Owen Jones reflects on his shift in perspective towards gyms, discovering their mental benefits beyond just physical appearance.
For years, I saw gyms as temples of vanity – places where people worshipped their bodies and threw away their money. I believed self-improvement could come from reading a book, and gyms only served to promote insecurities, particularly in a world that often glorifies unrealistic body ideals. As a gay man, I felt this pressure acutely, surrounded by body image struggles in a community where body dysmorphia often takes center stage.
Even when I eventually joined a gym, it felt like I was out of place. I awkwardly tried machines, ran on the treadmill, and wondered if the constant grunting was a sign of progress. I wasn’t alone, though – research suggests more than half of us don’t know what we’re doing at the gym.
However, this year, I changed my perspective. A mix of post-lockdown weight gain, the stress of writing a book, and the chaotic state of politics pushed me to reevaluate my habits. I didn’t want to look back on this challenging period and think I hadn’t used it to grow. At 37, I realized that without changes, my health would inevitably decline.
So, I made an effort: I cut down on drinking, incorporated running and high-intensity interval training into my routine, and focused on eating healthier. With two months before gyms officially reopened, I started making changes – though, in hindsight, losing weight too quickly had some unintended consequences. Still, it was the start of a healthier routine.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the physical benefits, but the mental ones. The gym helped me feel more grounded, reduce stress, and boost my mood. It’s no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about well-being. And as I kept going back, I realized the gym is not just about vanity – it’s a space for self-care, both physical and mental.
