This post was sponsored by Reebok as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
It is no secret around here that without a doubt, I am not interested in working out to lose weight. I’ve done all kinds of things when it comes to working out and dieting, and when I’ve made losing weight my main goal or priority, I get into a really unhealthy mental space and lose the focus of all the other benefits of working out! (Plus, I never lose any weight!)
SO today I wanted to dive a little deeper into why getting my sweat on is important for reasons other than just to lose weight! There are so many amazing benefits of working out that I think we lose sight of when we become hyper focused on what that number on the scale is!
Before I get started though, let’s talk about workout essentials for a minute! Having comfortable clothes to work out in that fit well and make working out more fun is a must for me! I also can’t stand it when I find cute workout clothes and they don’t come in my size, so I was excited to see that Reebok came out with an inclusive sizing collection for Kohl’s, available online! With comfortable leggings, breathable tops, and sports bras that go up to size 4X, you’re all set when it comes to what to wear next time you are ready to work out!
The Best Reasons to Work Out
The first reason that I work out is the most important – it makes me feel good. I love to challenge myself and move my body! I grew up as an athletic girl, but always saw running and lifting weights and “working out” as part of a punishment when a game was lost or practice didn’t go well, so it was hard for me to always see how good it felt to get a workout in! Once I started shifting that mindset, I was able to see how much energy I felt when I was working out regularly and how cool it was to set goals for my body and then achieve them!
Secondly, I work out to relieve stress and clear my mind. I do a workout called Camp Gladiator that is a combination of cardio, weight training, HIIT, and endurance. It requires a lot of brain power to remember everything to do, so I literally cannot think of anything else during the workouts. It is nice to not have a running list of things I’m supposed to be doing instead happening! Also getting out all of that pent up energy right now is essential because I’m stuck in the house all day long!
Lastly, I work out to set an example for Jett! Like I mentioned earlier, the only time I ever worked out growing up was in high school athletics on a competitive sports team. So I never saw it as an investment in my health or as a reward for my body – it always felt like punishment! I want to teach Jett differently than I learned, and show him the importance of working out for your overall health and lifestyle!
Why do you workout?
I have the best community! I asked many of them why they worked out – here are some of their answers!
“To be healthy and strong and set an example of being active for my kids. And I do like seeing the physical gains (this could be muscle definition or a faster run) and knowing they’re a result of my commitment to myself and hard work.” – Kim
“My emotional health! Especially in times like these when everything is out of my control, my health and fitness is the only thing that’s in MY control.” – Nicole
“I exercise for me and for my girls. I exercise because my husband is a triathlete who always places (often wins) his age category, and he encourages me to exercise at my pace (he can run laps around me). But, my main reason is because my dad had a heart attack at age 32 and quadruple bypass surgery. He’s alive because he has always exercised. At age 70 (6 months ago), he had the quadruple bypass surgery again. The doctors again told him his heart is strong due to exercise, but he has bad arteries. I exercise because I’m 38 and I need my heart to be strong like my dad’s. I want to live a long, healthy life with my family, just like my dad has.” – Kira
“I want to be healthy and strong for my family – and I want those words to serve as a foundation for my kids’ view of their own body image.” – Kammy
“I want to be strong for whatever life throws at me and 1000% set an example for my kids!” – Taryn
“Endorphins! Confidence! Strength! Never a number on the scale for me!” – @mercloud628
“To feel healthy! I’m 50 so a good body may never come but a body I feel good in will!” – Tami
“For my ‘me’ time. It helps me clear my mind and decompress.” – @kmygrant
“To give myself a challenge. To know that I can keep a promise to myself and to bless my body.” – @mommabohn
“To play with and chase my son around without collapsing! It makes me feel good & happier!” – @smiles5280
I absolutely loved all these reasons – I got so so many more good ones! I’m going to share them on Instagram so be sure to head over there and see more inspiration for working out!
No matter what your inspiration is, I hope you’re out there getting your sweat on today with me! Be sure to head over to Kohl’s and check out the full Reebok Size Inclusive collection – there are a lot of cute pieces!
Tell me in the comments below why you love working out!
Yay for Reebok being size inclusive!! Also, thank you for always being one to work out to feel good and not to lose weight. It always encourages me.