Fitness is taking the world by storm. The more and more I look on social media the more apparent it seems to be. You see people doing fitness challenges, healthy food options, transformation Tuesdays and you can’t help but feel proud for these people who you do not know. We follow these people to see them reach their goals or even just to motivate ourselves.

I have worked in a gym since I was 17 but never really worked out in it. I did cardio once in a while but that was the extent of my gym escapades. I thought I was in great shape my entire life, the truth is that I was wrong. I wasn’t eating healthy or barely eating at all, I was drinking every weekend but somehow in my mind I was in tip top shape. I never wanted to be muscular, I thought I would look “manly”. Boy was I wrong.

My fitness journey started a little over a year ago. My friend was starting one of the challenges you see on Instagram all the time and I volunteered to be her workout partner. We followed the instructions without question and we were working out 6 days a week. We never missed a day, even when we could not work out together we would go to the gym and do it by ourselves. We were committed, and little by little we saw our bodies changing. I am so grateful to her for showing me into a world I thought I knew, but knew little about.

After her challenge was over, I continued to workout everyday. It is amazing to see how your body can do things you never knew or thought would be possible. There are many realizations I have learned from working out but the six most important ones are:

1. Make reachable goals and with the right strides you will attain those goals.

not make crazy goals for yourself because if you do not reach them motivation will be lost. Goals do not have to only be weight loss!

2. Take progress pictures.

If you are really serious about getting in shape, taking progress pictures is a good way to see the different stages of your fitness. When you are losing motivation compare when you first started to a current picture.

3. The nutrition world says that losing weight is 80% diet and 20% gym and I would have to agree.

If you are not eating healthy no matter how much you are working out, you will not reach your goals easily. They say that abs are made in the kitchen and they could not be more right. Not every diet is going to suit your needs, but find one that works for you and stick with it.

4. It is ok to have a rest day.

If your body is telling you that it is tired, listen. You do not need to work out everyday. If your body is tired there is a more likely chance of getting injured.

5. Exercise relives stress.

If there is a time when you are stressed whether it be from work, family, or relationships, go to the gym. Run, step, row, climb, or lift, I will guarantee you will feel better.

6. Do not let the number on the scale be discouraging.

This is huge, the number on the scale might not be moving but you will see changes anyway. You can lose inches, tighten up, and see your body overall transform without seeing a big difference in the number. I know people who are heavier then what they were before and still be in smaller size clothing.

Do not make weight loss your only goal. Strive to feel better, to be less stressed, and to push yourself. Take notice in the small things that exercise is doing for you. Do not get discouraged with the number on the scale. If you are feeling healthier and happier you are on your way a bright new future.