Before Shred415 Seattle, I was really skeptical about the idea of a gym becoming my community. I was always the person in a studio who popped in and out, hoping not to be noticed because I was embarrassed of being out of shape and wanted to get “skinny.” I was taking a personal risk to be open to the Shred415 community, and unexpectedly learned that the discomfort of challenging myself doesn’t have to be unpleasant.
I have yet to meet everyone (as I am still a little shy) but am inspired by all who I’ve engaged with. To name a few- Alice has taught me to value being strong vs. being light. Fadil has shown me how to have fun and make jokes while Shredding – even at 5am! Ashley D. brings just the right amount of positivity to painful moments, whether that be running at incline 10 or modeling how to be anti-racist. Alicia uses her platform to inspire the entire fitness community in Seattle. Each instructor has inspired me in ways I never expected and I am so grateful for them.
In just a year, I am 25 pounds lighter, 10 pounds stronger, and thankful for all I’ve gained beyond the scale! People around me have praised me for my discipline to show up at 6am everyday, but the workouts actually helped me through times of stress including working as a speech-language pathologist at schools, anxiety leaving toxic relationships, and extreme self-judgement in my “becoming.” I have a bad habit of waiting to love myself until I’ve met certain goals – which are actually pretty unrealistic if I’m being honest with myself.
Shred415 has taught me to value myself during the process as a part of a strong fitness community. I feel so much more confident with how I can grow in all areas of life and how I’ve changed physically is a tangible representation of just that. I can’t wait to GAIN more and further connected with everyone else post Covid! I am beyond grateful for the owners, Alice and Fadil, that continue to take efforts and make sacrifices during a pandemic to continue to build this community.
