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, body dysmorphia, and disordered eating.

In this episode, Jess sits down with SHINE FIT member Val to share her incredible transformation — from avoiding movement and battling body dysmorphia to rediscovering joy, confidence, and connection through fitness.

Before SHINE, Val saw exercise as punishment. Struggling with self-worth and depression, she believed workouts were something she had to do to change her body, not something she could ever enjoy. That mindset left her disconnected from movement — and from herself.

Everything changed when she took a chance on SHINE FIT. Through mindset coaching, accountability, and community, Val shifted her relationship with fitness from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” She went from skipping classes to training 4–5 times a week, creating friendships, and even getting a SHINE-inspired tattoo as a symbol of how far she’s come.

Val opens up about overcoming body dysmorphia, learning to take up space, and how SHINE gave her back a part of herself she thought was lost forever. If you’ve ever felt like working out wasn’t for you or struggled with negative self-image, this episode will remind you: you are worthy of movement, joy, and community—right now.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

💙 Why Val used to skip workouts — and how she broke the cycle
💙 How mindset coaching and accountability calls rewired her relationship with fitness
💙 The powerful moment she finally felt worthy of taking the bow after class
💙 How SHINE FIT became her third space and gave her deep friendships
💙 Why she got a tattoo to carry her SHINE journey with her as she moves overseas

You can connect with Val on Instagram @val_hernandez30 !