From Not Showing Up for Herself to Missing Working Out on Her Days Off
- Jess Takimoto
- Dec 2
- 3 min read
“I didn’t realize how much I needed SHINE until I found it. When they told me about the accountability, I actually started crying; I finally felt supported.” - Jenna
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/QyHquSDAExE?si=2VPZlWmHvJhWzaG1
Summary
Introduction
On the days Jenna isn’t at SHINE, she misses it, and if you had told her a year ago that she’d miss working out? She would’ve laughed.
But this is what happens when fitness stops feeling like punishment and starts feeling like home.
Jenna joined SHINE in June 2025 after seeing an Instagram ad for Musical Theatre Cardio (because of course a theatre girly is going to click that ✨).
She took her free trial class, fell instantly in love, and signed up for the 6-Week Challenge the same day.
💙 From years of inconsistency → a routine she’s proud of
💙 From crying over accountability → feeling supported, seen, and understood
💙 From giving everything to others → finally choosing to invest in herself
What Was Jenna's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Jenna wasn’t new to exercise, but she was new to enjoying it. In high school, she worked out five days a week with her dad in their basement. They followed home workout videos together and, with him beside her, showing up felt easy.
But when she moved away for university, the consistency cracked.
No dad. No accountability. Just her, alone, trying to force herself through YouTube videos in her small apartment.
“I kept trying to do it on my own… but to put it plainly, no success.”
Like so many people, she didn’t struggle because she was lazy — she struggled because she was alone.
The Turning Point: Finding SHINE
When Jenna came across SHINE’s Instagram ad, she clicked with the fun musical theatre vibes. What she didn’t expect was the emotional gut-punch of realizing how much she needed structured support.
For the first time since high school, she didn’t feel alone in her fitness journey.
She had:
✨ Coaches who cared
✨ A challenge that built structure
✨ A community that remembered her name
✨ People who actually missed her when she wasn’t there
Shine didn’t just give her workouts. It gave her the feeling of being held.
The Investment That Changed Everything
Jenna is the kind of person who gives everything to others. Birthdays, holidays, dinners, surprises — if she can make someone smile, she’ll do it.
But investing in herself? Terrifying.
“I was scared to put the money into me. Not even into SHINE… but into what SHINE could give me.”
But she took the leap. She chose herself.
And the payoff?
“I couldn’t be happier. I’m so proud of myself for making that investment.”
Through SHINE, she learned a life lesson most people reach much later:
Investing in yourself is not selfish — it’s necessary.
The Ripple Effect: Stronger, Happier, More Connected
Since joining SHINE, Jenna’s routine has become something she genuinely looks forward to. Not something she forces. Not something she guilts herself into. Something she misses when she’s not here.
She’s stronger. She has more stamina. Her confidence is higher. She has real friends in Toronto — a community she sees every week.
“It shows up in every part of your life.”
Jenna's Message If You're Nervous About Joining
Her advice is simple — and so deeply SHINE:
“If you’re willing to pay to go to an event with friends…
If you’re willing to pay to travel…
If you’re willing to pay for an adventure…
Just pay for SHINE.
You get the same benefits.
You feel healthier. You make friends.
You build community.
You feel stronger.
And it’s SO worth it.”
READY TO START YOUR OWN SHINE STORY?
Feeling inspired by Jenna'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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