From Serial Groupon User to 18 Months of Consistency: Pauline's SHINE Story
- Jess Takimoto
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
"When I went to those Groupon classes... {working out} just felt like a transaction” Pauline shared. “Now it’s my choice—not the studio’s. I actually want to work out three times a week. It’s just part of my life now.”
Watch the full story: https://youtu.be/4af0zuOFXP8
Summary
Introduction
Welcome back to Season 2, Episode 2 of the SHINE Stories podcast! I’m your host, Jess Takimoto, and today’s guest is someone who brings sunshine into the studio every week—Pauline.
She’s a project manager who commutes over two hours a day for work, yet still finds time to move her body at SHINE three times a week.
In this episode, we talk about what it takes to build a consistent workout habit, why her perspective on fitness has completely shifted, and how the community played a huge role in helping her stick to it for over 18 months.
This episode was actually filmed in November 2024, which means she’s now been exercising consistently for almost 2 years!
What Was Pauline's Relationship With Fitness Before SHINE?
Before finding SHINE, Pauline struggled with consistency. She tried dozens of fitness classes using Groupon deals—yoga, Pilates, bootcamps—but never found anything that stuck.
❌ She wasn’t motivated.
❌ She didn’t have a routine.
❌ She didn’t feel connected to the workouts—or the people.
Her only reason for working out was because she “should.” But when she didn’t find community after a few sessions, she’d quit and try something new. For over two years, Pauline was stuck in a cycle of starting and stopping, with no real commitment to movement.
Can you relate to Pauline’s experience? The struggle to commit to a consistent workout routine without accountability and community.
The Turning Point: Discovering SHINE
After moving downtown and craving more social interaction post-COVID, Pauline found SHINE through an Instagram ad. She was drawn in by the dance-based format and the promise of community—but almost didn’t join.
“I was nervous. I had never worked out three times a week before,” she said. “If I had gone home to think about it, I probably wouldn’t have signed up.”
But during her No Sweat Intro, she took a leap of faith and committed to our 6 Week Confidence Transformation Challenge, which changed her relationship with fitness.
From Inconsistent Workouts to True Commitment
Pauline showed up to her first class unsure if she could keep up—but was instantly welcomed by members who said hello, made conversation, and made her feel at home.
“That had never happened in any other studio. People actually talked to me. It wasn’t just a workout—it felt like a community.”
Over the six weeks, Pauline didn’t miss a single class. For someone who had never worked out consistently before, this was huge. That structure and sense of accountability gave her the push she needed. After her challenge, she transitioned into becoming a full-time member—and has kept it up for over 23 months (and counting).
The Role of Community in Pauline’s Journey
Pauline emphasizes that it wasn’t just the workouts that kept her coming back—it was the energy of the people.
“I would show up after sitting in traffic for hours feeling miserable. But after class, I was just… happy. I wasn’t mad anymore. The people here gave me energy.”
She also mentioned how the friendliness and connection made small talk bearable again post-COVID—and gave her the social reset she needed. The encouragement she felt from day one is now something she passes on to others, greeting newcomers, and making them feel welcome.
The Mindset Shift: From Accountability to True Motivation
Initially, Pauline stayed consistent because she felt accountable to SHINE—classes were scheduled for her, and she didn’t want to let anyone down. But over time, the motivation shifted from external pressure to internal drive.
“It started as, ‘Jess is going to know if I skip.’ But now, it’s my choice. I want to work out. It feels weird when I don’t.”
In fact, her legs feel restless when she misses a class. Her body craves movement—not for aesthetics, but for release, energy, and joy.
Advice for Those Just Starting Their Journey
Pauline’s advice for anyone who’s been in her shoes?
“You think you’re busier than you actually are. Don’t get in your head. Just try it. If you overthink it, you’ll come up with excuses. But if you commit, you’ll figure the rest out.”
She also emphasizes the power of planning your workouts in advance—something that made it easier for her to show up. She even expressed that SHINE has made her less indecisive in other areas of her life!
Conclusion: Pauline's SHINE Story Continues
Pauline’s journey is proof that transformation doesn’t come from motivation alone—it comes from taking a leap to prioritize yourself. She didn’t wait for her schedule to be perfect. She just decided to try—and built something sustainable from there.
What started as a nervous "yes" to a 6 Week Challenge turned into a mindset shift that supports her physically, mentally, and emotionally in ALL aspects of her life. Now, even with a two-hour daily commute and a demanding job, Pauline consistently makes time to move her body and fuel her mind—because it makes her a better version of herself.
Her story reminds us that you don’t have to feel ready. You just have to start. And when you find the right environment, support system, and structure—working out can be fun and empowering!
If you’ve ever felt stuck in that cycle of starting and stopping, let Pauline’s story be your sign. The hardest part is taking the first step—but that step could lead to something bigger than you imagined.
TAKE ACTION
Feeling inspired by Pauline’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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