From Prom Prep to Powerful Confidence: Abbey's SHINE Story
“I used to work out just to change what I looked like, but now I do it because it makes me feel good, both mentally and physically. It’s not about looking better anymore, it’s about feeling stronger and more confident in who I am.” – Abbey
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/HLqe6G26zck
Summary
Abbey’s Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE
Before joining SHINE, Abbey's relationship with fitness was driven by body image issues and societal pressure. She didn’t know much about working out, and her motivation was entirely about changing her appearance. She would try different workout routines, only to burn out and stop once she didn’t see the results she expected. Abbey recalls trying to stick with intense fitness programs just to achieve an idealized version of herself, which never felt sustainable or enjoyable.
“I would work out in my basement or follow routines for a month,” she shared. “But it was never about feeling good. It was always about looking better.”
This mindset, which was rooted in body image insecurity, made fitness feel like an obligation rather than a source of enjoyment.
The Turning Point: Discovering SHINE
Abbey’s SHINE journey began during the pandemic, when she discovered Jess’s daily livestream workouts. At first, she didn’t expect much. She was just looking for something to do as she studied for the MCAT and worked from home. But something clicked during those first classes. Abbey found herself enjoying the workouts for the first time ever—not because she was trying to burn calories, but because they made her feel good, mentally and physically.
“It was the first time I didn’t feel like I had to work out to burn calories or change my body,” Abbey said. “I just enjoyed it. It was fun.”
The energy and positivity of the classes, combined with the supportive community, made Abbey realize that fitness could be about more than just changing how she looked. It could be about feeling good, relieving stress, and making time for herself in the midst of a busy and chaotic time.
Shifting From Body Image to Body Confidence
In the beginning, Abbey still struggled with body image issues. She would check herself in the mirror after every workout, comparing herself to others and critiquing every perceived imperfection. But over time, as she continued to show up for herself at SHINE, Abbey started to notice a shift—not just in her physical appearance, but in her mindset.
“I started realizing that it’s not about what I look like,” Abbey explained. “It’s about how I feel when I’m showing up for myself. I was doing something I enjoyed, something that made me feel confident, and I wasn’t worried about how others saw me anymore.”
This shift in focus—from appearance to how she felt—was transformative. Abbey began to see exercise as a way to celebrate her body, not to punish it. And as she embraced this new mindset, she found herself becoming more confident both inside and outside of class.
Overcoming Old Habits and Building True Confidence
Abbey also realized that many of the habits and beliefs she had held about fitness and her body were deeply ingrained. The pressure to look a certain way, to push herself in the gym to achieve a certain image, had been with her for years. But through consistent practice, self-compassion, and the support of the SHINE community, Abbey learned to embrace her body as it was, without constantly trying to change it.
“For the first time, I wasn’t obsessing over my body,” she said. “I could just look in the mirror and be like, ‘That’s me, and I’m okay with it.’”
This newfound comfort with herself marked a major turning point in Abbey’s confidence journey. Instead of focusing on physical changes, she celebrated the mental and emotional strength that came from showing up for herself consistently.
Abbey’s Advice for Anyone Starting Their Fitness Journey
Abbey’s journey shows that starting can be the hardest part. If you’re just starting your fitness journey, Abby’s advice is simple but impactful:
“Keep going, even when it’s hard. It will get easier, and you’ll start seeing the transformation, not just physically, but in your mindset. SHINE isn’t just about fitness—it’s about showing up for yourself, having fun, and realizing that you are so much more than what you look like.”
It’s a message that reflects Abbey’s entire SHINE experience: exercise can be about much more than just physical results. It can be a tool for personal growth, mental well-being, and self-love.
Abbey’s SHINE Story Continues
Abbey’s journey at SHINE is ongoing, and with each class, she continues to grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Her transformation—from someone who once used exercise as a means to change her body to someone who embraces movement for how it makes her feel—is a testament to the power of mindset and community.
If Abbey’s story resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Many of us have struggled with the same toxic fitness culture and body image issues, but it’s possible to break free and start seeing fitness as a tool for feeling good, not just looking good.
Ready to Start Your SHINE Journey?
If Abbey’s story has inspired you to start your own fitness journey, we’re here to help. 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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