When I found Shred415, I was living what was supposed to be my “perfect” life — but nothing about it felt perfect. I was just going through the motions, feeling unimportant, unseen, lonely, and not truly happy. Shortly after joining Shred415, I began to face the truth of what I needed to do. I had to say goodbye to that so-called “perfect” life in order to find real happiness for me. What I didn’t know was just how much I’d have to sacrifice to find myself again.
I chose to leave my 25-year marriage. I became estranged from my son, my firstborn, during his senior year of high school. I turned my kids’ lives — and mine — completely upside down. I lost most of my “friends” and the identity I had clung to. I moved out of my “dream” home and left half of my belongings behind. I had never felt so scared, so uncertain, and so alone.
But through it all, I had a few amazing friends, both old and new, and family who stood by me — people who picked me up when I fell, offered a hug when I needed it, lent an ear to listen, or simply gave me a shoulder to cry on. And I had Shred. I didn’t realize then how important those daily workouts, that new gym, and those new people would become in my life.
Shred415 Red Bank was there for me through it all. Even on the days when I just couldn’t show up, when I fell out of routine and into a dark place, Shred didn’t give up on me. I went from working out 5-6 days a week to barely once a week, if at all. But Bassey, Jess, and my favorite instructors kept reaching out, encouraging me, and reminding me that I still had a place there. I knew I’d find my way back, but it took time — almost an entire year. Still, I never gave up on myself. I never quit or canceled my membership.
Now, I’m back on track — working out six days a week, squeezing in two-a-days at least twice a week, making up for lost time and lost strength.
So you see, Shred415 is so much more than a workout studio. It’s my happy place. It’s my community, my workout family. It’s what saved me and kept me afloat during the hardest, scariest time of my life. Shred is unconditional love, support, and the mental strength I need when I don’t feel strong.
Thank you, and happy 5 years Shred415 Red Bank — here’s to many more.
