From Fitness as a Punishment to Moving for Herself: Christine's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
“I was so fixated on how I looked that I forgot how to live. Movement should be a joy, not a punishment.” - Christine
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/MyJ_vHRgOjg?si=tcsr_VUpnGz4Pp8-
Summary
Introduction
Christine (she/her)’s path to SHINE wasn’t a straight line—it was a decade-plus of extremes: toxic beauty standards, overtraining, restrictive diets, and a recovery journey that wasn’t always met with empathy.
One free class changed the trajectory. Today, Christine is not only a devoted member—she’s one of our SHINE coaches, teaching with the empathy and authenticity she once needed herself.
💙 From chaotic workout cycles → consistent, sustainable training
💙 From body surveillance → movement for joy, mental health, and community
💙 From participant → coach leading a judgment-free room
What Was Christine's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Growing up under intense beauty standards, Christine’s relationship with fitness skewed early. She was bullied for her body, started exercising young, and in university pushed into over-exercise and restriction—eventually leading to hospitalization.
Recovery was complicated. Regaining weight sparked comments like, “You’re letting yourself slip,” instead of “I’m glad you’re healing.” Fitness became an all-consuming equation: calories, macros, perfection.
“I was so fixated on how I looked that I forgot how to live.”
During the pandemic, YouTube “before/after” culture fueled the spiral. Even as a passionate pole fitness student and teacher, comparison crept in: look a certain way, bulk in the “right” places, prove your work. Then an injury (a near-bursitis knee scare) forced rest—and a reckoning.
The Turning Point: Finding SHINE
Scrolling for something gentler, Christine found SHINE on Instagram and booked the First Class Free with Coach Kirsten.
She expected “been there, done that.” Instead, she was humbled and lit up.
✅ A room full of different bodies, moving powerfully
✅ Programming that felt like athletic training, not “just dancing”
✅ A culture that celebrates how you feel, not how you look
“For the first time, I wasn’t comparing or monitoring. I was just…having fun.”
She grabbed an intro pack on the spot. Then the 6-Week Challenge.
Accountability → Consistency → Community ⚡
Because Christine was working out before SHINE, she thought accountability wouldn’t matter, but it did.
Booked classes became non-negotiable appointments
Seeing the same faces turned strangers into teammates
Small wins, like doing lower push-ups, stacked up
The biggest shift wasn’t just physical. It was mental and emotional: more present at work, calmer with friends, and free to enjoy gelato after class without noise from the food-police in her head.
“Fitness stopped being punishment. It became presence and joy.”
From Member to Coach: Leading with Authenticity 🎤
Halfway through her challenge, Christine applied for instructor training. Imposter thoughts popped up—Do I look like a coach? Do I belong up there?—and she worked through them the way we work a set: one rep at a time.
💙 She leaned on her psychology background and teaching chops from pole
💙 She learned to sit with discomfort, not obey it
💙 She doubled down on what matters at SHINE: care, craft, and community
“The only way to lead is to try. I don’t have to be someone else. I get to be me.”
Now, she coaches the class she once needed—clear progressions, fierce encouragement, and a room where all bodies are invited to take up space.
Christine’s Playbook: What She Tells New Members 📝
1) Meet yourself where you are. Move because it feels good now. Your body will adapt in its own way and timeline.
2) Reframe comments. When someone praises your looks, redirect gently: “Thanks—I feel great. I have more energy; I’m loving my classes.”
3) Curate your circle. You’re the average of your closest people. Add more voices that uplift movement, food freedom, and self-respect.
4) Give it a few weeks. By week 3, consistency starts to click. Book your classes like meetings.
5) Choose joy on purpose. If it isn’t enjoyable, it won’t be sustainable.
READY TO REWRITE YOUR STORY?
Feeling inspired by Christine'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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