Joy's SHINE Story: exercising for 16 months straight (and counting) by setting non-aesthetic goals

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A New Beginning: Joining SHINE FIT

Joy’s journey with SHINE FIT began when she saw an ad that stood out to her. Initially, she was drawn to the fitness aspect, but when Jess responded personally and welcomed her, Joy knew this was a sign she needed to start. “I was really intrigued when Jess personally reached out,” Joy says. “The energy felt different, and I knew I had to check it out.”

She signed up for the six-week challenge and quickly fell in love with the supportive community. Even though she was intimidated at first, Joy soon realized that the SHINE FIT family was full of people who were just as committed to their own growth, regardless of where they started.

From Weight Loss to Strength and Health

Like many, Joy initially thought fitness was all about losing weight and getting back to how she looked years ago. But as she settled into her new fitness routine, her mindset began to shift. “It wasn’t about losing weight anymore,” Joy says. “It was about getting stronger and feeling better.”

Joy found that working out helped with more than just physical strength. “I started sleeping better, feeling less anxious, and noticing that my mood improved,” she shares. The benefits of fitness extended far beyond physical changes—it became a tool for emotional well-being.

The First Burpee: A Confidence Breakthrough

One of Joy’s biggest milestones was when she completed her first burpee. “I never thought I’d be able to do a burpee,” Joy recalls. “But when I finally did, I felt so accomplished. I realized I was stronger than I thought.”

That moment was not just a physical achievement; it marked a mental shift for Joy. She had conquered a movement that she thought was beyond her reach, and in doing so, she proved to herself that anything was possible with persistence.

Changing Her Relationship with Her Body

Before joining SHINE FIT, Joy struggled with body image, especially after gaining weight due to depression and anxiety. “I wasn’t happy with how I looked, and I thought that fitness was the answer to getting back to my old self,” Joy shares.

But over time, she realized that fitness was not about trying to regain the past. “I started to focus on what my body could do, not how it looked,” she says. “And that’s when things really began to change.”

Through consistency, strength training, and the support of the SHINE FIT community, Joy shifted from focusing on external validation to appreciating her body for its strength and abilities.

The Importance of Community and Support

For Joy, one of the most powerful aspects of her fitness journey has been the supportive SHINE FIT community. “No one here judges me,” she explains. “I can take modifications and no one bats an eye. That level of support has made such a difference in my consistency.”

Being part of a group that celebrates each other’s successes and encourages one another through challenges has been a game changer for Joy. It’s given her the confidence to keep going, even when she faces struggles in her body image or fitness journey.

Confidence Beyond the Scale

Joy’s body has certainly transformed, but more importantly, her body image and confidence have too. She reflects on how, in the past, external validation played a large role in her sense of self-worth. But through her fitness journey at SHINE FIT, Joy learned that confidence doesn’t come from others' opinions—it comes from within.

“Now I focus on how strong I feel, and what my body can do, rather than how I look,” she shares. Joy’s journey has taught her that true confidence comes from accepting her body as it is, not from trying to meet external standards.

Advice for New Members

When asked what advice she would give to someone just starting at SHINE FIT, Joy says, “Just do it. Trust your gut. The hardest part is showing up, but once you do, you’ll see how much it changes you—not just physically, but emotionally.”

She encourages new members to let go of diet culture and embrace the benefits of moving your body for health and happiness, rather than weight loss. “Fitness isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel,” she says.

Joy’s story is an empowering reminder that fitness is not about trying to look a certain way; it’s about strengthening your body, improving your mental health, and feeling good in your skin. Thank you, Joy, for sharing your inspiring journey!

Ready to start your own transformation? Join the SHINE FIT community and experience the benefits of fitness beyond the scale. Join Now.