From Self-Doubt and Gym Anxiety to Fitness Instructor in Training: Chantel's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
“It literally feels like a new me. I'm learning, I'm healing, and for the first time ever — I'm letting myself be happy.” - Chantel
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/9hTjk5ge8Ks
Summary
Introduction
When Chantel (she/her) first walked into SHINE, she wasn’t confident, coordinated, or convinced she belonged.
She had spent years in a toxic relationship with fitness — punishing herself at the gym, restricting her food, and believing she had to earn the right to feel confident in her body.
But one year after that first terrifying class?
💙 Chantel works out for joy — not punishment
💙 She’s stronger in her body and in her life
💙 She’s training to become a SHINE FIT instructor
What Was Chantel's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Chantel’s fitness journey started like many others — in high school, fueled by diet culture, unrealistic beauty standards, and Instagram workout trends.
❌ She felt like she had to “look the part” to even enter a gym
❌ She avoided carbs, pasta, and pizza (her favourite foods)
❌ She pushed herself through workouts she hated, just to feel “worthy”
“If I didn’t do 45 minutes of cardio, I felt like a failure.”
Her anxiety around movement was so strong, even walking on a treadmill felt overwhelming. She constantly compared herself to others and never felt good enough.
The Turning Point: A TikTok, A Giveaway, and a Phone Call
One day, while scrolling TikTok, Chantel saw a video of a SHINE class — people dancing, laughing, and actually enjoying themselves.
It didn’t feel like the gym. It felt like a party. So when she saw we were running a giveaway, she entered.
“I didn’t think I’d win… but then Jess called me.”
That phone call changed everything. She came to her first class — terrified, but curious.
And what she found was not a room full of judgmental “fit girls” … but a room full of real people who smiled, cheered her on, and made her feel safe.
Healing Her Relationship With Food, Fitness, and Herself
After just one class, Chantel felt something shift.
She wasn’t working out to shrink herself.
She was moving to feel alive.
She signed up for the 6-Week Challenge.
Then joined Team SHINE.
And now is part of our Instructor Training Program.
In the span of a year, she didn’t just transform her routine — she transformed her life.
💙 She left a relationship that wasn’t serving her
💙 She moved into her own apartment
💙 She started a new job and went back to school
💙 She now mentors new members walking in for the first time — just like she once did
“I never thought I’d be jealous of people working out. But when I’m on shift at the hospital, I miss SHINE.”
From "I Can't Dance" to Instructor-in-Training
Chantel used to believe she wasn’t “fit,” “coordinated,” or “enough” to ever be in front of the room.
Now, she’s learning choreography, growing her confidence, and preparing to lead.
“I was so scared to even try… and now I’m up there in front of the room. With zero anxiety.”
She’s living proof that you don’t need a dance background or a perfect body to lead others — you just need heart, courage, and community.
Her Body Image Now? “Miles Better.”
Chantel still has hard days — because healing is never linear. But her self-talk has changed.
She’s gone from:
❌ “I can’t wear that” → ✅ “Does it make me feel good? Then I’ll wear it.”
❌ “I need to change my body” → ✅ “My body doesn’t need to change — my clothes do.”
❌ “Perfect or failure” → ✅ “Good enough is good enough.”
She even cleared out her closet and got rid of everything that didn’t make her feel good.
“I deserve to feel good in my own skin. I don’t have to change my body to be happy.”
Her advice to her younger self??
“You’re beautiful. You deserve to be happy in your body. There’s no such thing as perfect — take a breath, and just try. Even if it doesn’t go how you expect, that’s okay. Trying is the win.”
Conclusion: Chantel's SHINE Story Continues
One year ago, Chantel could barely step onto a treadmill without anxiety. Today, she’s leading workouts, cheering others on, and living a life full of joy, movement, and possibility.
Through SHINE FIT, she found:
💙 A supportive, empowering fitness family
💙 A way to move that boosts her mental health
💙 A reminder that strength is so much more than physical
If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “fit enough” to start, Chantel’s story is proof:
✨ You’re already enough.
✨ You’re allowed to take up space.
✨ And your story can change — one brave step at a time.
TAKE ACTION
Feeling inspired by Chantel'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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