From Avoiding Exercise to Building Her Life Around It: Emma K's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 25
“I didn’t just build a fitness routine — I built a life I’m proud of.” - Emma K
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/WW6VCB74kNs
Summary
Introduction
When Emma K (she/her) moved to Toronto, she wasn’t just starting a new chapter — she was rebuilding her relationship with herself.
After years of struggling with consistency, confidence, and a history of body image challenges, she knew she needed more than a gym. She needed something different. Something joyful. Something that actually made her want to show up.
That’s when she found SHINE FIT.
Now?
💙 Emma works out every week — and genuinely loves it
💙 She’s built strength, structure, and a newfound sense of independence
💙 She feels at home in her body — and in her city
What Was Emma K's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Before SHINE, fitness for Emma was inconsistent at best and harmful at worst.
She had a background in dance and yoga, but never found a routine that stuck. After years of struggling with mental health and food, movement became something she avoided altogether.
❌ She used exercise as punishment
❌ She masked discomfort with a smile
❌ She had no motivation — and no joy
“I’d force myself to go to the gym and climb the stairmaster for ages, pretending I liked it. But I didn’t. Not really.”
The Turning Point: Naomi's Birthday Class
Emma’s best friend Naomi (and one of our beloved SHINE coaches) had been raving about SHINE for years. So when Naomi hosted a birthday class in Kingston, Emma decided to give it a try — even though she was still recovering from a serious shoulder injury.
She stood in the back. Nervous. Unsure. In pain.
But when Naomi offered modifications for every track — and Emma realized she could move at her own pace — something shifted.
💙 She didn’t have to push through pain to belong
💙 She didn’t have to be “fit” to start
💙 She was allowed to enjoy the experience
She wasn’t quite ready yet… but the seed had been planted.
Rediscovering Her Power (on the GO train)
One year later, Emma took the GO train from Georgetown to Toronto for Naomi’s next birthday class, and this time, she was all in.
She commuted over 2 hours to take a 45-minute class. Why? Because it made her feel powerful.
💪 It was the first thing she did just for her
🌇 It helped her explore the city on her own terms
💬 And the SHINE community instantly made her feel seen
“I didn’t know anyone in Toronto. But from the moment I walked in, people said hi. They asked my name. I felt like I belonged.”
She started coming weekly. Then she joined the Energy Exchange team, helping with studio tasks in exchange for class credits. Soon, SHINE became the reason she felt ready to make the biggest move of her life.
From Commuter to City Girl Within two months of recommitting to fitness, Emma made another life-changing decision; she moved to Toronto.
Naomi’s friend just happened to post about a roommate vacancy. Emma applied immediately — and the rest was history.
🚛 She left her parents’ house for the first time
🏙️ She built a new life downtown
🫶 And she found a chosen family at SHINE
“SHINE gave me the confidence to imagine a different life. A better life. And now I’m living it.”
A Year Later: Emma’s Life Has Transformed
It’s been over a year since Emma stepped into her first SHINE class — and everything has changed.
💙 She feels stronger, inside and out
💙 She no longer dreads workouts, she craves them
💙 She’s part of a community that cheers her on
She comes to class, chats with friends before and after, and spends time in a space where she’s seen, supported, and celebrated.
“My mom tells me every time I visit: this was the best thing you ever did for yourself. And she’s right.”
Emma K's Advice to Anyone Who's Struggling?
If you’re stuck in a cycle of shame, inconsistency, or self-doubt, Emma says:
“Give yourself grace. Everything is temporary. And you will get through it.”
Conclusion: Emma K's SHINE Story Continues
One year ago, Emma didn’t believe movement could ever feel good. Now, it’s the highlight of her week — and the anchor that helped her build a new life.
Through SHINE FIT, she found:
💙 A joyful, body-positive fitness routine
💙 A community that welcomed her with open arms
💙 A spark that reminded her how strong she’s always been
If you’re looking for a sign — this is it.
✨ You don’t need to be “ready” to start
✨ You don’t need to do it alone
✨ And you don’t need to be perfect to transform your life
TAKE ACTION
Feeling inspired by Emma K's story? Listen to the full episode of SHINE Stories on Spotify or Apple now! If you’re ready to start your own journey and experience the power of community, book a free intro session today and let’s chat about how SHINE can help you transform your relationship with fitness.
Ready to start your transformation? Click here to book your free intro session today!
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