Welcome back to another powerful episode of the SHINE Stories Podcast.
Please note this episode discusses topics including eating disorders, body image, and mental health.

This week, Jess sits down with SHINE FIT member Julie-Anne (she/her) to talk about her inspiring journey from competitive figure skating and disordered eating — to finding true strength, joy, and community through movement.

For years, Julie-Anne struggled with an all-or-nothing relationship with exercise. She went from rigid, structured training to avoiding movement completely in recovery from a clinical eating disorder. Trying to reintroduce fitness felt impossible — until she found SHINE FIT.

In this conversation, Julie-Anne shares what it was like searching for a space that wasn’t steeped in toxic diet culture. She opens up about rebuilding her relationship with food, movement, and her own body — and how SHINE became the first studio where she felt seen, supported, and celebrated.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
– What it’s like to recover from an eating disorder while reintroducing movement
– The struggle of finding an inclusive, non-toxic fitness space in Toronto
– How SHINE helped her go from hiding in the back to leading with confidence
– The mindset shift from punishment to fueling for joy and strength
– Her advice for anyone navigating recovery, self-doubt, or starting over

You can connect with Julie-Anne on Slack or @callherjam on Instagram!