Hakuna Masquata - It means nice booty.

I've never really been the very physically active type or the one to run 5Ks. Let alone even the thought of going to the gym made my skin crawl. If I am being honest, gyms totally scare me. My stereotypical view of the gym is that they are made up of two types of people. 1. The big, buff (and scary) bros. 2. The pretty girls/women that are already physically fit. So that basically means, those are the two types of people that I had no desire to hang out with while I look like a fool trying to be 'physically active'.

I've learned in life that in order to be honest with others, I have to be honest with myself first. I was not in a good spot with my health for a long time. I knew deep down that there needed to be a change, but I honestly had no idea where to begin. How does one who has never really stepped foot into a gym go from none to fun? The 'fun' being the idea that you're supposed to enjoy going to the gym... Well maybe it's a stretch, but eventually that would be my view.

I recently moved back to my hometown and found out that there was a new gym that opened up a few miles away. I initially rolled my eyes at the thought of becoming a part of one of those huge gyms where 'gymtimidation' is the real deal. To my surprise, this gym was totally the opposite. It is nice, clean, friendly (where people actually smile at you, what a concept) and not intimidating at all.

I had no idea that my life would be changed that day that I walked into the gym to check it out. It's been several months and I can confidently say that I am a different person. I have learned so much about myself during this "journey to fitness", as cliche as it sounds... I have learned about my mental and physical capabilities. Working out is about 75% physical and 25% mental. I learned that I am able to do much more than I thought I was able to do and that my body allows me to do this. I've learned that in order to survive a 60 minute Zumba class you need to throw your cares to the wind so you can have the ability to laugh at how ridiculous you might look. I've learned that having a personal trainer is a such a blessing. He is the one to push me, encourage me and make sure that I am holding myself accountable. He also is able to handle the sassiness and sarcastic comments that I say when I'm in the zone working out.

But most of all I have learned that it is okay to sweat. I used to think that sweating was a sign of weakness. In reality though, it is a sign of strength and hard work. You sweat when you work hard and working hard allows you to have the capability of being successful and meeting your goals. I'm not as self conscious while I'm spending time working out at the gym. I'm not as worried about other people looking at me or wondering if they are judging me. I'm more focused on doing what I gotta do and achieving becoming a master bro.

And with that, I say: Hakuna Masquata... It means nice booty.