I workout everyday at my university gym, not to lose weight (I'm 5'4 and 115), I just love how it makes me feel afterwards. I feel much more relaxed, happy and motivated to do things after I get my exercise. I get more work done, I read more, I practice more guitar, I am more social, attend more campus events, the list goes on. I started going to the gym regularly about three months ago. I got started because I was constantly stressed and anxious and heard that it working out might be helpful and generally elevate my mood. Now I can't imagine life without it. It really keeps me centered and balanced.

I also have a fair amount of social anxiety but for some reason I have never felt self-conscious at the gym... I know that once I start working out my mind goes quiet, and I don't even have the capability to think about anything else but how to keep going in my workout and push myself harder. I assume others feel the same way, they are "in the zone" and their minds are completely clear, the last thing on their minds is judgment in my direction. Also, when you're exercising you are burning up the stress hormone, cortisol, that has been released by your body. So whenever I get stressed in the gym for whatever reason, I just up the speed/intensity of whatever I'm doing and try to burn that stress away even faster.

I stick to a routine because... well... the benefits of it are just so immense. It's like a magical drug and I honestly cannot fathom how people don't do some kind of physical activity, especially if they have any kind of anxiety/depressive issues. It's not for everyone, I understand some people really hate it, but it can help immensely.