Exercise as a Mindset and Lifestyle

Hi everyone,

This is a blog feature I contributed to Be Wise Magazine. It’s a great magazine that dedicated its content to empowering girls and women to be themselves and be inspired. You definitely should check them out!

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Working out is not just obtaining a gym membership. Exercise isn’t getting in your daily steps, or the stepping-stone to a bikini body. It’s much more than the activity or the justifiable results. It’s a lifestyle.

Exercise is commonly associated with getting a better body. It should instead be associated with a positive mindset to practice long-term health, as well as the prevention of outcomes such as disease and low self-esteem. In reality, results from fitness cannot be seen overnight, furthering the need to focus more on how you feel as opposed to just how you look.

A great way to keep fitness as a lifestyle: enjoy the actual workouts. Whether you are a yoga and Pilates fanatic, runner, or weight lifter (or a combination), aim to choose exercises you look forward to. Working out shouldn’t feel mentally draining, and if you feel unmotivated to get out and sweat, try switching up your routine! Regardless, exercise brings a release of endorphins, which improve your state of happiness. Working out lowers stress, promotes better sleep, and boosts self-esteem. These benefits are far beyond just physical.

As a former NCAA collegiate tennis player, exercise has always been a part of my lifestyle. When I’m working out, exterior influences don’t exist. I have that time to myself, for my personal well-being. Exercise to me is a contribution to the other healthy lifestyle habits I regularly practice, such as nutrition and positive mental health habits. I practice Pilates and yoga, I lift weights multiple days a week, and I also incorporate cardio to stay lean and boost my cardiovascular health. It’s all a balance, not a race to see physical changes.

Challenge yourself. Use exercise to motivate you, not intimidate you due to some unrealistic universal standard. Focus on obtaining a positive mindset through exercise and movement, and hold yourself accountable to maintain that lifestyle for yourself and no one else.

I hope you all enjoyed this feature! The link below is to Be Wise Magazine’s magazine page, and you click on “Issue 19” to read the rest of the health + fitness articles from other bloggers! My features are on pages 62 and 74.

Be bright. Be bold. xx

-Kelly