesn't for you, and maybe invest in a quality cream or gel to keep the chafing to a minimum.
Don't look at me like that. You know your poop has been f*cking amazing since you've started hitting the gym more regularly.
That's because squeezing in a sweat sesh here and there reduces the time it takes for food to go through your large intestine, which makes your pooping schedule more regular.
Yes, it's healthy, and it feels freaking good.
Sweaty clothes means much, much, much more laundry.
Have I been guilty of sweating it out in already-sweaty workout clothes because I was just too lazy to figure out an alternative? Maybe. Judge me, I dare you.
Remembering your headphones on the way to the gym is honestly essential as hell.
Yes, you can attempt a cardio sesh without them, but you can also get a cavity filled without novocaine. Yeah, I did just make that comparison. It's that painful, OK?
You might reflexively beat yourself up for missing a workout or two at some point, but I'm here to tell you that it's more than OK, and it doesn't mean that you've totally failed at all of your fitness goals.
Your body absolutely needs rest, but it's OK if your weekly rest days turn into a full-on rest week. You can hop right back in where you left off, and you know what? You're probably going to feel even more rejuvenated because you gave yourself the time off you needed, so cheers to that, girl.
When you really get into an amazing workout groove, you might find yourself having more goals than you can count.
That's OK, and honestly, it's bound to happen. Do your best to start small so you don't get overwhelmed too quickly, and just be real with yourself about what you can and can't accomplish.
I think there should be a room somewhere in this world that is devoted only to people who just did leg day, where they can all lay on the ground sobbing and complaining together.
Dramatic? Maybe. But you know you'd want to join in.
Working out to meet someone else's expectations is just downright silly. For me, the real beauty of exercise lies in finding ways to move your body that make you feel genuinely incredible. That's what it's all about.
On that note, working out for you and only you honestly feels so freaking good.
Finding empowering ways to move your body, and looking forward to it as your favorite part of the day, is the best feeling in the world. There's simply nothing else like it.
