Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the SHINE Stories Podcast. Please be advised that our show discusses topics such as body image, mental health, perfectionism, and disordered eating.
In this episode, Jess sits down with SHINE FIT instructor and longtime member Megan R to talk about her 4-year fitness journey—from avoiding workouts entirely to becoming the one leading them. Before SHINE, Meg believed fitness “just wasn’t for her.” A recovering perfectionist, she avoided anything she wasn’t immediately good at—and that included exercise. After saying yes to a SHINE livestream class (thanks to a persistent friend), she discovered that fitness could actually be fun—and that she didn’t need to be perfect to belong.
Megan opens up about overcoming self-doubt, shifting her identity, and how embracing imperfection helped her grow both physically and mentally. Now, as a SHINE instructor, she’s passionate about helping others realize they’re capable of more than they think—no matter where they start. If you’ve ever felt like you “weren’t the athletic type” or let perfectionism hold you back, this episode is for you.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
Why Megan almost quit after her first class—and what brought her back
How fun, community, and small wins kept her consistent for 4 years
The mindset shift from “I can’t do this” to “I enjoy doing this”
What it’s really like stepping into the role of a fitness instructor
How fitness transformed her confidence far beyond the studio walls