Or any day during my three-month membership this fall. It’s so cliche, slightly amusing, and just a really interesting behavioral curiosity. When I signed up, I was so convinced I’d go to Zumba and yoga classes, aiming for a couple of times a week. I told myself at the beginning of the day I’d go. And then 5 or 6 p.m. rolled around (class time), and I. Could. Not. Do. It. Many days I decided to go for a long walk after work instead. I don’t completely avoid physical activity. I get grumpy when I don’t move my body, in fact. It was the timing, or the anticipated social overwhelm, or the dark. I don’t know. But I do know the gym is less than a mile from my house. Maybe I was really just battling inertia, myself, and/or routine change.
I asked ChatGPT to help me feel better. Below is what it generated in response to my submission, “make me feel better about not going to the gym.” (Note there are a lot of serious ethical discussions circulating the use of tools like this and AI-generated art and those are important considerations in parallel with experimentation. One such idea is that ChatGPT confidently gets things wrong, at times. Read more in this recent NY Times article, “How to Use ChatGPT and Still Be a Good Person.”)
ChatGPT’s Response
“It’s completely understandable to feel down about not being able to make it to the gym, especially if you were hoping to use your membership and make progress towards your fitness goals. However, it’s important to remember that life can get in the way and it’s okay to take a break or prioritize other things. It’s also important to be kind to yourself and recognize that it’s okay to have off days or periods where you’re not able to make it to the gym. Here are a few things that might help you feel better about not going to the gym:
- Remember that your worth is not determined by whether or not you go to the gym. You are a valuable and deserving person regardless of your fitness habits.
- Recognize that it’s okay to take breaks from the gym. It’s important to listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.
- Find other ways to stay active and take care of your body. Going for a walk, doing yoga at home, or trying out a new fitness app are all great alternatives to going to the gym.
- Set achievable fitness goals for yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to go to the gym every day. Instead, focus on small, achievable goals that you can work towards at your own pace.
- Remember that progress takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing results as quickly as you’d like. Keep in mind that progress takes time and consistency, and it’s important to be patient with yourself.
- Talk to a friend or loved one about how you’re feeling. Sometimes it can be helpful to share your feelings with someone else and get some support and encouragement.
I hope these suggestions help you feel better about not going to the gym. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being and do what feels right for you.”
