Getting Brittany’s Groove Back

Today, I walked into the gym, completed a full workout, and walked out without a panic attack. For some, that might sound small. For me, it’s huge.

Back in 2023, I had a trainer take advantage of a situation, and ever since then, gyms haven’t felt like safe places. Just walking through the doors felt heavy—like stepping into a place that carried too much memory and too much fear. So I stayed away. I told myself I was fine, that sitting on the couch or biking at home was enough. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t just about the workout.

Because here’s the truth: fitness is more than exercise. It’s clarity. It’s confidence. It’s feeling alive in a way that nothing else gives you. And the longer I let someone else steal that from me, the more I realized I was only hurting myself.

Why Today?

So why today? Why not last week, last month, or last year? Honestly—because I woke up and thought about how unfair it is to let someone else’s actions control my life. Why let them keep winning when karma will handle it? That thought hit me hard: they don’t get to own this anymore. I do.

Walking in, I felt nervous —but also empowered. Empowered by the reminder that I control me. No one else. The gym is not the enemy. The individual who tried to diminish my confidence is, and I refuse to let him define this space for me.

The Shift

It wasn’t immediate. At first, I was just moving through the motions, trying to shake the nerves. But somewhere between two workouts, I had this moment: I CAN do this.

Not just physically, but mentally. Every rep, every push, every bead of sweat was proof that the strength I thought I’d lost was still in me—waiting.

That was the shift. Not the workout itself, but the realization that the gym didn’t have to hold power over me anymore.

The History

Fitness and I go way back. Before my two major surgeries, I was consistent—I felt great, I was rarely sick, and my confidence was off the charts. I remember looking in the mirror and feeling proud, not just of how I looked, but of the strength I carried.

Then life happened. Surgeries, setbacks, and that trainer in 2023 who left me questioning everything. And while I’ve picked fitness back up here and there (hello, bike life), I knew deep down I wanted more. Not just physically, but mentally.

Now, I’m ready to take that back.

The Support System

Here’s the thing—I didn’t do it alone. I asked my “younger big brother” to be my gym buddy. He’s younger in age but bigger in size, and today, he was exactly the anchor I needed. Having him there made the experience feel less intimidating and more doable. It gave me accountability, comfort, and a few laughs along the way.

It reminded me that sometimes, healing isn’t about walking in solo with your head high. Sometimes, it’s about asking someone you trust to walk in with you.

Looking Ahead

I know there will still be days when I can’t bring myself to go. And you know what? That’s okay. Because trying counts. Every step forward is a win.

Call it Getting Stella’s Groove Back, or better yet, Brittany’s.

So here I am, staring down 2026 with a grin—stronger, braver, and stubborn as hell. Hide ya men (kidding… kind of). Truth is, I probably don’t even want them anyway. What I do want is my strength, my confidence, and my groove back. And after today, I know I’m already on my way.

✨ End note: If you’ve ever lost your confidence, your safe space, or your rhythm because of someone else—please know this. You can take it back. Maybe not all at once, maybe not today, but eventually. Because trying counts. And trying is enough.