Today was a Very Special Fitness Tribe Day for me because… drum roll… I went back to the gym!

WHOOP WHOOP!

Yes, the gym. After everything. Me. There. In my lycra. Doing the thing I've really missed the most.



Laura (legendary owner/trainer/boss lady) clocked me walking in and her immediate reaction was: “NO. NO. NO!”

Tops and I were straight in with the explanations:

“It’s fine! I’m allowed! I’ll behave! Look! I’m practically wrapped in bubble wrap!”

She was not convinced but I think I won her over with my promise not to lift anything heavier than my own sarcasm.

Then, for me the real highlight of the day. Amy-Charlotte walked in.

Now, for those who don’t know, Amy is my gym bestie. She’s the one who’ll push me to do ten more reps and then give me the tea, and she got the best photo of me ever at her wedding. I was so delighted for her and Lee and it showed!

Anyway.

She didn’t see me straight away because I was lurking behind a door, the other side of the table and chatting with people whilst leaning against the wall.

Everyone knew I was waiting for *the* Moment.

So the conversation in my little group stopped. We all just… waited.

Amy’s there, chatting away to Laura, scanning the room.

She clocked the group I was standing with… eyes slid right over me… then, you know that cartoon double-take where the character’s eyes practically pop out on stalks?

✨ THAT. ✨

She shrieked, ran round the table and gave me the biggest hug ever. 10/10 would hide and surprise again and I just wished I thought to film it!

The session itself was so good. I stuck to the plan.

No heavy lifting, took all my breaks, didn’t let my ego or Tumourthy or Tumourlene take over.

Came home, showered, now feeling like an absolute champion.

Moral of the story: never underestimate the power of gym family, cartoon double takes, or the sheer joy of being exactly where you want to be, one squat at a time. 🫶🏼✨