From Disordered Eating to Finding Strength in a Supportive Fitness Community: Julie-Anne's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 19
I'm not just building muscle. I’m building my ability to do hard things.” - Julie-Anne
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/qvzb49H1Bl0?si=g0IwR--4KEc0Am-a
Summary
Introduction
When Julie-Anne (she/her) first started looking for a fitness studio, she wasn’t just searching for a workout — she was searching for a safe space. A space that didn’t make her feel behind. A space that didn’t trigger her eating disorder recovery. A space that made room for joy, not punishment.
She almost gave up after trying 15 different studios in Toronto. Then, she found SHINE.
Now?
💙 Julie-Anne works out 3–4x a week
💙 She fuels her body with intention — not restriction
💙 She wears her sports bra at the front of the mirror with confidence
What Was Julie-Anne's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Julie-Anne grew up as a competitive figure skater — and for years, fitness meant structure, performance, and external validation.
But everything changed in her final year of university when she was diagnosed with a clinical eating disorder. She quit exercise cold turkey as part of her recovery and spent years either avoiding movement altogether or falling back into cycles of over-exercising and guilt.
❌ She felt triggered by calorie-burn language at mainstream studios
❌ She couldn’t find a space that wasn’t saturated in diet culture
❌ She was exhausted by toxic fitness trends that never felt sustainable
“I just wanted to move my body in a healthy way. Cardio, strength, and a bit of fun. Why was that so hard to find?”
The Turning Point: Finding SHINE
When Julie-Anne moved to the Yonge & Bloor area, she decided to try again.
She opened Google Maps and made a list of every fitness studio within 10 minutes of her new home. Then she found SHINE’s website — and something clicked.
“It felt like someone had read my mind. Anti-diet culture. Strength and cardio. Fun. I thought: this might actually be it.”
She DM’d SHINE directly, sharing her fears and her goals. She was welcomed with open arms and booked her first class.
Two tracks into her first Dance Cardio, she knew: this is different.
💙 The music was fun
💙 The options were accessible
💙 And for the first time in years, she actually enjoyed moving
She signed up for a membership that night.
Reclaiming Confidence In Her Body
Over the past year, Julie-Anne’s relationship with fitness — and with herself — has transformed.
🪞 She used to hide in the back of sweaty selfies. Now she’s front row in a sports bra.
💪 She used to avoid push-up tracks. Now she celebrates doing them on her toes.
🧠 She used to restrict food before workouts. Now she fuels with pride.
“I’m not just stronger in my body; I’m stronger in life. SHINE taught me that pushing myself in class helps me push through challenges outside of class too.”
She even upgraded to a 6-month membership in full, just to secure her spot in Musical Theatre Cardio every Saturday.
Her Mindset Transformation
She speaks openly about eating disorder recovery — and how SHINE became the first place where her healing was not just supported, but celebrated.
💙 She’s gone from fear to fun
💙 From control to flexibility
💙 From isolation to community
“My life used to feel so small. Now it’s full. I’m present. I’m proud. And I know I’m not alone.”
Julie-Anne's Advice to Anyone Afraid to Start?
If you’ve struggled with disordered eating, a lack of confidence, falling into toxic fitness routines, Julie-Anne recommends you:
“Just try. Even if you don’t believe it yet, take the action first. Fuel your body. Move with kindness. Give it three weeks. Suspend disbelief — and see what happens.”
Conclusion: Julie Anne's SHINE Story Continues
One year ago, Julie-Anne wasn’t sure if movement would ever feel safe again. Now, it’s part of her routine — and a source of joy, strength, and self-love.
Through SHINE FIT, she found:
💙 A supportive, anti-diet community
💙 Workouts that heal instead of harm
💙 A reminder that strength goes far beyond muscles
If you’re tired of fitness spaces that make you feel not enough — this is your sign.
✨ You don’t have to look a certain way to belong
✨ You don’t have to be perfect to start
✨ And your story can change, just like Julie-Anne’s
TAKE ACTION
Feeling inspired by Julie-Anne'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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