My first attempt at fitness

The physical education classes at Zhejiang University are very diverse, and the course design is both creative and engaging. Every semester, we are required to choose a PE class. In my first two semesters, I took basketball and orienteering. This semester, I decided to take bodybuilding — which, honestly, sounded quite challenging for me at first.

Why did I choose bodybuilding? On one hand, my roommate took this course last semester. She told me that fitness had helped her improve her figure, strengthen her muscles, and gain more control over her life. “It all starts with gaining control over your body,” she said. I thought that made a lot of sense, so I chose bodybuilding as well, hoping to learn how to manage my life through fitness.

Under the teacher’s guidance, we began our training. Bench presses and squats were very difficult for me in the beginning. At first, I could only squat 40 kg and bench press 20 kg. But after consistent effort, my strength improved — I could squat 50 kg and bench press 25 kg. Along the way, I also became more confident in facing challenges in life.

My teammates have been a huge source of support. We help each other and ensure safety during training. Gradually, all of us grew stronger, both physically and mentally. I also met many like-minded friends, which made the experience even more rewarding. We often go to the gym together after class, and what began as a course requirement has now become a shared pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

The body is like a river, and exercise is the continuous stream that keeps it flowing — life is endless, and so is movement. In today’s fast-paced academic life, I believe we should all set aside some time for our bodies to rest and strengthen through exercise. Only when our bodies are strong, like small boats, can we face the storms of life with resilience. I hope everyone finds time to move, stay active, and live happily!