As we gear up for a New Year, we can’t help but reflect on the magic—and power—of this community! Whether you’re about to take your 500th or 5th class, we’re so grateful you’re here to share your fitness journeys with us. and are looking forward to making BIG moves with you in 2022.
To help you get inspired, meet 9 members who made moves with obé—in fitness and in life—this past year. From perfecting push-ups to tackling anxiety and showing up more confidently in life, their stories are instant motivation-boosters—and show that it’s not about the before and after; it’s about the now and ever after.
Crystal B.: The Licensed Vet Tech obéing out of Her RV
The inspiration behind your first move?
Year 30 was on the horizon, I saw a picture of myself from the holidays I was less than thrilled about and got some lab work results back from the doctor that needed improving on.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making this year?
I went from lifting 5lb weights to 10lb weights, 20-minute classes to 1-hour classes, and expanded to more intense classes. Making it through Alex S.’s 30-minute Cardio Boxing class without stopping was such a victory. I feel physically stronger, more confident in my clothes and pictures, mentally balanced, and have found happiness in movement again. I truly look forward to working out because of the rewarding feeling afterward.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
All of the obé instructors’ words of affirmation and encouragement have trickled into my life, and I’ve felt inspired to fill others with the same uplifting fuel. I’ve learned to give myself and others more grace this year than ever.
Kristin H.: The Elementary Art Teacher Stepping Into Her Power
The inspiration behind your first move?
I turned 41 and realized I was not growing in my ability to manage the growing stressors of life. I was really losing the battle with it, actually. I’d been hospitalized in my twenties battling anxiety and depression—and I was determined to never go back to that place again.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
The Gym Program was a great way to end the year growing with Power and Strength. When I raided my brother’s garage to borrow his heavy dumbbells, I felt an accomplishment I wouldn’t have predicted. I am bigger this year—and my fears are smaller. Last year, I was so dominated by fear: All I did was cardio (and didn’t eat enough) to keep the scary feelings at bay. Leveling up with Power and Strength taught me it was okay to build myself and not just take away. This translated into a whole mentality of addition into myself, not just subtraction—a metaphor that’s since governed my being. The beautiful thing about taking care of yourself is it equips you to help other people down the road as you become more whole.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
Taking more time for myself in terms of fitness has increased the quality of time I give to my job and my family. My mind is clearer, I’m not drifting in a sea of anxieties, and I feel more crisp and available to my loved ones because of what I prioritize for myself with obé. When we are struggling through the rough patches of our lives we don’t usually foresee that caring for ourselves is unselfish. I’m realizing that the love and encouragement I have accepted from others is a force I can perpetuate as I continue to move with purpose.
Benita F.: The #HashtagQueen Getting Her Steps with a Daily Walk-a-Tucci
The inspiration behind your first move?
I made my first move on obé in May of 2019 by cashing in my WW Wellness Wins. That was one of the BEST moves I’ve made for myself. By the time I got my first shout-out in my second LIVE class, I was HOOKED!
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
Taking classes I NEVER would have tried IRL: Barre, Pilates, and Cardio Boxing. I couldn’t imagine attempting these in front of others who are much more limber than I, who move faster than I can, and are just fitter than I am. But that all changed with obé. My #FairyBarreMother, Michelle B. made me feel so comfortable with Barre that I’ve even named my Barre ball BRAD. Cardio Boxing with Alex S. gave me the confidence to punch out my stress at the world and move with new confidence. I also take obé with me on my daily walks—I call these my Walk-a-Tuccis, because I always choose a Peter T. class and yes, I have been known to “serve the fish” and “Laffy Taffy” down the block! I’m moving in a whole new way and having fun.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
obé has definitely had a “ripple effect” in other aspects of my life. I now MOVE and do some type of workout 6-7 days a week—a real change from the previous me who only did Zumba once a week and walked a couple mornings. At 60, I can dance, run and play with my grandkids. Heck, I can even jump rope! They know me as an active, happy grandma. I’m also more confident in my job as a professor and it shows: I’ve always loved what I do, but I know my confidence and “CAN DO” attitude has grown due in part to the positivity and inspiration from the obé family. This year, I received the highest honor at my college as the “Professor of Teaching Excellence.” #DoWhatYouLove #LoveWhatYouDo
Montana A.: The Data Strategist Inspired to Keep Showing Up
The inspiration behind your first move?
As for many people, the pandemic made me reevaluate how I work out and why. Not being able to walk to a gym was a very stressful thought—until my company gave us a trial for obé.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
I am in the midst of the Gym Program and have made progress I genuinely never imagined. It’s definitely difficult to stick to a program (physical and mental strength at its finest), but everyday I show up, I gain a bit of confidence. On the flip side, I’m also proud of trying something new and sticking with it: Jump. It definitely provided spice and variety, but was certainly not easy.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
It’s inspired me to keep. showing. up. If you believe you can, you’re halfway there. I was recently offered my dream job (at this point in my career) because I knew it’s where I belonged and I kept putting myself and my resume out there. Life, as well as fitness, is a long journey and I often forget that. I find myself wanting to see immediate results or feedback, but where is the satisfaction in that? The accomplishment of trying again and again to succeed is the most beautiful part of progress.
Erin O.: The Operations Manager Conquering Push-ups and Bicycle Crunches
The inspiration behind your first move?
When I found obé I was in a pretty low spot mentally and physically: I was unemployed due to COVID, probably drinking more red wine than recommended, just moved to a new city, and felt stuck in this little bubble. I was looking for something positive and healthy to focus on, something that would get my mind off of everything going on and put focus back on myself. Working out has always been in and out of my life, but it’s never remained consistent until obé. Now, I genuinely look forward to my workouts: With all the class variety and so many instructors, I never get bored. It doesn’t feel like a “chore,” it feels like something I’m doing to give back to myself.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
Thanks to the push-up queen herself, Dorian C., I can now do quite a bit of normal push-ups (with good form!) before modifying. There was also a time when I absolutely dreaded bicycle crunches, but now I’m able to make it through a whole minute, non-stop, with ankle weights on. Level up!
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
100%—I think my fitness routine has given me a lot of structure and as someone who thrives with routine, it’s been a blessing. I also noticed the positive effects working out has had on my mental health and confidence: I’m sleeping better and if I have a rough day at work I can go home and get the pent up feelings out in a healthy way. I can’t put into words the acceptance and confidence I have in myself now.
Mikaela N.: The Environmental Science Major Who Hit 800 Classes This Year
The inspiration behind your first move?
I joined obé a little over two years ago as I didn’t enjoy the typical gym atmosphere, nor wanted to pay a fortune for boutique-style fitness courses. I grew up as an athlete and movement was always a part of my life, but after graduating high school and finishing my training, I was searching for an exercise regimen I actually enjoyed.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
I celebrated a few milestones—hitting 800 classes on obé and my two-year obé-anniversary. I’ve really gotten into Strength and Power classes, strengthening my form and lifting capacity. Flexibility has always been a struggle for me, so I also started doing Yoga to improve it. Since then, it’s brought me so much joy, helping me focus more on mindfulness, gratitude, and other aspects of my life and mindset.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
One of the key shifts I’ve noticed is how I show up in life. I’ve become more present during these past two years and learned it’s okay to focus on myself and my personal growth to make sure my cup is full before I fill others—and that it’s not selfish to do so. I’ve been able to be a better friend, family member, and student. obé has also led me to have a more positive outlook on my life. I used to consider myself a pessimist, but being reminded by the obé instructors that waking up and being able to move is a gift I shouldn’t take for granted has helped me handle inconveniences, bad luck, or unfortunate events in a better, healthier manner than before.
Jeannie V.: The Makeup Artist Who Now Sees Working Out as Self-Care
The inspiration behind your first move?
It was Fall 2020, and starting to get colder in New England, so I knew my outdoor workout days were numbered. I first learned of obé via WW, and then a friend mentioned they had been loving it for months. I started with a Dance Cardio class, and haven’t looked back. Joining (and sticking with!) obé has been the single best thing I’ve done for myself, not just for my physical body—but for my mental health.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
I’m proud of my improved strength and endurance—being able to stick with the instructors throughout the workouts much more consistently than when I first started obé. When I can hang with Adam D. through an entire Barre Cardio class, I’m feeling pretty proud of myself!
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
Being consistent with obé feels like the ultimate act of self-care: It’s had a great ripple effect in my life, particularly in the areas of self-worth and confidence. My fitness goal had been in place for years, and now that I’ve more or less reached it, I feel empowered to go after another big goal.
Kissy: The Hip Hop Lover Who Wore Her First Bikini in Ten Years
The inspiration behind your first move?
I think I was obsessed with “the Box” and I needed to move. Live online classes were a new concept for me—and I had to try it. Once I started, the shoutouts kept me inspired because it’s nice to feel I wasn’t doing this alone.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?Definitely doing the Hip Hop Dance Cardio with Sam G.! I always love dancing! I was a dancer and a cheerleader, but being a mom of two, sometimes I feel like I’ve lost my cool—you know?! Hip Hop can be so intimidating, but Sam always makes it so much fun, and it takes me back to my 90’s roots.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
What started out as “just” fitness evolved to working out with and getting to know the obé members that have since become friends—and this has made me value myself and my relationship with others. I take myself less seriously, I focus more on my health and mental wellbeing and I am also kinder to myself. obé has taught me that a big part of self love is accepting myself for who I am. I finally wore a bikini last summer after maybe 10 years! I’m not perfect, and that’s okay—but I’m no longer afraid to show my body and I’m proud of my strength.
Nannette D.: The Product Owner (and Newfound Yogi) Tackling Chaturangas
The inspiration behind your first move?
Another Minnesota winter was approaching and I used to get really lazy during winter. I wanted to find something that would keep me moving through the months that I just want to stay inside.
What fitness move(s) were you most proud of making with obé in 2021?
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to do full push-ups—and I did it! As I found my love for yoga, thanks to the Yoga Deep Dive program, I wanted to challenge myself to poses that are hard for me. One day, I was doing an on-demand class with Eve C. that had several chaturangas, and by the third one I realized I did it. It was the craziest feeling. I think I get in my own head when I am trying too hard—if I just remember to breathe and not take it so seriously, I can do hard things. Feeling myself get stronger is motivating me to keep showing up.
Has obé inspired you to make other moves in your life?
Yes! I want to be the best I can for my family, and to take the best care of them, I have to take care of myself and make time for myself. After a long day of work, instead of shutting down, I pay attention to how I feel and what my mind and body are telling me I need. Sometimes it’s Restorative Yoga or Meditation, sometimes it’s Cardio Boxing or Strength. But whatever I choose to do, I feel better and ready to face whatever comes next in my day. I’ve also built more confidence in my abilities and my voice and this has carried over into my work life.
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