Nawal Bayrakdar is a 77-year-old woman from Syria. She runs her own gym and she gives 12 classes a week for the women in her city. She encourages other women to introduce fitness into their lifestyles because it has many benefits for both your physical and mental well-being.
Why should we go to the gym?
Nawal strongly believes that sports are good for your mental health because they are a form of treatment. She is certain she would become depressed if she decided to stop participating in sports.
It has been a personal journey for Nawal because she started her fitness path after her five children left Syria. Sports have acted as a companion for Nawal and her role as a trainer in her own gym has provided her with a new purpose. She can help other people feel good about themselves and she wants to make a difference in their lives.
Currently, Nawal has 50 women, who have become regular visitors, that use her gym six days a week. She is very happy that she has been able to start her fitness journey with other women. Many women have been inspired by her enthusiasm and it encourages them to work harder!
How can we motivate ourselves?
One of Nawal’s regular visitors is a young woman called Jumana Al-Shimali. She is strongly motivated by how Nawal is in good shape at her age! This motivates her as it shows how sports are an essential part of life and how you can engage with them at any age. She also highlights how sports are responsible for providing you with continuous energy.
So, let’s talk about how you can start your own fitness journey… It can be quite daunting at first, especially if you haven’t been to the gym before. However, there are solutions that can help make you feel more comfortable. For example, you can go with a friend, sign up for classes, and you can ask instructors to help you if you are unsure about anything!
Treat working out as an appointment for your mental health instead of “ugh, I have to go to the gym” and I promise it’ll change your mindset.
— ?❄️ (@SoleInLovee) July 26, 2021
It’s important to remember that your mindset towards going to the gym and working out can affect your performance. If you start your journey with a negative attitude and mindset, then you will end up giving up before you’ve given yourself a chance. Focus on the positives for your physical and mental wellbeing and you will start to notice a difference!
