Showing up (especially for the first time) can be the HARDEST PART of any experience we have. Whether it be a first date, first day on the job or first day at the gym or with a trainer, SHOWING UP TAKES COURAGE. I LOVE the way Brene Brown communicated this simple truth:

Being "seen" (in one way or another) is difficult for most of us. No matter how confident or sure a person seems, we ALL come to most experiences or moments with a history of failed attempts, brokenness, heartache and uncertainty. I believe those who do show up looking full of confidence are simply better at hiding their fears and, truth is, THEY HAVE THE RIGHT IDEA!  When my kids and grand kids have lacked courage, I've always told them to DO IT AFRAID! We must never let FEAR direct our steps. That's a job for COURAGE! 

Since I began teaching yoga 6 years ago, I've had countless conversations with people who were scared to death to come to their first class. Worried they were too this or that or wouldn't know what to do or be able to follow directions to get into a pose, they struggled with simply showing up. I once had a woman tell me she came a few times, but couldn't get herself to come through the door and into class. Fear was directing her steps. It broke my heart.

As I've grown older, I've come to learn the absolute beauty and power of showing up and allowing ourselves to be seen. Most of what I've accomplished as an adult, I've done afraid and I'VE NEVER REGRETTED A SINGLE MOMENT OF IT! No matter who you are, SHOWING UP is a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE deal. When we show up and allow ourselves to be seen, not only do we grow in courage, but we allow for all the extraordinary moments that LIFE has for us. Without those courageous moments of showing up, we are left alone and miss the LIFE that LIFE has for us!  

No doubt, fitness and exercise are some of the HARDEST things to show up for. Though we have a desire for health and wellness many of us carry with us a lifetime of body shaming mindsets that keep us from the thing we want most- to FEEL GREAT IN OUR BODIES! I want to invite you to let courage direct your steps and push you to show up! We promise that Studio 8 Fitness is a PERFECT place to show up and get started! Our leaders/owners, Donna & Lisa, as well as our teachers are just ordinary people who have showed up to see extraordinary things happen! We would so love for you to be a part of what we have here- A FAMILY OF PEOPLE COURAGEOUSLY PURSING LIFE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS!

Let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help you find your way! We are here to serve you!

Namaste-

Tammy Chouinard, S8 Yoga Teacher