I hate running. No, really. It's one of my least favorite things to do. Exercise in general really isn't my thing. In the past year, however, I have gotten in the habit of going to the gym and I love it. If you followed me on Instagram or added me on Snapchat, you'd see it has nothing to do with the pursuit of a better body. I love ice cream, I love pizza and I definitely don't love kale. So I hate running and I eat like a 5th grader, why do I go to the gym?

It makes me feel more confident.

It has nothing to do with how I look. Rather, it's the same feeling you get when you buy a new outfit that you know you look awesome in. The kind of outfit you want to wear everywhere so everyone can see it. That level of confidence is what a fresh sheen of sweat from the gym gives me. I feel as successful and fabulous as Beyoncé walking out of the gym with my hair slicked back in a pony tail and my face all red. It always makes me feel like my day was productive when I can say I've been to the gym. Even if I do nothing else that day, I'm proud of myself for getting out and being active. That being said, I always feel like doing more with my day if I've worked in time to go to the gym.

It makes me happier.

Science doesn't lie. Exercising releases endorphins that elevate your mood. I can attest to the fact that exercising will definitely improve your day. When I'm feeling frustrated or angry or even upset, a good 40 minutes of cardio will cure me. For me at least, it goes back to those feelings of confidence and success. Whatever else happens in a day, I can confidently say I got in an hour of me time. It gives me time to cool off when I'm not feeling so great and time to pump myself up on an already good day. I can assure you that going to the gym is never going to make your day worse. You may not be ecstatic on the drive over, but you'll definitely be feeling incredible on the way home.

It gives me an excuse to do all the other fun things I enjoy doing.

This summer I've become a minor foodie. In an attempt to do more with my time this summer, I've ventured into New York City, Westchester and Northern Jersey on the hunt for some insta-worthy bites. Interesting ice cream, smoothie bowls and pizza have all made the cut so far. None of these (well maybe the smoothie bowl) count as overly healthy meals. However, I don't feel as guilty consuming a panda-shaped ice cream cone when I can also say I've been to the gym. It gives me more freedom to enjoy my summer without the guilt that arises in a hyper-healthy society.