Canadian influencer delivers 'workout inspo' in motivational video: 'I go for me'
Kenzie Brenna is working out for her.
On Wednesday, the Canadian influencer took to Instagram to share a personal yet empowering message about her relationship with the gym.
In the video, the 32-year-old body image advocate filmed herself busting out a series of lunges and kettlebell swings in a bright and open workout studio. To break a sweat, she rocked a grey T-shirt, black leggings and a pair of HOKA training sneakers.
On the screen, Brenna typed a paragraph to explain to her followers why she goes to the gym.
"I don’t go to the gym to make myself smaller. I don’t go to the gym to shame myself. I don’t go to the gym because you think I should. I go to the gym for me," she wrote.
In the caption, the Toronto-based social media star revealed how she initially began working out for the wrong reasons.
"I have been going to the gym since I was 13, I’m 32 now. For 15 of those 19 years I was going because I hated myself and I wanted to make myself smaller so I was more attractive, loveable and desirable," she explained. "I placed so much of my value on being the smallest version of myself possible. It distorted my relationship with food, with movement and with my own purpose/heart."
Brenna further acknowledged that although movement can be "difficult" for some, it can be a positive way to "manage stress."
"Reclaiming a love for movement is difficult for a lot of people who have had a disordered relationship with it. Focusing on goals like wanting to be able to walk faster, run longer, lift heavier are positive and non-appearance based goals that allow you to measure progress in a healthier way," she added. "...Reclaim getting sweaty with yourself. Reclaim these parts of you that have been taken away by a thin obsessed world. Going to the gym/movement classes are great to manage stress, keep mobility, for your cardiovascular system, to help regulate hormones and so much more."
The influencer ended her caption with an uplifting message about ignoring other people's opinions.
"I go for me, not for you or for those who think I will look better if I do this more. I go for me," she concluded.
In the comments, fans praised Brenna for her self-confidence and "willingness to improve" herself.
"Major workout inspo alert! Love that you're vibing and working hard with a willingness to improve yourself," a follower told Brenna.
"This has inspired me to get started again," shared someone else.
"Love your energy and confidence you queen!" commented a fan. "I'm obsessed with your content."
Earlier this week, the social media star spoke about her uncertainly toward having children after working through her parents divorce and a slew of failed relationships, combined with the changing climate.
"...At 28 I declared I would never have kids due to the economic and climate instability of the world. On top of that, having a history of severe anxiety, I could never figure out if I would pass that on. It scared the s— out of me," she penned. "...I’m here and most of my friends have kids, long-term partners, houses, and so on. I don’t. I haven’t sworn off children and marriage again but I seriously do not know what the f— I want or when I want it...I feel a hurricane inside of me. What do I choose?"
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