From Isolation to Finding a Supportive Community of Forever Friends: Lexi's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
“I used to think missing one workout meant I failed. Now I know I can always come back. I’m not stuck anymore.”
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/b-P9Trjy_Bs?si=6-qZlKbkD1psULAF
Summary
Introduction
When Lexi (she/her) moved to Toronto from Winnipeg for her master’s degree, she felt isolated, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from her body.
She was living in a new city with no friends, no community, and no energy to move. Her depression was the worst it had been in years, and working out felt like an impossible task.
But after one SHINE class, everything started to change.
Now? She works out three to four times a week. She smiles during workouts. And on the hard days, she doesn’t spiral — she comes back with strength.
What Was Lexi's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Before SHINE, Lexi’s experience with fitness was filled with guilt, pressure, and shame.
❌ She believed she wasn’t athletic and would never be “fit enough”
❌ She had an all-or-nothing mindset — if she missed one day, she felt like a failure
❌ She struggled deeply with depression, especially during the winter
“I always thought I wasn’t the kind of person who could work out consistently. I’d try, miss a day, and feel like I failed completely.”
Growing up, Lexi played soccer, and team sports were the only way she felt motivated. But as an adult, without a team or structure, she felt lost and discouraged.
She didn’t think a space like SHINE could exist — one that made movement fun, welcoming, and actually healing.
The Turning Point: Finding SHINE
After she was encouraged to try something new, Lexi opened up about wanting a space that felt kind, safe, and supportive. A few days later, an Instagram ad for SHINE FIT appeared.
“It sounded too good to be true. I was scared to try, but something told me to go.”
❤️ She took a leap and booked a free class
❤️ She danced, sweated, and smiled more than she had in months
❤️ She felt seen, and for the first time, she didn’t feel alone
“That first class felt like joy. I hadn’t felt that in a long time.”
Reclaiming Confidence In Her Body
SHINE helped Lexi realize that movement didn’t have to be about punishment. It could be about power. About coming back to yourself.
🪞 She went from avoiding fitness to craving it
👯♀️ She built real friendships with people who hugged her through hard days
🎉 She started working out consistently, even through the winter
“I used to be terrified to commit to a two-week trial. Now, I’m doing livestreams and just signed up for a full-year membership.”
Her Mindset Transformation
Lexi’s transformation wasn’t just about movement. It was about mindset.
💙 She let go of the all-or-nothing thinking
💙 She started showing herself grace when she missed a class
💙 She discovered how powerful it is to just show up
“One day, I got to class and just started crying. I didn’t even work out. But people came and hugged me, brought me water, and sat with me. That would’ve never happened in a regular gym. That was SHINE.”
From Isolated to Supported and Moving her Body Consistently
Now, almost one year after her first class:
🌟 Lexi moves with purpose and joy
🌟 She’s stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically
🌟 She believes in herself in a way she never has before
“I never thought I could be this person — someone who works out consistently and actually loves it. But now I know: I can always come back. I’m not stuck anymore.”
Lexi's Advice to Anyone Afraid to Start?
If you’ve ever felt like fitness spaces weren’t made for you — if you’ve struggled with motivation, depression, or feeling “too far gone” — Lexi wants you to know:
“Just show up. That’s it. You don’t have to be ready. You just have to walk in the door. The rest will follow.”
Conclusion: Lexi's SHINE Story Continues
Lexi’s story is proof that fitness doesn’t need to be about changing your body — it can be about changing your life.
Through SHINE FIT, she found:
💙 A supportive community
💙 Confidence she didn’t know she had
💙 Movement that actually feels good
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or scared to begin, let this be your reminder:
✨ You are not alone
✨ You are not broken
✨ And your transformation can start with one class
TAKE ACTION
Feeling inspired by Lexi'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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