The Gym.

Possibly two of the scariest words in the English language...... For a girl who has spent the last 21 years avoiding the gym like the plague, at least.

But recently I've discovered how fun and incredibly rewarding working out can be. "The gym", the new, beautiful Lifetime Fitness that recently opened is in fact, incredibly welcoming, exciting and FUN. Who would have guessed? I've been working out 6 days a week and LOVING IT. My work outs are hands down the best part of my day and I've had some pretty good days so that's saying something! :) Whether I go to Zumba and make a fool out of myself with my lack of rhythm, or I go to Strike, or just work on those machines, I leave unable and unwilling to wipe the smile off my face. Not only does it feel great, but those classes are fun and my body feels unlike ever before. For the first time that I can remember, I am comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn't want to parade around in a bikini anytime soon, but I'm happy with who I am and I'm proud of myself.

But going to the gym isn't just great because it makes me feel good. It's inspiring too. Going to the same classes week after week, you get to know the people there with you. I've reconnected with old acquaintances, I regularly see good friends that I might not have the time to see otherwise, and I've met some incredible, wonderful people.

My Zumba instructor for today is one who unknowingly inspires me more than I could even describe. She is beautiful, strong, a great athlete and dancer, and mostly, her smile is contagious. I thought all of this about her before I found out that she has breast cancer. She can't be more than 27, so how can she possibly be fighting that C word? And how can she be so happy and smily all the time? I don't know how she does it, but her courage is incredible. You would never even know she was battling (unless you're a pro stalker like myself) and wouldn't believe it anyway. Even in the midst of what I can only imagine to be the most trying time of her life, her smile and energy light up the room as she helps others gain self confidence and a healthy lifestyle. She is every kind of brave out there and a genuine inspiration.