Dear Gym,

I have fallen in love with you. When I see you in the morning light I find I have to catch my breath and my heart starts racing. When I hear the bustling sounds of energy it helps me reach down and find my own motivation to start the day. I look forward to seeing the familiar faces and to meeting new acquaintances while enjoying everything you have to offer.

I never feel alone when I’m around you. It’s like I’m in the same crazy “life”boat as everyone else who’s there and we’re all striving towards a life of balance, health and being “rescued” by fitness.

To the woman doing the dreaded stairs who was going to wait for me before doing another round – next time GO!! Don’t EVER feel that you’re holding anyone back because you’re NOT!! You’re inspiring other people including me. You have no idea how much it meant to me when you thanked me for letting you go in front. I was exactly where you are at one point and not holding back is a gift that will help you go far. Keep it up!!

To the guy doing insanely high box jumps at 7 am what exactly do you eat for breakfast and how do I get myself to the point where I can do that? You may not realize it but watching you put that kind of effort in makes me want to challenge myself physically even more and in ways I never thought of.

To the woman who exercises with a baby in a carrier strapped to her chest your dedication moves me. I see you doing this and quite frankly can’t think of any excuse valid enough to stop me from crushing it every single day. Not only are you affecting those around you in a positive way your child is going to grow up impacted by your willingness to think outside the box to get the job done.

To the staff who are there day in and day out pouring support out to their clients and gym members, who are there with words of encouragement and sound advice, THANK YOU!! You make a difference in lives every single day. You help to shape, motivate and inspire. You help to change lives.

Oh gym…you are now my second home. I come to you when I feel like I need to celebrate an accomplishment and I wrap myself up in your environment when I need a lift. Without even realizing it you have become a way of life for me.

I think I can safely say this is a give and take relationship. I will continue to take from you the things I need to become strong and achieve my goal and in turn I will take care of your equipment, I will walk in with a positive attitude and try to motivate those around me and I will promise to leave you every day feeling so much better about myself.

Love D.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing I hope you’re finding your fitness home no matter where that is or who it’s with and that you always strive to go up those stairs first!

Credit Photo: Olivia Keane