Everyone can relate to wanting to be better, whether it be 'skinnier,' more muscular, or just more confident. With summer steadily approaching, many people have begun working on their 'summer bodies.'

But at the beginning of every fitness journey, nearly everything is discouraging. From a missed workout session to an unhealthy meal, it is easy to struggle. Becoming more in tune with your body is an emotional roller coaster, to say the least. No matter the method, countless hours are spent meticulously planning, prepping, and tracking your progress. Every single step along the way can be stressful and ultimately lead to falling out of your new fitness routine.

While there are countless health benefits to sticking with it, there are so many more reasons to want to live a healthier, and happier lifestyle:

1. You will FEEL better too.

Fitness is not just about the way that you look in the mirror. It is about the way that you look at yourself and the way that you feel. When you take a more holistic approach to fitness and wellness, countless doors open up to you. You will have more energy than ever, and you will learn to use that energy for productivity in everything you do, not just health and fitness.

2. You may meet new people.

Gyms can have a very social atmosphere. When you are least expecting to meet someone new, you can make a new friend through common interests like heading to the gym, fitness classes, or running outdoors. Having friends to help guide you through your fitness journey will not only give you great advice and tips, but will provide someone to motivate and push you to be your best.

3. Your wardrobe will change.

Whether it's breaking out your old skinny jeans, or being more comfortable in shorts or tank tops, being in control of your body will give you more confidence. When you push yourself to be the best version of yourself that you can be, you allow yourself to enjoy even the simplest of things like wearing new outfits or trying new clothing.

4. Your wardrobe will grow, too.

Everyone who exercises knows the love-hate relationship with athletic wear. While it's mildly infuriating to have to do laundry twice as often, wearing different clothes to the gym means having more clothes in your closet. Your confidence will not only go through the roof, but you can also reward your accomplishments with a little retail therapy that will further motivate you to head to the gym.

5. You will learn to cook delicious food.

A healthier lifestyle doesn't just mean heading to the gym or going out for a run. It also means taking care of your body from the inside as well as the outside. By being more mindful of what you eat, you will pick up some new favorite go-to recipes for after your workouts, or even lazy days on the couch.

A powerful quote that has always stuck with me through every workout has given me an entirely new perspective on becoming healthier. "Working out is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate." If you keep this mantra in mind, there is no way to know how many new milestones you can accomplish.