The resolutions of January are far behind us and summer is right around the corner. As gym attendance across the country slows down we can’t help but wonder will you be ready to shed those layers in the next few months? If the gym has lost its luster and you are looking for an excuse not to attend we have compiled a list of reasons for you.

You Don’t Want to Get Sweaty

We get it, you don’t want to walk to class or work sweaty and smelly as I’m sure your colleagues would agree. However, did you ever stop to think about the benefits of sweating? The main purpose of sweat is to cool your body down. Sweat glands release sweat onto the skin, which then evaporates and helps reduce the body's internal temperature. According to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences peptides produced by sweat glands can act as antibiotics to fight off infection. These peptides can boost your immunity and can also fight off bacteria on your skin. Plus, lucky for you the Campus Recreation Complexes (CRC) state of the art facility features showers in the locker room so after your sweat-inducing workout you can clean up before you head out for the rest of your day.   

You’re Too Exhausted Already

Have you lost the extra pep in your step? Between work and school and your social life we know it can be hard to find time for the gym. Exercise, however, may be just what your body needs to bolster your energy levels and thrive each day. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain which can help sharpen your awareness and add that pep back into your step all day long. If time is a concern the CRC is conveniently located right on campus so it’s easy to fit workouts into your schedule no matter how short of a window you may have between classes or meetings. CRC group fitness classes are also a great way to maximize your time at the gym and minimize the brain power and prep work needed ahead of time.

The Gym is Expensive

The CRC is one of the most affordable gym options in the greater Atlanta area.  We offer several membership options for students, faculty, staff, affiliates, alumni, and their families. If you are a student you already have a membership to the CRC. It is included in the Georgia Tech mandatory or voluntary fee. If you are a benefits-eligible employee you can take the guesswork out of payment plans and sign up for convenient payroll deduction. For more information regarding pricing and registration go to crc.gatech.edu/memberships.

You are Too Stressed

Your group project is falling entirely on your shoulders, you forgot to call your mom back for the umpteenth time, you haven’t washed your sheets in weeks, and you have nothing left in the fridge but mustard. There a million different stressors in your life to keep you from going to the gym. These are the times when you need it most. Even though it may feel like one more item on your never-ending to-do list working out can curb your feelings of anxiety and depression and allow you to handle stressful situations better. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity increases the production of endorphins, your brains feel-good neurotransmitters. Regular exercise can relax you, and also improve your sleep cycle, which is often disrupted by stress, depression, or anxiety. Exercise can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of control over your body and life.

However you exercise, don't think of it as just one more thing on your to-do list. Find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. You also can do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The CRC provides a premier recreation, aquatic center, intramural fields, and leadership challenge course for the Georgia Tech community to fit all interests. For more information about what the CRC offers go to crc.gatech.edu.