From "Fitness Isn't For Me" to Assistant Studio Manager, Leader, and Moving with Confidence: Megan M's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
“I used to think I wasn’t a fit person because I didn’t look like one. Now I know I am—because I show up.” - Megan M
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/UFKZkvEHjdw
Summary
Introduction
Megan M (she/her)'s path to SHINE FIT started with one word that defined her teenage years: invisible. She wasn’t the athletic kid, the sporty friend, or the girl who “looked” fit—and for a long time, she believed fitness just wasn’t for her.
Then, during a tough stretch of isolation and self-doubt, she saw an ad for SHINE FIT while doom-scrolling on Instagram. One click changed everything.
Today, she’s not just moving confidently—she’s leading with it. As one of SHINE FIT’s Assistant Studio Managers, Megan now welcomes new members with the same warmth and belonging that first changed her life.
💙 From hiding in the back → leading from the front
💙 From “I don’t belong here” → “this is my place”
💙 From member → mentor and role model
What Was Megan's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Growing up, fitness and body image were tangled in all the wrong ways. At home, diet culture disguised itself as “wellness” including new soups every week, quick fixes, and comments about weight loss. At school, it was judgment and comparison.
“I just didn’t think I was someone who could be fit,” Megan remembers. “I didn’t have the ‘look,’ and I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere near a gym.”
“I just didn’t think I was someone who could be fit. I didn’t have the ‘look,’ and I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere near a gym.”
She tried Zumba once at twelve in the front row, surrounded by her mom’s friends and loved it. But when the instructor left, so did her outlet. Theater became her comfort zone; on stage, she could hide behind a character. Off stage, her body insecurity stayed.
The Turning Point: Finding SHINE
After her workplace shut down for renovations, Megan found herself unemployed, uninspired, and glued to her phone. Then, she found a SHINE ad.
“It looked fun—kind of like Zumba, but cooler,” she laughs. “I told myself, it’s five minutes away. Just go.”
She almost turned back at the door. But before she could, a coach smiled and greeted her by name.
“It sounds small, but that moment mattered. Nobody told me I didn’t belong.”
She left that first class feeling sweaty, shaky, and alive. She bought the 2-week unlimited pass on the spot—and kept showing up.
From Drop-Ins to Energy Exchange: Finding Her Place 💙
After a short break for family obligations, Megan realized how much she missed the studio. But as a full-time student, she couldn’t afford multiple memberships, so when she learned about the Energy Exchange program (volunteering 2–5 hours/week in exchange for class credits), it clicked.
That’s when everything shifted:
✅ Being in the studio more helped her build routine and accountability
✅ Small conversations turned into real friendships
✅ She stopped just “attending classes” and started feeling part of something bigger
“I didn’t need a title to belong. I already had a place here.”
The 6-Week Challenge: Breaking Down Walls, Building Confidence ⚡
Megan joined the 6-Week Challengem expecting a simple fitness reset. Instead, she found mindset work that cracked something open.
By week three, she hit an emotional wall and experienced tears, reflection, and release.
“I thought I had a positive relationship with fitness… but the mindset training made me realize how many old beliefs I was still carrying.”
That week was hard—but it changed her life. She kept going, completing the 8-Week Foundations and 10-Week Level Up programs. For over a year now, she’s moved her body at least three times a week, consistently.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever stuck with something. And the first time it wasn’t about changing how I looked; it was about how I felt.”
From Member → Assistant Studio Manager 🌟
In spring, Megan officially joined the SHINE FIT team as an Assistant Studio Manager. She now trains new staff, greets members, manages classes, and gets to be the person she once needed.
💙 She learned to trust her instincts and take up space.
💙 She found her voice in a leadership role.
💙 She leads with empathy, confidence, and care.
“I used to walk into rooms and shrink myself. Now, I walk in like I belong—because I do.”
Megan’s Advice for Anyone Who’s Nervous to Start 💌
1️⃣ Come as you are. You don’t need to look “fit” to belong. You already do.
2️⃣ Book the class. Let the energy do the rest.
3️⃣ Let people in. Community is the difference between quitting and thriving.
4️⃣ Expect to be greeted fast. (Seriously, within 10 seconds!)
5️⃣ Be kind to yourself. Confidence grows from showing up—one class at a time.
“If I could talk to my high school self, I’d just give her a hug and say: it gets better. You’ll find your people.”
READY TO START YOUR OWN SHINE STORY?
Feeling inspired by Megan M'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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