We live in a time where Hollywood and social media seems to be controlling the mindsets of the world. For as long as I can remember, the media has always made it known that being skinny is the definition of beautiful. We've heard and seen this many times before in magazines, TV shows, and commercials.

However, people are finally starting to realize that being skinny does not define themselves. After religiously working out and going to the gym for over a year now, I've realized how much more important it is to be strong. When I first decided I wanted to get in better shape, I was just constantly doing cardio. I wasn't confident enough to figure out how to work some of the machines in the gym, and the cardio machines were very self explanatory. As I began to do more and more cardio, I started to notice big changes. I loved the results I was seeing. I was seeing toned, muscle definition in my legs, arms, and stomach area.

When people would give me compliments on my appearance, there were some I liked more than others. Some people would say that I was looking very 'fit' or 'strong', and that made me feel great. I realized that the comment some people gave me that I didn't like was, "You're looking so skinny!" While I had always thought this was a compliment that I would enjoy getting, it rubbed me the wrong way.

My goal wasn't to get skinny, it was to get in shape. This is still a goal I'm living by today. When I look in the mirror, I want to look and feel fit, not skinny.

I feel like there are so many common misconceptions when it comes to working out. While everyone sets their own personal fitness goals, working out should mean so much more than trying to be skinny or losing weight. People should also be striving to strengthen their muscles, and, overall, feel really strong.

I just started getting really into experimenting with weights last January, and I really wished I would have started sooner. It's crazy to see muscle definition in my arms, shoulders, back, and legs. I still incorporate cardio (usually running) into my workout routine. Doing cardio and adding weights to my workout has made me the fittest and strongest I've ever been.

I have worked extremely hard this past year to get the strong body and mind I've always wanted. My end goal was never to be 'small' or 'skinny', but to be well-built and satisfied. Striving for strong has made me more energized, more excited to see results, and more excited to go to the gym on a regular basis. Just remember, don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't look like. What is important is how you feel in the end.