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Nadine Abdalla/Fourth Estate

Health and fitness advocate Nadine Abdalla reveals how embracing exercise can transform your confidence and mental resilience

BY NADINE ABDALLA, STAFF WRITER

Fitness wasn’t always a part of my life. After moving from Egypt to the U.S. at age 9, I struggled with weight gain and faced relentless bullying. It wasn’t about the physical changes but the emotional toll. My self-worth took a hit and shyness became my shield. It wasn’t until I took control of my life through fitness that I began to experience a profound transformation.

Fitness is more than physical exercise; it’s a powerhouse for self-empowerment. Each drop of sweat and every challenge faced in the gym builds resilience, self-discipline and confidence. Committing to a fitness routine isn’t about working on your body. It’s a journey that strengthens your mind and spirit. 

The thrill of surpassing a goal, whether it’s running an extra mile or lifting heavier weights, isn’t only a physical triumph; it’s a testament to your inner strength and a reminder that you’re capable of far more than you once believed.

The mental health benefits of fitness are just as impressive. Regular exercise can work wonders for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. For me, it became a healthy outlet for channeling stress and frustrations. Each workout session not only helped me blow off steam but also fostered a positive self-image. The physical changes were noticeable but the boost in confidence and self-esteem was even more remarkable.

For students juggling the pressures of academics, stress or self-doubt, fitness can be a game-changer. Start by setting small, achievable goals, Don’t aim for a marathon right out of the gate! Commit to a few short, regular workouts each week. Find activities that make you feel alive whether it’s jogging, yoga, or a sport, and make them part of your routine. 

Use fitness apps like MyFitnessPal or Nike Training Club to keep track and stay motivated. And don’t overlook local gyms or community centers; they often have student discounts or free classes that can help you get started. Full-time Mason students have free access to the three gyms on the Fairfax campus.

Building a support system can also make a huge difference. Exercising with friends or joining a fitness group can keep you motivated and make workouts more fun. If you prefer working out at home, check out YouTube channels, they offer fantastic guidance and variety.

Balancing fitness with your academic life is key. Schedule workouts around your classes and study sessions to keep everything in harmony without adding extra stress. Even a short, 10-minute workout can work wonders for managing stress and boosting focus, especially during those high-pressure exam periods.

So embrace fitness not just as a physical challenge but as a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Every step, lift and sprint is a testament to your inner strength and resilience. By committing to this journey, you’re not just sculpting a healthier body, you’re unlocking the incredible power within you to achieve greatness in every aspect of your life.

Fitness is about more than changing your body. It’s about empowering your soul and setting the stage for a more confident, fulfilling and empowered life.

Viviana Smith/ Fourth Estate

BY KEVIN BINAJ, SPORTS EDITOR AND CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

My name is Kevin Binaj, and I am excited to be part of this year’s team as the sports editor. With the start of a new academic year, I am eager to contribute to the paper’s success and bring fresh, dynamic coverage to the sports section.

In the upcoming issues, I plan to explore a diverse range of topics that go beyond just scores and statistics. I want to highlight the stories of our teams, their dedication to the craft and the impact sports has on our community. My goal is to dive deeper into the personal journeys of our athletes, the camaraderie and challenges within teams and how sports shape the overall student experience. 

Collaboration is key. I am excited to work with each of you to ensure we produce high-quality content that resonates with our readers. If you have any suggestions, ideas, or feedback on how we can elevate the sports section or if you need any support with your sections, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can continue to make the school paper a platform for compelling storytelling and thought-provoking discussion.

Looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Best regards,

Kevin Binaj, sports editor

kbinaj@gmu.edu

Christian Segovia/ Fourth Estate

Hello everyone!

My name is Christian Segovia, and I am the assistant Sports Editor working next to Kevin Binaj. I am majoring in Communication with a focus on Journalism and a minor in Sports Communication.

The two goals I have this semester are to dig deeper into the culture of Mason sports and cover Esports for our gamers. The sports section wants sports cards that do a deeper analysis of our players and coaches at Mason. 

I am excited to work alongside Kevin, our lead sports editor. We invite all forms of collaboration, story ideas or questions. We look forward to working with all of you throughout the semester.

Students interested in joining Fourth Estate should email us at eic@gmufourthestate.com. If you have an interest in writing sports related content on campus, please reach out to us below.

Best,

Christian Segovia

csegovi@gmu.edu