Finding Confidence through Working Out
This post is sponsored by Reebok.I used to be a pro at avoiding the gym. Working out just wasn't for me. It was intimidating, and anyway, I wasn't one of those health-and-fitness people. "No one wants to see a girl like you trying to run or train," I told myself, as if that's even a thing. Also, I hated it. My college roommate can tell you the now-infamous story of her brief stint as my personal trainer. Let me just say, it was all fun and games until she added in the sit-ups, and I unleashed a string of expletives on the intramural fields of Florida State. Sorry, Tyler.
The Starting Point
But something changed in my mid-twenties. I wanted to prioritize my health, I wanted to shed a few newlywed pounds, and as much as I hated sports and working out, I've always loved a good competition. So I decided to do a fitness challenge to complete 100 miles-- running, walking, biking, HIIT workouts, before Halloween. My sister and I jumped in together, and that was the beginning of the journey for me.
It's been a series of highs and lows since that first step. There are plenty of days and weeks when I feel all-in, and plenty where I fall back into old habits and negative mindsets about who I am and how I fall short. But something else has emerged in this process, namely what I am learning about myself and what I'm truly capable of.
My confidence has grown exponentially through working out. It doesn't matter if I'm walking my dog around the block or lifting weights in the gym, if I add movement to my day it changes everything. There are three things that've helped me more than anything on this journey, and they are:
Three Things That Have Helped Me the Most
- Having Accountability Partners - people who I can text no matter how good or bad my day has been. Who encourage me on all parts of the journey, and tell me that tomorrow is a new day.
- Finding Workouts I enjoy- not stressing over the newest best thing, but finding the best thing for me. Letting go of the number on a scale, and focusing on the strength I gain with each workout. This has been so transformative for me.
- Activewear that Makes Me Feel Good- this is everything. I am not always in a cute, matching outfit, but when I look and feel better I perform better. And I feel best when I have supportive, quality activewear like the Reebok PureMove Sports Bra (pictured in these photos). It has been a game-changer. It is breathable, supportive, stylish, and comes equipped with Motion Sense Technology that changes to support your movements. It comes in 10 sizes, and I find it runs true to size (I wear a L). If you're looking for a new sports bra, I can't say enough good things about this one. Other activewear that makes me feel my best: high rise leggings that stay in place, a shirt that makes me feel covered but mobile, and a good pair of shoes.
Moving Forward
If you find yourself struggling to feel confident in your approach to exercise I just want you to know:You are not incapable.You are not too late.You are not too big, or too small, or too weak, or too many other lies you've heard or told yourself all these years.You can love your body and treat it like a temple.You can set goals and surpass them.You can start now.xo,Katie
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