How many of us don’t work out because we are afraid or intimidated by the whole process, raise your hand. (Go ahead, I cyber see ya)

My hand is raised too, because while I can very easily (finger snapping) “WERQ It Out” I am petrified of working out.  I blame my reluctance on the fact that I feel like the world of fitness is for those people who are members of fancy shmancy fitness centers and have couture workout wear from Proenza Schouler that they carry in their Chloe gym bags.  In my effort to be a healthier, happier me, I’m readjusting my attitude on this.  Between you, me, and the lamppost, my desire to leave my “Non-Worker Outer” tendencies in the past (along with the muffin top that is sprouting out my jeans) started with a shameful secret that was exposed on a frosty November night.

Despite the chill in the air, I found myself sweating and nervously biting my already broken UV gel tip as I walked along Union Square West in NYC.  I was on my way to cover a Gotham Arts Class hosted by Nike that Ary and other members of the GGF team were about to perform.  I stood in front of the Union Square Ballroom like a child in front of her new school.  While my demeanor was cool, inside I was panicking. So many things were running through my head, but the loudest question resonating in my brain was “Is tonight the night Ary and the GGF team find out that I’m a (gulp)… NON WORKER OUTER!

Even though I had been part of the Gotham Global Fitness team for a while already, and I had been able to dodge taking any of Ary’s classes. I honestly thought that night would be my first and last work out with the team.  I imagined Ary would be humiliated as she saw her “Korrespondent” clumsily stumble in a disgraceful attempt to keep up with the moves.  I pictured Kyle, who helped choreograph the whole routine giggle like a piglet as he saw me flushed and frustrated, trying to keep up.

Much like a bolt of lightening, Ary and company came out and commanded the attention of the hundred or so women in attendance.  They went into a sizzling hot (dance routine) to Rihanna’s “Only Girl In The World”  While I watched them swivel their hips in perfectly choreographed harmony, I thought to myself “Wow, how awesome that they decided to entertain us with their moves before our group fitness class.”  Guess what America….I was wrong!  As they all took a bow to our roaring applause, Ary informed us that we would all be doing the same intricate routine.

Sequence of events of Karin’s reaction: GULP, eye roll, immediate perspiration, desperate attempt to locate the nearest exit, resigned… Eh, What the hell I thought to myself, I already shlepped into the city, over paid for parking, plus, I had just gotten a BITCHING pair of the new Nike Free XT’s.  Honestly, I had nothing to lose.

Ary started to break the routine down, step by glittery step.  As she did, I was following along!

Me? ME!”

Throughout the class, I was flash-backing to the recounts from so many on Ary being so amazing at doing what she does best, motivating anyone in her presence to move.  It was funny, because for the first time EVER I wasn’t looking over my shoulder as I worked out to see if someone was laughing at me or looking to the person on my right in “Hater Mode” because they were doing better than me.  I didn’t care.  Ary really helped me focus on what I was doing well and I was really trying.

After successfully completing the whole routine I was pumped and felt what can only be described as “Amazing Balls” I did however kinda bad for the rest of the women in attendance, because Ary really only focused on helping me throughout the ordeal. Or so I thought.

While the media descended on Ary, I swooned in on the women to ask them about their experience.  To my surprise, they all mirrored my feelings.  Ary truly made us all feel “Like The Only Girl” in her class.

That night, as I tucked myself into bed, I realized my fear was subsiding.  I figured I can’t be the only girl in the world that feels this way.  I concluded I won’t be the only girl in the world that gets over her fear.  And finally, I know the only girl that can make me fit, is me.  But, it doesn’t hurt to have your girl help you realize your own power.  Thanks Ary!