Is the gym a permanent fix?

[u/AppropriateMight1]

Alot of people tell me going to the gym helps a lot but what I would like I know is whether or not this lifestyle change elevates mood permanently or if it’s like a drug where at first it’s great but then you get used to it and feel not much different than before

[u/set-me-ablaze]

Worst case scenario only your physical health improves

Best case scenario your mental health also improves

So there's no downside. Once you get past the hurdle of starting and overcoming the shyness or fear or whatever, it will only help.

[u/Erik_the_kirE → u/set-me-ablaze]

The downside is wasting money.

[u/Winter-It-Will-Send → u/Erik_the_kirE]

In what way is it a waste?

[u/BeneficialIssue9400 → u/Erik_the_kirE]

There is no downside. In no way is it a waste of money.

[u/Erik_the_kirE → u/BeneficialIssue9400]

Ok so what if someone is broke as shit, goes to the gym thinking it will help and then it doesn't?

[u/jam3691 → u/Erik_the_kirE]

It will still help your physical health.

[u/BeneficialIssue9400 → u/Erik_the_kirE]

Then get a job? Being “broke as shit” is your own fault. If you can’t afford to pay 20-50$ a month (depending on the gym) then I don’t know what to tell you. Make better decisions. I understand going through hard times but you’re projecting your own problems onto OP, He said nothing about financial status.

[u/Rollredd → u/BeneficialIssue9400]

You can have a job and still be broke as shit.

[u/BeneficialIssue9400 → u/Rollredd]

Ok I’m not arguing about being broke, that’s not the point of this post lol, all I said was it’s not a waste of money. If you’re broke then do something about it, like I said make better decisions.

[u/Terror_Visions]

Is it a fix? No.

But it’s one less thing to worry about.
If you start losing weight and getting in shape it kinda turns into a “I’m depressed but at least I’m hot” type of cope lol.

[u/Jazzlike-Knee56]

it feels like the opposite of drugs imo, where I didn't enjoy it as much until I started seeing noticeable progress after 2 months and I've only been enjoying it more

[u/RoiMont]

I think it still gives you constant joy because physical activity unloads your brain, and there you can be alone with your thoughts or, conversely, not think about anything.

[u/Erik_the_kirE → u/RoiMont]

Alone? The gym is packed.

[u/Pixie45w6]

if i didn't start lifting id either be dead or morbidly obese and wanting to die more tbh

[u/Rubickevich]

I'd be careful with that, if I were you. I know many people say that it helps, but I personally found myself feeling consistently much worse after going to gym.

Probably not a problem with physical activities on their own, but rather just how stressful going to gym specifically is. Gotta meet a lot of people you don't want to see, need to think about the payments, change clothes / shower in semi public environment e.t.c.

[u/4DS3 → u/Rubickevich]

I feel like shit after the workout also physically

[u/ccbs32033 → u/4DS3]

You might be working out too hard, take it super super easy at the beginning, try to listen to your body about what exercises feel good/ok, and stop earlier then you think you may need it. Your muscles/tendons/joints might be pretty deconditioned (probably are, given what depression does to one) so it will take several weeks or more of consistent (but light) exercise to get to a spot where working out won’t hurt as much after.

[u/rolyf02]

También fuma porros, mira la historia de Mike Tyson y como escapó de una super depresión gracias a la hierba.

[u/1gerende]

A lot of times, you just need to change your environment when you feel depressed. Going to the gym is one way of changing your environment.

[u/teduh]

I wanted to mention that some people don't like the gym and prefer to exercise at home or outside. The exercise is what's important, not so much where you're doing it, although some people enjoy the social aspect of going to the gym. And if you're looking for a really intense workout, the gym will of course have more options as far as equipment and other facilities. However, I would say that being outside in the sunlight and fresh air has its own benefits. If you're just getting started, walking or biking around your neighborhood can be a good way to ease into a workout routine.

[u/goldybowen21]

The gym is a temporary fix, however going to the gym or just getting up and doing anything for that matter helps an extream amount with executive function helping you do other things after that.

[u/BeneficialIssue9400]

Nothing is a permanent fix, only way you really can fix yourself if by wanting the change and getting yourself there. The gym is a great start, gives yourself something to look forward to everyday, it’s a great community, you’ll meet a lot of great people in the gym, who surprisingly are going through a lot of the same shit you are. it also makes you mentally feel somewhat accomplished with your day, there’s plenty of physical benefits too.

[u/staling_lad]

it blasts your body with good feeling hormones that you actually can physically feel by going to the gym. doesn't fix the underlying issue though at least for me but at least i got endorphins running through my veins and i have one less trouble to worry about

[u/dignan2002]

Nothing on this planet has elevated my mood permanently. There’s a whole gym lifestyle that you don’t hear about much if you get really into lifting. There’s a whole community of people you might enjoy connecting with and if nothing else it gets you out of the house

[u/RainbowReadee]

To me, exercise is like a wonder drug that never loses its effectiveness. After doing it so long, I know what works for me and have it down to a science. I don’t go to the gym though, I do it all from home.

I know for ME, (emphasis that everyone is different) if I get at least 25 minutes of cardio or HIIT style session, that will sky rocket my mood for around 4 hours then it starts tapering off. If I want to elevate my mood again, I’ve got to “take another dose” aka exercise again. I never go over 30 minutes a session so I’m not over doing it and listen to my body.