'Glee' Star Amber Riley Gives the Skinny on Her 'DWTS’ Workouts -- INTENSE! (VIDEO)

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by Emily Abbate 14 hours ago

Whether or not you've been watching season 17 of Dancing With the Stars, you've surely heard the buzz over contestant Amber Riley and her crazy awesome moves. The Glee star has been tearing it up on the dance floor with her partner Derek Hough and kicking some serious competition booty. The DWTS front runner caught up with People after her performance Monday night and told them that all the effort is really paying off. "[This has] really taught me that I can do more than I thought I could."

That statement gives me chills. I mean, Amber has been working her butt off to learn the dances and give her best performance. Just like any fitness goal, whether it be to lose 15 pounds or complete a local 5K or race, there's no greater feeling than seeing your hard work pay off. I think it's safe to say that many many of us can relate to that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.

As someone who has been training for a marathon for the last few months, I can most definitely relate. I NEVER thought that I would be undertaking such a lofty goal, especially as someone who used to tip the scales at over 200 pounds. But that all makes every run even more special and meaningful. I know that when I cross the finish line, this will forever be an accomplishment that I worked hard to achieve, one that I NEVER thought I'd do. That makes it all the better. 

On a national stage, Amber's an inspiration to many people that if you set your mind to something, you can do it. It can't be easy learning all of these dances, getting out on that stage week after week and not missing a beat. I'm just waiting to see if she becomes one of those stars who sheds a ton of pounds in her effort to win the mirror ball trophy. Either way, Amber is lookin' fine out there!

Check out Amber's great dance moves, here:

Have you ever worked hard to accomplish a fitness goal? How does it feel when your hard work pays off?

Image via ABC

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