Women at FITISM: Emilie

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the amazing women of FITISM and the strength and energy they bring to our community.

We caught up with one of our incredible members, Emilie, to hear about her fitness journey—from what first got her moving to how she’s gained confidence, overcome challenges, and found a supportive community along the way. Emilie shares how fitness has strengthened not just her body but also her mindset and well-being, offering inspiring advice for anyone hesitant to take that first step.

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What inspired you to start your fitness journey, and how did you end up at FITISM? 

"I started my fitness journey in the summer of 2023. After losing weight, I knew I needed to change my lifestyle and create new habits. I began by aiming for 10,000 steps each day. After a while, I got bored with walking and decided to try a "Couch to 5K" program.

Then, the bad weather hit, and I found myself considering gyms. The first gym I joined didn't have a good atmosphere. No one talked to each other, and there was no guidance. I didn’t enjoy it. Although I wasn’t intimidated, I never asked anyone for advice there.

One day, I saw a post on social media about a new gym opening called FITISM. I was excited because I wanted to try exercises within a small group training environment. I hoped to talk to others and learn what I could do. I was clueless and had never lifted a barbell at the prime age of 34."

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How has training at FITISM impacted your confidence and overall well-being?

"FITISM has truly empowered me to realise how fit I am and how fit I can become! The health benefits I’ve experienced have been remarkable, greatly enhancing my daily well-being. After a BUILD session, I feel a wonderful sense of relaxation and an invigorated capability to tackle whatever challenges the day brings. With a demanding job, these regular sessions give me a calm mindset I genuinely cherish. 

What stands out most about these sessions isn’t the focus on weights or specific goals but rather the incredible mental clarity they offer. This aspect has become an essential part of my routine that I can’t imagine giving up! Gaining the confidence to push myself and witness my achievements reminds me that I’m actively nurturing my health. It’s such a rewarding feeling, knowing I’m investing in my well-being, and it truly puts me in a positive mindset. I'm excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me!"

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In what ways has FITISM created a supportive space for women?

"I find it to be a really interesting question about supporting women in gyms, of which I imagine comes from the apprehension of anxiety and not having the confidence to train. Personally, based on my experiences visiting different gyms, I’ve noticed a tendency for them to be segmented; for example, women tend to stick to certain types of classes while men gravitate towards others. However, in my experience, that approach is far from ideal. I genuinely enjoy training in a mixed environment and have often trained with men in sessions. I find it empowering to see how people can motivate each other—some individuals are stronger while others excel in cardio.

All the members have consistently supported one another. At FITISM, we have a fantastic community of well-established members who genuinely care for each other. They encourage and challenge one another, whether it’s by engaging in conversation during workouts, or knowing who to train with to maximise your potential. 

FITISM is certainly a safe space for women, who may feel apprehensive about training. Honestly, it’s a lovely environment filled with people of mixed abilities who are eager to help you along your fitness journey."

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Have you faced and overcome any personal or fitness challenges at FITISM?

"When it comes to fitness challenges, we all know that staying committed can be tough! It’s so easy to dive in with our all, focusing intensely on nutrition and training, often without taking the time to truly rest and recharge. The secret really lies in finding what we can maintain and enjoy. Many people join gyms but struggle to stick with it, which is completely understandable! I’ve discovered that I can tailor my classes to fit my training needs, and with amazing support from Layla, I’m able to dial in on what I need to push myself effectively. We discuss my goals and what I want to achieve, which is so empowering.

The best part? Learning how to create a sustainable routine that I can enjoy long-term. Celebrating each little victory along the way makes it all worthwhile, and I’m excited to keep moving forward on this fitness journey! Let’s embrace the process together!"

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What achievement are you most proud of that FITISM has helped you reach?

"When you join any program, you typically have specific goals in mind, whether that's reaching a certain weight, lifting a particular amount, or achieving a target time. However, what I've learned through my membership is that it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the feeling and the understanding that I am much fitter than I realise. Completing a task that I haven't done in a while and then doing it again—with the realisation of how much easier it feels—truly is priceless. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve achieved personal bests along the way and have significantly increased my lifting capacity. The energy I have makes me feel strong, which is empowering. But for me, the most important aspect is my day-to-day mobility and the awareness of how fit I really am."

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What advice would you give to women who feel unsure or hesitant about starting their fitness journey?

"For any woman looking to start training, it's important to explore different options to find what you truly enjoy. You won't discover your preferences until you actually try something. Many people are hesitant to commit to trying new activities, but training with others who can recognise your potential can be enlightening. I always recommend that people experiment with new things.  It’s crucial to trust the process, which should be approached like a marathon rather than a sprint. It took me a long time to achieve the results I wanted, and it’s all about being consistent and making small, incremental efforts. I would never suggest that someone rush into something extreme. Instead, focus on finding a balance and discovering a class or activity that you enjoy. Once you find something you love, you'll want to do it over and over again."

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