Reasons Why I Workout

Our society has structured our thoughts about body image. Both men and women have these specific body types in their heads that make them feel attractive. For men, it’s the shredded muscle man. Men try to achieve that superhero look, such as Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth. Women try to achieve the slim yet toned athletic model look, such as GiGi Hadid. Women must obtain a muscular figure along with having a large bottom, flat stomach, and a thigh gap. In recent social movements though, body positivity has been the wave. Everyone’s bodies are different sizes, shapes, and metabolisms. It is unproductive to have everyone meet the same standard. I workout to be healthy, not look like a model.

I am a 5'3 Italian meatball with thighs that have been together since the dawn of time and they are not separating any time soon. I eat healthily and indulge in sweets in moderation. I workout about 4–5 times a week but, if I miss a day because my body needs rest or the day was busy, life happens. Working out for me is more about the feeling than the outcome.

Reasons why I workout, your body deserves it.

I enjoy being active. Sitting around all day to me is boring and unproductive. Why waste the day? Moving my body at least 30 minutes a day makes me feel accomplished even if I did nothing else that day.

2. I love the release of endorphins during a workout! When I am working out my body feels pumped up and I can take on anything.

3. Working out relieves my anxiety. Anxiety is bottled up worry and stress. I become fidgety and jittery when I’m anxious. I need to move my body to release those feelings. During a workout, I push those thoughts out of my mind and focus on the circuit.

4. I love feeling strong. After a great workout, I love the feeling of completing a difficult workout and challenging my body. Feeling my body gaining muscle and becoming better at a workout is fulfilling.

5. I love feeling healthy. I am going to be in this body for a while and I want to treat her with respect. This body has been with me through everything. When I was younger I was on the chubbier side and I had low self- confidence. I was tired all of the time and had very low energy. I noticed in gym class I become slower and couldn’t keep up with my friends. I did not want to feel like that anymore. I played sports all through my childhood but, my diet was trash. I would just eat a whole bag of shredded cheese as a meal. I would sneak food into my room and binge eat. I played soccer for a long time and then quit because I could not keep up with my teammates.

So, when I was a freshman in high school I started going to the gym with my older sister and I started playing volleyball. I played volleyball from middle school to college. Playing volleyball helped me regain my athletic confidence. I was not running back and forth, it was fast quick movements and strength. That’s where I thrive. After practice, I would go to the gym with my sister and we would weigh train. I noticed my energy and mood were in a better place. I also started eating better. I changed my eating lifestyle. Diets get you nowhere, they are a quick fix to a life long problem. Eating healthy and working out is a lifestyle-mindset habit. This is a major reason I workout, feeling healthy and knowing I am taking care of my body.

I focus on the feeling of the workout, not the outcome. I do not weigh myself every day and I do not measure myself. I think about how I feel during and after I workout. I could be in a horrible mood, then I decide to work out and my mood completely changes. I am no longer anxious, angry, or sad. Yes, I still have a little pooch, and yes I have a little cellulite on my booty. How I feel though, is healthy. I put good food in my body and I give it a purpose. Working out has increased my self-confidence, decreased my anxiety, and makes my soul happy. I workout to feel healthy, not look like a model. So, if you have been working out and have hit a plateau; KEEP GOING! The way your body feels after a workout is how it will thank you for moving it. My weight has fluctuated many times but, I still keep my girl moving. Life is far too short to be worried about the rolls your stomach has when you sit down. Think instead of how far your body can take you as long as you give it love.

“Exercise not only changes your body it changes you mind your attitude and your mood.”- Unknown