From Punishment to Fun: Nicole’s SHINE FIT Journey
- Jessica Takimoto
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
“Before my six-week challenge, I didn’t have a healthy relationship with food, my body, or exercise. I used to see exercise as a form of punishment and thought food was ‘evil.’ Now, after the challenge, I’ve found a healthier relationship with food and view it as fuel for these workouts that I actually enjoy. I’m having fun without killing myself in the process!
I LOVE SHINE FIT! I love coming to class and being part of this community. I love SHINE’s body-positive, anti-diet approach, and the coaches and people here are amazing."
Summary:
Nicole’s Story: Transforming Mindset, Food, and Fitness
When Nicole first walked into SHINE FIT, she was stuck in a cycle of seeing exercise as punishment and viewing food as “evil.” Like many of us, she struggled with a healthy relationship to her body, feeling that every workout had to be a grueling ordeal to “earn” her meals. But over the course of our Six-Week Challenge, she discovered a completely different perspective—one centered on joy, community, and self-care.
Finding Joy in Movement
During her six-week journey, Nicole realized that exercise didn’t have to hurt or feel like a chore. In fact, once she started dancing along to high-energy tracks and having fun in class, she began to look forward to her workouts. Instead of bracing herself for exhausting routines, she found herself smiling and genuinely enjoying the process. With every class, Nicole felt her mindset shift further away from viewing exercise as a punishment.
Food as Fuel, Not the Enemy
A major turning point for Nicole was recognizing that food isn’t “evil.” By embracing SHINE FIT’s body-positive, anti-diet philosophy, she learned to see meals as fuel for her active lifestyle rather than something to restrict or feel guilty about.
This healthier relationship with food allowed her to nourish herself properly, maintain energy for workouts, and experience fewer negative thoughts around eating.
Community and Support
Nicole credits much of her transformation to the supportive environment at SHINE FIT. Between the upbeat dance-based classes and coaches who truly care about members’ well-being, she always felt encouraged to do her best—not perfect, but empowered and consistent. Meeting like-minded individuals who shared her goals only fueled her motivation. For Nicole, working out became less about changing how she looked and more about staying connected with a community that inspires her.
Advice for New Challengers
For anyone just beginning a Six-Week Challenge, Nicole’s advice is simple: “Stick it out! Don’t come here for the way you look—come here for the way you feel.”
Her story proves that when you focus on enjoying the journey—celebrating small wins and building healthier habits—you can achieve lasting transformation without self-criticism or rigid dieting.
Nicole’s journey is a powerful reminder that fitness can (and should) be fun. If you’re ready to reimagine your relationship with exercise, food, and your body, consider joining our next Six-Week Challenge at SHINE FIT.
Ready to Transform?
Book a No Sweat Intro and let’s chat about your goals, challenges, and how SHINE FIT can help you create your own body-positive breakthrough in our 6 Week Confidence Transformation Challenge.
Way to go Nicole! Cheering you on!!