By Dania Al Boukhari | Staff Writer

After the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to start running as a means of physical exercise. It’s not because I wanted to become a fitness influencer all of a sudden, but because it seemed like the only choice I had. My body was yearning for movement, for life and for thriving, especially after spending nearly two years at home, like many around the world, witnessing the changes of the world from behind a screen. With the rapidly increasing case numbers and death tolls, all while being stuck without any move from my desk or bed, I knew something had to change.

In theory, I knew how important physical activity was for both my mental and physical health. That is what everyone says anyway, isn’t it? Definitely, studying a health-related major meant I had a bit more knowledge on the “why” exercise matters in terms of increasing serotonin (also known as the mood hormones), boosting endorphins (or the happiness chemicals), regulating stress hormones, supporting cardiovascular health (also known as the body’s pumping machine), among other countless benefits. Yet again, I wanted to “feel” these benefits rather than having this textbook information.

At that point, I had really felt like my body had aged and rusted. My back ached from sitting all day, my joints started making strange cracking sounds, my mind felt foggy, and even a short flight of stairs left me out of breath (a huge NO NO amidst a respiratory pandemic). A part of me wanted to reclaim ownership over my own body again. That meant relearning what it means to move freely and to enjoy it.

For that reason, I joined a running group. It felt less intimidating than starting and doing it alone, and there was something comforting about showing up with others who also just wanted to put one foot in front of the other. I vividly remember the first run. Committing to a running group meant waking up early on cold winter mornings and dragging myself out of my warm cozy bed to meet a group of strangers. I went with little to no expectations, but I left with the greatest joy I had felt in over a year. It felt like I almost teleported to childhood, when moving my body around brought nothing but pure happiness. It was not just an exercise. It was a reminder that I can surprise myself by how far I can go.

My face was flushed, pumped with blood, and my body felt high, fueled by dopamine, the brain’s reward and motivation hormone. All I knew at the time was that I enjoyed it, and I wanted more.

So, I kept running. Week after week, I added a little more distance until I, eventually, ran my first ten-kilometer race. The finish line was more than the end of a certain distance; it was symbolic. I had gone from rotting at home, restless and drained, all the way to moving forward and crossing the finish line. It felt as though I had finally outrun the stagnant weight of the pandemic.

Of course, life is not always linear. I kept running; however, shifting commitments and responsibilities made me unable to remain consistent at times. Despite the challenges, changes were still noticeable.

Exercise improved my sleep. I woke up more refreshed, with enough energy to carry myself through the day. The mental fog that once clung to me started to lift. I could focus better, study longer, and even saw my academic performance improve. But the biggest shift was in my mood: I felt lighter, calmer, and genuinely happier. The anxiety that had once ruled my days began to loosen its grip. Life felt more manageable. Sometimes, it felt blissful even.

That’s what kept me going. I didn’t want to return to the heaviness I felt during the stillness of the pandemic. Movement became my medicine—accessible, empowering, and deeply healing.

Now, movement is not just something that I do, it is one of my non-negotiables, particularly when things get overwhelming. Moving my body reminds me that I have ownership and responsibility over my mind and body. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from this, it’s that you won’t always show up as perfect as you’d like – but you should always be willing to show up.

Sure, all the previous and ongoing research about the benefits of physical activity is important—and I had learned a fair share of it through my studies. But nothing compares to experiencing that science firsthand. You can discuss endorphins, neurotransmitters, and reduced cortisol levels all day long—but until you feel your heart pounding joyfully in your chest or notice your mind quieting after a walk, it’s all just words.

That’s the beauty of it: you don’t have to be a runner or a gym rat! When done consistently and intentionally, movement creates change. A short walk, some stretching, a yoga class, or even a reformer Pilates session (including wearing your Alo outfit followed by a matcha latte if that’s your thing!) can lead to real, tangible, and life-affirming change.

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