Dear Gym,

I hate you. Yet, I love you.

I've never had a more love-hate relationship than the one I have with you. I do love you, but I also dread you. Sometimes, I even wish you did not exist. But, you do and I'm reminded that in some way you are actually good for me. However, I use to avoid you a lot sometimes. I used to wake up dreading the thought of eventually, at some point, I will have to see you.

Once I see you, things really turn up. Aside from the awkward stares and strange transitions between machines, I actually kind of enjoy myself when I'm with you. There are so many things to do, so many activities to try. I keep thinking, "What a good way to spend my free time." You're not too bad, I remind myself.

It is not until I leave that I realize how much you really mean to me. No matter how worn out, tired or sweaty I may be, I leave you feeling euphoric. I'm thankful that we met for the day. You're essential, you're good for me and no matter how much I try to deny it, and I do kind of like you.

When I leave, I feel good and I feel like I actually did something. I wake up the next morning sore, and weirdly, I love feeling sore. You give me a reason to get out of my apartment. You give me a reason to forget all the stress. You give me a reason to leave everything behind and just to focus on what I am doing right at that moment.

Thank you for keeping me sane. See you later today.

Sincerely,

Your local gym-goer