Gaining mental & physical strength through exercise.

Free of the restrictions the medicine had on my body and my care for my health, I recently lost over seventy pounds. I’m now in the routine of treating my body kindly & making healthy decisions when it comes to exercise and diet. I was told losing weight wouldn't be the cure to my depression and although I can definitely agree with that specific statement, it did spark the general mindset of my overall happiness. Losing weight to me wasn't just losing being “fat"; losing weight to me was gaining strength, encouraging routine and feeling in control of my body and my life. 


I used to laugh when people would say they were addicted to exercise. I thought I just wasn’t the type of person who could be addicted to such a thing. I used to tell myself I would do ANYTHING to be “skinny,” unless “anything” meant working out. I had no idea exercise had the ability to go from an overwhelmingly daunting task to one of my favorite pastimes. That I would be the person, one day, who preaches that exercise is beyond physical. No matter your size, your journey, your opinion on what you think your relationship with exercise may be, it can transform your mindset on your power, self-worth and confidence. Exercise is an everyday tool to promote growth in learning and loving yourself. 


Getting in shape is not quick and it is not easy but it is my favorite thing to work on because you can see accomplishment with each new day. Adding repetitions, building new sets, discovering new muscles! It is a rush every time you finish a new workout knowing that you overcame your doubt and will do it again tomorrow. The pleasure in challenges set and overcome by yourself, for yourself. Earning more and more confidence in the power of your mind and the strength in desire. Taking care of your body is a direct way to self-love. Free time overcome with the passion to workout turns time that might have felt wasted into the most fulfilling success. Soon it won't be about the distance to your goal weight, but the encouragement and pride each workout will bring you. Feeling icky? Need some energy? Need a reminder of your power? For me, my workouts are my answer to all of the above. 


With so many social media outlets providing video tutorial on routines and offering a variety of exercises, working out can be exciting! In-home workouts with and without equipment make access to activity simple. You no longer find yourself sitting on the couch while watching TV. Instead, you are excited about times when you can multi-task pleasures with more satisfying and rewarding activity. You might notice while scrolling through Instagram, or Facebook, it is the new exercises on your feed that captivate your attention. Finding passion in seeking additional activities for your routines, trying something new and pushing your body to new limits. You can start today and see for yourself how your motivation alters and your positivity will beam from inside. The most personal and direct way to understand the true height of your limits and discover all that you are capable of is through exercise. A source of endorphins, energy, strength, and pure happiness. Exercise IS addictive, and the most beautiful anti-drug we can proudly welcome with open (and strong) arms.