Working out: Benefits in a lifestyle choice

"Work out for no one else, but yourself, and to stay healthy." I wrote this quote, encompassing my belief surrounding fitness.

Working out is a personal lifestyle choice, one that benefits you, both physically and mentally alike. There are many reasons why you'd want to stay in the best shape possible, but the number one reason should be, because staying healthy is at the top of your list.

In my opinion, exercising has been pushed onto society to achieve a certain look that will fit in, but life isn't about fitting in, it's about standing out. The truth of the matter is that an individual's personality makes them stand out, apart from others. I believe the emphasis shouldn't be put on needing to work out to achieve this perfect body, but to be the healthiest you can be at the forefront, which coincidentally will constantly be improving one's personality outlook.

There is a quote that I like, written by Kaushal Kishore, "Beauty fades away with time, but character remains forever. You don't have to live with beauty but the character." - This enhances my point.

Many people snicker if someone says what's on the inside is what matters - having a good personality. A rebuttal might be that the attraction is what you can see. True, looks always play a part in attraction, creating an initial chemistry, but physical will not create long-lasting feelings.

These are reasons why I wrote, "Work out for no one else, but yourself, and to stay healthy." This lifestyle choice is meant to be a personal want, and not to conform to what others want.

From my book, Desires through the Eyes of Life, I wrote a poem steaming from this theme:

Skin Deep

No matter what people say,

No matter how cruel,

It's just the way you are

The love radiates from you.

It's your tool.

Beauty is only skin deep.

It's how comfortable you are.

Beauty is only so deep.

It's your skin.

Don't let another speak.

We're all different.

All shapes and sizes.

Who is anyone to tell you

Where your beauty lies in?

You're beautiful.

Not just skin deep.

You're incredible

In every single way.

Always take that leap.

Who cares about what others think.

Beauty is only skin deep.

You're remarkable.

Who are you to pin me,

As the target?

What you make of it.

I am beautiful.

Anyone’s perfect fit.

Beauty is only skin deep,

Personified by your looks,

From your head down to your feet.

Who are you to judge me?

Then try and make me.

Haven't you heard?

The world can't forsake me.

I lead with heart in every single way.

That's just my due.

Don't tell me how to be me.

You may, only if I give you the cue.

It's truly what's on the inside that counts, but staying in the best shape you can supports a healthier longevity, so you'll be around a lot longer to grace others with your beautiful soul. Your loved ones will thank you also for this lifestyle choice.

Speaking more to the mentally beneficial side of exercising, the time taken out for staying fit is a mental break from everything else in your life. Giving space to just concentrate on you. Your mind, body, and spirit will thrive, feeling energized and powerful. Exerting energy in working out also gives your mind the opportunity to release accumulated stress from the busyness of everyday. It's also important to remember that getting out in the fresh air does a world of good for an overall healthy feeling. Try to find an opportunity in the week to take a walk, go swimming, play a sport - do something you enjoy outdoors.

How to achieve a workout routine for even the busiest of schedules.

Part of this blog post is to share what works for me in my hectic everyday life of being an author, mother, wife, daughter, and all the extra things I do in between. I know countless people can relate to the hustle and bustle of a busy schedule, but not to worry, you can still stay in shape and be healthy - mind and body - integrated in your daily routine.

FitOn App:

I want to start off by saying that in no way, shape, or form, am I being paid to advertise/sponsor for the company that I will be sharing today. My only purpose is to spread what I've found works for me, and to try to keep us all feeling our best.

During the covid shut down I came across an app for fitness - the FitOn app. It's free to download with having countless workout sessions to choose from, given by workout trainers, all routines that can be done at home.

Honestly, I have never been a gym person anyway. I always would rather save the time in driving, and exercise for longer at home. Sure, I didn't have all the fancy equipment that gyms provide, but I've had weights, a medicine ball, workout bands, etc. They've worked great for me and my body goals.

When I started to use the FitOn app I quickly learned that I can be just as efficient with staying in shape at home as in the gym. A lot of fitness goals are reachable, because it's all in the use of your time. There's a key phrase FitOn trainers say that I like, and that is you can always make your body weight work for you in any workout. The use of a band, dumbbells, etc. only heightens your results. I love choosing routines anywhere from 7 to 25 minutes, for whatever my schedule will allow for that day, because I've also learned that it's not necessarily how long you work out, it's how you utilize your time. Bonus, the FitOn trainers make your sessions fun and engaging, feeling as though you have relatable support all the way around.

I enjoy workout sessions from multiple trainers, but I do have a personal favorite - Kenta. I repeat many of his workouts weekly anywhere from strength to legs to getting my steps in for the day. He is funny, motivating, and very easy to follow through the movements. Everyone will eventually gravitate to their favorite trainer through repetition but will enjoy staying in shape with them all!

Here are just a few examples you'll have to choose from with the FitOn app:

Physical Wellness: Strength, Toning, Cardio, Dance, Yoga, Pilates, Abs, Arms, Legs, Stretching, Prenatal, Postnatal

Mental Wellness: Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Self-Care, Emotion-Awareness

Try to also tie in the outdoors with a workout. Take your device in the backyard, or on your deck. If it's a nice day out, enjoy some fresh air with your fitness routine.

One of my favorite things about FitOn is that the whole theme behind the trainer's workouts is to emphasize how exercising is to achieve an overall physically and mentally healthy goal (perfect fitness combination), which is what I was saying earlier in this blog - the direction I believe society should be heading in.

Also to mention again, this app is free, which, with prices raising for everything these days, we could all use a little reprieve with something we want to do. Especially when it involves a healthier lifestyle.

Cheers to staying healthy and strong in life - physically and mentally!