The Comprehensive Guide To Your Fitness Adventure
As you make your way to the comm hall for dinner, you walk up the stairs and catch a glimpse of the gym room out of the corner of your eye. There, someone is holding a barbell, their forehead furrowed in concentration as their eyes fixed intently on the weight above. A flicker of determination flashes across their face, preparing themselves mentally over and over again for the ascent. As they begin the upward push, their expression transforms into one of utter determination; brows knitted, jaws clenched, lips pursed in a wordless cry of effort. With a powerful exhale, the barbell moves skyward, and a victorious light illuminates their eyes, capturing the unadulterated accomplishment of overcoming the task.
Perhaps many who have never set foot in that space may not truly appreciate the blend of struggle and achievement it entails. So, let me share a fresh perspective on this unique journey, whether you're just starting or an experienced pro.
We all have a playful child hidden inside us, but the grind of daily life pushes that inner kid into a corner, making it tough to pursue happiness in our fitness journeys. Yet, what if we could re-imagine our wellness odyssey as our favourite MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games)?
(Photo Source: Internet - Mist)
Here is a quick overview: MMORPGs are online video games where you can craft unique characters, take on quests, and team up with friends to tackle challenges. Now, imagine approaching the gym with that same enthusiasm! When you adopt the character’s perspective, each gym session transforms into an opportunity to collect experience points (EXP). Over time, these EXP will help you level up your skills. You won’t just gain physical strength in different areas; you’ll also build your confidence and resilience.
With every workout, you may unlock new achievements and earn your personal “loot”, like hitting a new personal record or finishing a tough class. And if you are a completionist, how could you possibly resist checking out that visible progress bar when you look in the mirror?
Buffs and Debuffs
(Photo Source: Internet - Buffs/Debuffs Icon Pack)
As you navigate the world of fitness, keep an eye on your buffs and debuffs; they greatly affect your performance while you’re conquering the dungeon of gains. In this game, supplements and pre-workout drinks are like slurping down a magic potion that grants you strength to channel your inner Hulk. Protein powder? That’s your armour, ready to repair those muscles after a grueling battle. Creatine? That’s like the Mana Potion, giving you extra power for those heavy lifts.
Now, let’s talk about the debuffs. Always be wary of those pesky little things that sneak into your fitness adventure and sabotage your progress. For example, the “Lazy Sloth” badge gets slapped on you when you skip a workout in favour of lifting your mobile phone instead of the barbell. And that late-night McDonald’s or Amaans binge? Congratulations, you’ve just unlocked the “Greasy Food Curse”. Suddenly, every set feels like a battle against the urge to roll over and take a nap instead. You might even find yourself doing the classic “Did I eat so much?” face in the gym mirror, realising that those extra fries weren’t worth the heavy lifting they now require.
Therefore, choose your potions wisely, stay consistent, and firmly say no to those sinister thoughts that threaten to imprison you with any debuffs. In the epic quest for gains, you want to be the hero, not the sidekick left holding a greasy burger.
Equipment and gears
Next, you turn your head and look at an inconspicuous cave, cloaked in endless darkness and a hint of unsettling noise - definitely the kind of place where you'd find either treasures or trouble. With curiosity and mild terror, you step inside, and after a few moments of navigating the pitch-black darkness, you emerge into the vibrant chaos of the black market. This is not an ordinary shop; it's a treasure trove of rare items from all corners of the realm.
“OMG, is that the Ring of Infinite Snacks?!” you exclaim, your eyes wide with excitement. “I could finally have a snack for every occasion!”
Nearby, a shady dealer chimes in, “How about this? The Enchanted Mirror that only shows you your bulked-up self!”
You raise an eyebrow and stifle a laugh. “Why on earth is that here?”
Before you dive into the dungeon, you decide to equip yourself with a few of these bizarre treasures.
(Photo Source: Internet - Black Desert)
1. Matriculation card
Equipping yourself with the right gear is crucial in succeeding at your quests. To kick off your adventure, the first thing you need to do is step into the gym room. So, bring your matriculation card to unlock the door to new possibilities. Just a friendly reminder: don’t always expect other people to open the door for you.
2. Workout clothes
Grab those moisture-wicking shorts and shirts. Their thin and breathable fabric prevents sweat from lingering on your skin and getting trapped in your clothes. This keeps you feeling drier, more comfortable, and less weighed down during exercise. Remember, fashion might not matter, but you want to look like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t for now.
3. Footwear
According to various professional articles, the appropriate gym shoe can vary depending on the type of workout activity. Personally, I find that a bit cumbersome. As long as you’re wearing comfortable and supportive sneakers, that’s what really matters! Just steer clear of crocs or slippers at the gym, as safety should be your top priority. You can’t imagine the feeling of walking with a foot like a cartoonish club after a dumbbell landed on your toes. One moment, you’re feeling comfy and casual; the next, you’re questioning all your life choices while trying to balance on what feels like a tiny, throbbing potato. You might even get caught and penalised by the security guard snooping around RH, leaving you with the weak excuse of “Today is chest day”.
4. Water bottle
Stay hydrated. Investing in a high-volume water bottle means fewer trips to the water dispenser and more time on the bike or the bench.
5. Towel
If you sweat a lot or are all about intense cardio sessions, a towel is a must-have. Plus, nobody likes using a machine that feels like it’s been used as a slip ‘n slide by someone else. Wiping down the equipment you use not only keeps it clean but also ensures a more sanitary experience for everyone.
6. Headphones
Music moves you, and wearing headphones is a fantastic way to distract and motivate yourself in the gym, especially when you’re jamming to your own playlist. If you’re not sure what songs to choose, just hit play on TWICE. And don’t get too lost in your music; you definitely don’t want to be belting out high notes in front of your fellow gym-goers.
Character classes
Having carefully selected your gear and equipped yourself for the challenge ahead, you stand poised at the entrance of the dungeon, heart pounding with anticipation. The air is thick with tension, and the faint echoes of distant battles resonate from the deep way of dungeon. The Journey Begins. Taking a deep breath, the cold air fills your lungs, fueling your determination as you steady yourself to push open the heavy doors. To your surprise, the interior is unusually bright, with mirrors lining the walls like a maze, forcing you to confront your inner self. You remind yourself of your objectives: you’re not here to conquer foes, but to learn, adapt, and grow stronger with each encounter. As you venture deeper, you'll face a diverse array of players, each representing different character classes.
The Fitness Fixture
(Photo Source: Instagram)
The first person to catch your eye is him, the guy who practically lives at the dungeon. Yep, him again! This character is often referred to as a permanent fixture. He genuinely loves fitness so much that the place feels like his second home in Raffles Hall. You’ll find him chatting away like a social butterfly, ready to discuss everything from his latest workout and nutrition plan to the weather and even his cat’s diet. It’s no surprise he knows everyone’s business, including who’s dating whom, who’s trying to bulk up, and who the mysterious gym ghost is that only appears once in a blue moon. You can tell he has a side gig as the gym gossip. But don’t let that fool you; he’s also always willing to dispense sage advice like a walking fitness encyclopedia. Just try not to ask him about his legendary leg day unless you’re prepared for a 30-minute lecture!
“Did you know that if you breathe out while lifting, you can lift 5% more?”
The Mirror Magnet
(Photo Source: Friend’s Instagram)
Ever wonder where these characters spawn? You can spot them right in front of the dumbbell rack or in the squat racks that are right up against the gym mirrors — they have an unbreakable bond with those reflections, after all. They strut into the gym looking runway-ready, with matching outfits, perfectly styled hair, and sometimes even a light layer of makeup (a bit exaggerated, of course). They take frequent breaks between sets to admire their progress and might attempt to strike a pose, turning their workouts into a full-blown photo shoot.
“Casual gym day? More like my personal Instagram studio!”
The Hunter Gather-er
(Photo Source: My camera)
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see Your Majesty perched on the bench like it’s his throne, surrounded by ten different pairs of dumbbells, each pair more regal than the last — welcome to the Dumbbell Kingdom! But tread carefully, dear player, for entering this realm is like navigating a battlefield. The ground is a veritable minefield of weights, and one misplaced step could lead to a rogue dumbbell crashing onto your foot. Yes, drop-sets are a great way to crank up the intensity to your workout, but there is no need to remove every single dumbbell from the rack while you are striving to get a perfect pump. I promise your gains won’t evaporate in the 30 seconds it takes to swap to a lighter set.
“Why use one dumbbell when you can have an entire kingdom?”
The Upper-body Overlord
(Photo Source: Reddit)
There’s always that one guy focusing on strength, pumping all his stats into attack power while neglecting agility and stamina. You’ll catch him doing countless bench presses, curls, and pull-ups, all while avoiding the squat rack like it’s a cursed place. His upper body boasts a sun-kissed glow, with chiseled arms and chest that could rival a superhero, but his legs? Anyway, he gives unsolicited advice to anyone who will listen about the best arm workouts, while slyly steering the conversation away from legs. Despite the fact that leg day feels like everyone’s personal hell, we all know it’s the necessary evil that transforms us from “upper body warriors” into well-rounded fitness champions.
“Leg day? I mean, it’s my leg day when I walk to the gym!”
The Rest Till Failure
(Photo Source: My camera)
When you suddenly remember that you have a “jio” with your buddies to conquer that dungeon, you can bet they’ll have an irrefutable excuse ready. They have a PhD in rationalising why today isn’t the right day to start. “I’ll hit the gym after this show, just one more episode!” or “I’ve got a mountain of assignments due today!” And their promise? “I’ll definitely start next week.” These characters spend more time planning elaborate workout routines than actually executing them. Their phones are filled with fitness apps, and their social media is peppered with motivational quotes and inspirational workout videos. Even if they appear in the gym rarely, you’ll see them doing the same gentle workouts for what feels like an eternity, often pausing to scroll through social media or playing Brawl Stars between each one, for the next hour or so.
“I’m just giving my body the rest it deserves.”
The RH Special: Weights & Grades Workout
(Photo Source: My Camera)
Picture this: the gym is packed with dedicated players, but in the corner, there’s a dedicated one, balancing a laptop on their knee while stretching between sets. They’ve turned the squat rack into a makeshift study station. While others are hitting the weights, you’ll find them alternating between squats and frantically scrolling through notes and lecture videos. Well, it is a rare occurence and you’ll only see them a few days before the midterm or final exams. Who knew that “brain gains” could come from squatting with a textbook in hand? It’s a wild mix of lifting and learning, showing that when it comes to multitasking, they’re the true MVPs of the gym.
“I’m not just lifting weights; I’m lifting my GPA too!”
You've gotten to know the unique personalities of your dungeon-conquering gym buddies. Sure, some of them might look a little weird, but beneath those eccentric exteriors, they're all genuinely nice folks. Despite their quirks, these buddies make every gym session feel like a fun raid. With tips flying around like spells and encouragement as potent as any healing potion, you'll feel fully supported even when you’re about to collapse from that last set. Together, you can form a ragtag team of fitness adventurers, ready to conquer dungeons (and maybe a few post-workout snacks) with laughter and camaraderie!
Many people work out for a good physique or simply because they enjoy it; for them, it’s a cherished habit. I’m genuinely happy for those individuals, because it indirectly reflects that their lives are content. However, not everyone’s fitness motivation stems from happiness. Some may do it to “remember something” they’ve lost, to “forget about something” that weighs heavily on their hearts, or perhaps to “pick up something” they feel they’ve let slip away, or to “let go of something” that no longer serves them.
The journey of growth can feel pretty lonely, especially when you start your fitness adventure due to your struggles or deep desires. As you push through the challenges, the results start to manifest; not just in how you look but in how you feel. Every drop of sweat tells a story of resilience, each one marking a step towards healing and self-discovery.
For those who have never stepped into a gym before, it might be worth giving it a try. Whether you’ve been overwhelmed by countless assignments or juggling a busy CCA schedule, you might find out that salvation lies within the walls.
(Photo Source: Reddit)
Written by: E Shen
Edited by: Clarissa, Vihaan, Warren
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