More than Just a Gym: My Summer at W3Body

I had always thought of myself as athletic–not particularly fit, active, or passionate about exercise. This led me to believe that regular exercise wasn’t meant for me–that I’d throw around a basketball or a tennis racket when I felt like it. I would run on the treadmill for 20 minutes once or twice a week, but that was the extent of it. But then I applied for an intern position at W3Body, and everything changed.

 

I’ve never had a gym membership, so the second I walked in for the interview and felt the energy radiating from roaring machines, clashing weights, blasting music, the intense cardio class on the floor, and functional training stations, I knew something good was going to happen.

 

Each time I went in to take a class or get some pictures was different. Each trainer had her own Eden Pic style and personalized relationships with members, but in the end everyone was still radiating that W3Body spirit. This wasn’t the place to come and go, but to be greeted by the manager, waved at by familiar members, and discuss that last class in the locker room. From the staff taking the energy to correct my positions during aerobic classes, to members smiling at each other during 5-second water breaks, I knew I was part of a community like none other.

 

3 months later, I can say that I’ve learned so much about what it means to be a healthy Workouts for Women. I’ve learned how unbelievable it feels to be strong, to gain muscle, to watch yourself improve as a result of hard work. I’ve witnessed the importance of mentality, of believing in yourself and raising that weight by 2 pounds, and the powerful influence of a trainer who bleeds the desire for women to put their all into every move for 45 minutes.

 

Coming from someone who used to joke about going on runs, I’ve exercised almost every day this summer for the genuine reason that I can’t go more than a couple of days without sweating and feeling physically empowered.   Although I was often the weird girl in the gym corner snapping pictures with my giant Nikon, it was worth it.

 

So, thank you to W3Body for teaching me more about fitness than any magazine could, and pushing the walls of my comfort zone. It has permanently and positively changed my mindset, and I know it can do the same to anyone who walks through those doors.

[Source: http://www.w3body.com/more-than-just-a-gym-my-summer-at-w3body]