“I always thought people were lying when they said they worked out for mental health,” Emily shared. “For me, it was always about changing my body. I didn’t believe that working out could be about feeling good, not looking good.”
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/aVhJcFuVH6g
Summary
Introduction
Welcome back to Season 2 of the SHINE Stories podcast! I'm Jess Takimoto, and I’m thrilled to have the incredibly inspiring Emily on the show for our first episode of the season. As a physiotherapy resident and a dancer, Emily's journey has been nothing short of transformative. In this episode, we dive into how Emily shifted from chasing external validation through fitness to embracing exercise as a tool for mental health and personal growth. Her story is one of empowerment, community, and mindset—a true reflection of what we stand for at SHINE.
What Was Emily's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Before finding SHINE, Emily’s relationship with fitness was primarily influenced by external pressures. Like many of us, her motivation for exercise was rooted in societal standards and the desire to change her appearance. Growing up as a competitive dancer, fitness became a way to fit in and meet the expectations of others. As she entered adulthood, the pressure only increased. Social media was flooded with before-and-after photos and fitness trends promising quick fixes, and Emily, like many, found herself stuck in a cycle of trying different workouts, hoping to see changes that never came.
“I always thought people were lying when they said they worked out for mental health,” Emily shared. “For me, it was always about changing my body. I didn’t believe that working out could be about feeling good, not looking good.”
Can you relate to Emily’s experience? The belief that exercise is solely about changing our physical appearance can hold you back from truly embracing the benefits fitness can offer beyond just aesthetics.
The Turning Point: Discovering SHINE
Emily's turning point came in March 2021 when a mutual friend introduced her to SHINE. At first, Emily was skeptical, having tried various fitness programs without seeing lasting results. But from the moment she joined her first class, something was different. The energy, the positivity, and the welcoming atmosphere made her feel like she belonged.
“The energy in the class was so different,” Emily recalls. “It was the first time I didn’t feel like I had to work out to burn calories or to look a certain way. I just enjoyed it. It wasn’t about earning food or burning off a workout. It was about having fun.”
SHINE provided Emily with a sense of community she had never experienced before in fitness. It wasn’t about competing with others or trying to be the best—it was about showing up, trying your best, and enjoying the process. This shift in mindset was pivotal in Emily's journey.
From External Validation to Intrinsic Motivation
At first, Emily was still motivated by external validation. She wanted to prove to others that she was doing well in class, but over time, her focus shifted. She realized that the real transformation was happening within her. The supportive community at SHINE helped Emily move from a place of competition and comparison to a space of self-empowerment.
“I think the switch happened when I started to feel so welcomed by the community,”
Emily says. “It turned from trying to prove myself to others to just trying my best for me. It became about doing what felt good and showing up for myself.”
The lesson here is that fitness should not be about competing with others or trying to meet societal standards—it should be about finding joy in movement and building confidence from within.
The Role of Community in Emily's Journey
One of the most powerful aspects of Emily's transformation is the community at SHINE. Whether she was joining virtual classes during her time in Kingston or participating in-person after moving to Toronto, Emily consistently found a sense of belonging that fuelled her growth.
“Even when I was on live stream, I felt like I was part of the community,” Emily explains. “I was able to connect with people, and it felt like I was seeing my friends. It was that sense of belonging that kept me coming back.”
This is why we always say that people come for the workout but stay for the community. Emily's experience is a testament to the power of connection and support in fostering long-term success and motivation.
The Shift in Mindset: From External Validation to True Confidence
As Emily continued her SHINE journey, her mindset evolved. The focus shifted from external validation to internal growth. Exercise became less about changing her body and more about taking care of her mental and physical well-being. This shift allowed Emily to experience the true benefits of fitness: better sleep, more energy, and overall happiness.
“I’m sleeping better. I feel more energized throughout the day. I’m just a generally happier person,” Emily reflects. “When I look back at the person I was four years ago, I just feel sad for her. I wish I had known what I know now about the power of community and the importance of mindset.”
Emily’s story shows that when you stop focusing on your physical appearance and start focusing on how fitness makes you feel, the benefits go far beyond the physical.
Advice for Those Just Starting Their Journey
Now, as a SHINE instructor, Emily shares her story with others to inspire and uplift them. Her advice for anyone just starting their fitness journey is simple but powerful: the words you say to yourself matter.
“The words that you say to yourself are so much more important than you realize,” Emily emphasizes. “Try not to talk negatively about yourself, because it’s going to impact your self-worth and your entire day. Positive thoughts attract positive energy. You have the power to change your language and, in turn, change your life.”
For Emily, this mindset shift has been life-changing. Instead of focusing on the negative, she now focuses on the positive—on what she can do, how far she’s come, and how amazing her body is for all the things it can achieve.
Conclusion: Emily's SHINE Story Continues
Emily’s SHINE story is far from over. She continues to show up for herself, embrace the process, and inspire others along the way. Her journey is a powerful reminder that fitness is about more than just physical results—it’s about mindset, community, and personal growth.
As Emily’s story shows, the most important transformation happens on the inside. When you find a community that supports you and a workout routine that makes you feel good, you’ll never want to go back to the old ways of thinking about fitness. And if you’re ready to start your own journey, Emily’s advice is clear: take that first step, change your language, and embrace the process.
TAKE ACTION! Feeling inspired by Emily’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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