How Exercise Saved My Lifefeatured

Once upon a time, I was a anxiety-ridden college girl. I would lose my breath at the sign of stress. I couldn’t handle my thoughts or my worries. I was more lost than found and life was more disappointing than I would have ever expected. I poisoned my body with grease and negative thoughts and I thought very little of myself.

So what changed my life? I hate to admit, but what propelled me to be the best version of myself was letting go of a toxic relationship. I can’t or won’t give someone else all the credit. They say the best revenge is living a better life and having a better body, right?! First, I emotionally checked out of the negative relationship. Second, I began transforming my body.

I had three jobs at the time, so if you say you don’t have time for fitness, you are not being 100% truthful with yourself. I worked out two times a day, 7 days a week (excessive I know). I was on a mission though. I started relentlessly counting calories and I ate only 1,200 a day (unrealistic I know).  I did a run in the morning and some sort of dance class at night. My life began drastically changing.

I saw the pounds fall off. My waist got tiny, my face got slender. I reached a certain point where I almost looked sick. I became obsessed with this new venture. Anyway, months down the line I realized being healthy doesn’t mean being unhappy or keeping yourself from the food you love.

I had to stop counting calories the moment I ate a whole See’s chocolate box in the middle of the night. But the habits have remained. I work out as much as possible during the work week and I watch what I eat (for the most part). I have learned to love myself as is. Of course, I gained some weight back but it has been healthy weight. I now lift heavy weights at Crossfit and am okay with being a curvier, stronger and happier girl.

So what about the anxiety? It has completely disappeared. I have had no attacks since I began working out. I don’t work out to spite my ex. I don’t work out to be sickly thing. I work out to maintain a happy mind and soul. I take the necessary days off and feel more confident than ever. Finding that fitness balance is key. Just like anything else in life, overkill is never healthy.

Exercise saved my entire life. It took my anxiety away, created positive change in my life, helped grow my confidence, showed me how strong I am, taught me balance is key, and made me feel like the best version of myself to date. It continuously provides all of these things and more. I will never stop. And while I am not ripped or a size 2, I am the healthiest and happiest I have ever been. Thank you, Exercise, for saving my life.

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