From Stressed and Stuck to Strong and Confident: Emily’s Fitness Journey at Studio ME

When Emily joined Studio ME, she had a clear goal: to feel stronger, fitter, and more energized by her 40th birthday, which was just nine months away. Like many of us in our late 30s, she had started noticing changes that made staying in shape feel harder than ever—slower metabolism, reduced energy, and the active lifestyle she enjoyed with her husband becoming more challenging to keep up with. She wanted more than just a quick fix; she wanted a sustainable, long-term solution.

“I felt out of shape, out of breath, and like I couldn’t keep up with my husband on the activities we love doing together.”

Emily and her husband on a golfing trip.

The Uphill Battle Before Studio ME

For years, Emily struggled with consistency and accountability in her fitness routine. She’d tried personal training and group classes in the past but never felt entirely comfortable in gym settings. “I’ve never felt very athletic, and working out at traditional gyms felt intimidating. The ‘gym rats’ and weight lifter bros made it hard to feel like I belonged.”

After COVID, the challenge of getting back into a fitness routine felt even greater. She wasn’t working out consistently and had no plan to guide her. Signing up for another basic gym membership wasn’t going to cut it—she needed something different.

The Turning Point

Living near Nicollet Island, Emily often walked past Studio ME and felt curious. When she finally decided to prioritize her health, she started researching local boutique gyms and found Studio ME’s focus on personalized workouts, inclusivity, and community to be the perfect fit. “I loved that the workouts were personalized to my goals and that Studio ME had such an inclusive and welcoming energy.”

At the time she joined, Emily hadn’t been to a gym since before COVID, so her first goal was simply to build a routine and stick with it. “I wanted to get stronger and make working out a sustainable part of my lifestyle so I could keep doing the activities I love without feeling out of shape or risking injury.”

Overcoming Challenges and Building Momentum

One of the biggest obstacles for Emily was consistency. Morning workouts seemed impossible at first, but with the support of her small group training coach, Alan, she discovered a love for tackling her workouts before the workday started. “Now, morning workouts are a non-negotiable on my calendar. Even on tough workdays, I feel like I can handle anything because I’ve already accomplished a challenging workout.”

Emily hitting a PR in her training session.

The accountability of small group training made all the difference. Having a coach who expected her to show up—and a plan designed just for her—helped turn exercise into a habit she genuinely enjoyed. “The programming at Studio ME keeps me challenged, but it also makes sure I’m getting wins. I love knowing that my workouts are tailored to my goals and where I’m at.”

Confidence for the Future

Today, Emily feels more confident than ever. She’s not just in great shape—she’s built a sustainable fitness routine that supports her active lifestyle and keeps her feeling energized. “It’s empowering to have gone from not working out since COVID to being in the best shape of my life. Studio ME has helped me turn fitness into a lifestyle instead of a chore.”

What’s more, the community at Studio ME has become an irreplaceable part of her life. “When we thought we might have to move this summer, I told my husband we had to stay close to Studio ME. There truly is no other gym like it!”

Emily and her husband on a hiking and keeping up!

Advice for Others

For anyone considering taking the leap, Emily has one simple piece of advice: don’t wait.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from—Studio ME meets you where you’re at and helps you build a plan to get where you want to go. They’re so encouraging and make sure you feel challenged while still getting wins along the way.”

Emily’s journey is a testament to the power of personalized fitness and the importance of finding a supportive community. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to make a change and invest in a stronger, healthier future.