From your 1st class to your 500th class

One of the most rewarding parts of running this studio is getting to witness transformation — not just physical, but emotional, mental, and even social. And if you've been around Mobility for any length of time, you know exactly what I mean.

Every week, women walk through our doors nervous, unsure, and often feeling a little (or a lot) out of place. Maybe it's their first time in a gym environment. Maybe they’ve had a bad experience in the past. Maybe they’re starting over — again — and are afraid of failing. I see it in their eyes, in their posture, in the way they hover near the back of the room. They’re scanning for a familiar face, unsure if they’ll be able to keep up, wondering if this is really for them.

And yet... something incredible happens when they decide to show up anyway.

They come to that first class. Then the next.And somewhere along the way, the fear starts to fade. Their movement becomes more confident. They stop apologizing for needing a modification. They start smiling, laughing, showing up early, and maybe even staying a little late to chat. It doesn’t happen all at once — but the shift is undeniable. And it’s one of the most beautiful things we get to witness as coaches, instructors, and fellow members.

This week, I’ve been thinking about Tanya.

Tanya stepped into her very first class on aTuesday night in January 2024. I remember it so clearly — it was a bootcamp class, and she showed up looking a little unsure. She quietly told me she had never really exercised before and wasn't sure what to expect. You could tell she was nervous. She stayed close to the wall, tried not to draw attention to herself, and was clearly stepping way outside of her comfort zone. And I’m pretty sure she was the first one out the door at the end of class!

But the most important part? She stayed. She showed up, she gave it her all, and from that very first class, something inside her shifted. She went from that 10-class pass to an unlimited membership without missing a beat. And as the weeks passed, she started to bloom.

She began chatting more before class. She started cheering others on. Her presence went from quiet and reserved to vibrant and encouraging. At our Awards Brunch this past January, we gave her the title "Energizer Bunny." It was the perfect fit. She’s known for her energy, her love of cardio, her consistency, and the way she lifts up every single woman in the room.

Two weeks ago, we had a team training night ona Thursday. All of our instructors were unavailable to teach, but I didn’t want to cancel all evening classes. I asked Tanya if she’d be willing to lead the class — I’d design it, and she’d just deliver it. It was a big ask for someone who had never imagined herself in that role. But she said yes. And she crushed it.

Then, just last week, she hit a major milestone: 500 classes.82 weeks since she first walked through our doors — averaging six classes a week.

Tanya’s story is powerful, but what makes it even more special is that it reflects something we see over and over again at Mobility. So many women arrive not feeling like “fitness people.” They come in unsure, nervous, even a little scared — afraid they’ll be the slowest one, that they won’t know what to do, or that they won’t fit in. And then… they show up anyway. They come to that first class. Then the next. And over time, we watch them come alive. The self-doubt fades. The courage builds. And little by little, they go from the back corner of the room to the centre — not because of their fitness level, but because of the confidence and connection they’ve built.

As the September rush kicks off and classes fill up again, I want to gently remind all of our current members to take a moment to look around. You might spot someone who’s walking in for the very first time — maybe unsure where to stand, what weights to grab, or when to rollout their mat. Remember your first class. Remember how nervous you felt. Now’s your chance to be the one who smiles, says hello, makes space, or offers a quick “You’ve got this.” These tiny gestures go a long way — and they’re one of the things that make our studio feel so special.

So over the next few weeks, make a point to introduce yourself to someone new. Make eye contact. Offer encouragement. Offer a tip, share your own story, or just let them know they’re in the right place.That moment of connection might be the very thing that makes them come back for class two… then class ten… and maybe one day, class 500.

Let’s continue to be a space where women don’t just come for fitness, but for connection, belonging, and support.

And to our new members, walking through our doors this fall — welcome. Whether you’ve been out of fitness for years, or you’re trying something completely new, I want you to know: you are not alone. Everyone starts somewhere. You don’t have to know the moves. You don’t have to be “strong”. You don’t have to “look the part.” You just have to show up — and we’ll take care of the rest.

We see you, and we know it can be nerve-wracking to try something new. You might not know anyone here yet. You might not feel strong or coordinated or “fit enough.” But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be anything other than exactly who you are right now. You’re not expected to know what you’re doing. You’re not expected to keep up. You just show up — and when you do, we’ll be right here cheering you on.

Mobility is a space built by women, for women.We’re all different ages, sizes, backgrounds, and ability levels — and that’s what makes it beautiful. There’s no competition here. No judgment. Just a group of women trying to live healthier, happier lives, while lifting each other up along the way. You belong here, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet. That sense of belonging? It’s something we build together.

You’ve joined a space where women cheer foreach other. Where every drop of sweat is met with encouragement, and every win— big or small — is celebrated. Here, we laugh through the hard stuff. We take breaks when we need them. We modify when our bodies ask us to. And most importantly, we support each other through it all.

Mobility isn’t just a studio — it’s a community. We’re all different, but we come together with a common goal: to feel stronger, healthier, and more empowered in our everyday lives. And we do it alongside women who truly want to see us succeed.

So whether you’re walking into your very first class or your five hundredth, know this: you are part of something bigger than a workout. You are part of a community that sees your strength, even when you don’t see it yet. And if you keep showing up — just like Tanya did — one day you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come, and how much you’ve grown.

Because that’s the magic of this place:You walk in as one version of yourself —and somewhere along the way, you meet the version of you that’s been waiting to shine.

‍