I am an instructor at GX Fitness and would like to speak about the articles recently published about our facility. I feel it is important the public know that we are not only a gym, but a small community within the large community of Rowan County, consisting of young and old adults of different races and different sizes. You frequently see a young cheerleader, an elderly black woman, a Hispanic mother in her thirties, and an older couple recently retired, sitting together in the jacuzzi laughing, talking and enjoying one another.

We are all sad that our gym is in jeopardy. It is unfortunate that the staff may need to seek other employment; however, a job is a job, is a job, etc. But these people that depend on our classes cannot go just anywhere to get healthy.

Our members feel comfortable here. Our success stories consist of individuals who went from a size 24 to a size 14; adults who have completely reversed adult on-onset diabetes; and independence from depression and anxiety medications!

Again, I understand and respect the importance of allowing the public the right to be "in the know" of our situation. In fact, I think it benefits ourselves and the community to stop the gossip and know the facts! However, it is high time the public understand and be in the know that GX Fitness is not just a gym, but a community of people.

This is a crisis, but we are no longer in a moment of sadness. We have thrown out our negativity, placed it in God's hands, and now allow Him to give us our answers.

There is a word that means, "The spirit and light within myself, recognizes the spirit and light within you." That word is: Namaste.

— Kelly Ray

Salisbury