Farewell, Emma B & Welcome Back, Emma S!
“On my bad days when things feel like they are crumbling around me, Sweat Club has kept me going and could shift my energy 10-fold.”
As Emma Byrne's time at Sweat Club comes to a bittersweet close, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared. Emma has been an integral part of our community since September 2020, bringing not only her passion for fitness but her warmth and infectious energy to every class and interaction. As we bid her farewell and wish her the best on her next adventure, join us in celebrating Emma's time at Sweat Club and the lasting impact she's had on all of us.
Reflecting on your time at Sweat Club since September 2020, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you?
Reflecting on my time at Sweat Club there are so many precious memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. One of my most memorable moments at Sweat Club would have to be my first class. When I began at Sweat Club, I had very little experience teaching group fitness classes but I am SO THANKFUL I was given this opportunity as it's truly one of my life passions. I cannot imagine a point in my future where I will not be teaching in some capacity and I'm very excited to see what door I open next within this industry. The first class I taught I think I rehearsed it 10 times over in my bedroom, I was so nervous. I still remember what Sweat Club members were in the room that day and how loved and supported they made me feel and have continued to do so since. I knew in that first class that this place was going to become a huge part of my life.
Emma teaching her first “mock class”.
What initially drew you to join the Sweat Club team, and how has your experience lived up to your expectations?
What initially drew me to Sweat Club was what I had seen through social media. At this time I had graduated from university, and I wanted to find myself but also a fun community where I could share my passion for fitness with others and build relationships. Furthermore, I had a roommate at the time who had just joined Sweat Club and instantly fell in love with the environment, from this point forward I knew I wanted to become a part of this community. Reflecting on this, it is truly amazing watching our Sweat Club community grow and seeing people connect. I can always rely on not only our team but our members to provide a welcoming experience to each individual who steps into class for the first time.
Emma & long-time community member, Sydney Rickard, at Sweat Club’s 3rd Birthday!
As you wrap up your time with us, what aspects of your role or the community at Sweat Club will you miss the most?
I could make an endless list of all the things I will miss about Sweat Club but to summarize into 2 points:
1- I will miss what Sweat Club gives to ME. What I mean by this... throughout my career in this wonderful place, I have had really good days and a few really bad days. On my bad days when things feel like they are crumbling around me, Sweat Club has kept me going and has had the ability to shift my energy 10 fold. Sometimes on the days when it's really hard to show up for others, those are the days where I am able to motivate people the best because not only am I talking to our members, I am talking to myself and reminding myself exactly what I need to hear too. You never know what someone might be going through and how special class is for them to get away from everything else. I always take a few moments to soak up after class how AMAZING I feel, especially on those hard days. Sweat Club has given me so much happiness and gratitude for not only my health and wellness but the ability to help brighten other people’s day.
2- I can't even put into words how much I am going to miss our Sweat Club community. Our members are some of the most hardworking, kind, loving, inspirational and amazing people. I am so thankful to each and every one of you, for supporting me and helping me grow into who I am today. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of your health and wellness journeys, watching you grow and even go through the challenges of a global pandemic and back together. Thank you so much.
“After a good class!”
Can you share some highlights from your journey as a trainer at Sweat Club? Any particular classes or achievements that stand out to you?
My favourite highlights would have to be seeing members gain confidence and become stronger mentally and physically. I was once that person who only worked out in the corner of the gym because I was so anxious and had little to no idea what I was doing. Being able to teach members how to move their bodies and seeing and hearing firsthand how Sweat Club has changed their lives are some of the greatest moments. Although not necessarily a specific highlight, there are some classes where the stars align the playlist, the workout, and the members and the energy is electric! Everyone leaves feeling amazing and it's one of the best feelings as a trainer when you can capture that in class.
Emma’s first Sweat Club head shot.
What advice can you offer fellow trainers or aspiring trainers?
My biggest advice to trainers/ aspiring trainers is to fully show up AS YOU. Up until probably 6 months ago I struggled with imposter syndrome, there would sometimes be this little voice in my head telling me I didn't belong in this industry because I didn't look a certain way or have as much experience as others. At the end of the day what matters most is how YOU show up, how you provide a service by sharing your passions, making people FEEL GOOD and being the best version of YOU. There are three quotes I will share that I say often during class because they resonate deeply with me to help push me to be better
1) Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right.
2) Don't focus on how hard something may seem, think about how strong you are.
3) You have what it takes, keep going <3
SWEAT CLUB FAMILY, I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU AND I MISS YOU ALREADY. UNTIL NEXT TIME <3
LOVE,
EMMA
“Being a parent has shown me how precious time really is.”
As we bid farewell to one Emma, we're thrilled to welcome back another! Emma Sheppard returns to Sweat Club after a well-deserved maternity leave with baby Jack. Her absence has been felt in our community, but now we celebrate as she embarks on this exciting new chapter, bringing with her not only the joys of motherhood but also a renewed energy to inspire and empower us all. Join us in extending a warm welcome back to Emma as she prepares to rejoin our Sweat Club family.
Welcome back to Sweat Club! How does it feel to be returning to the team after taking time off to have your baby?
I am ecstatic about returning! Some say I was a workaholic before having Jack, and maybe. But it's so easy when you love what you do. I'm looking forward to the learning curve of a family - work life balance.
How has becoming a parent influenced your perspective on fitness and your role as a trainer?
Being a parent has shown me how precious time really is. I always preached to change your mindset to "You get to do this" or "You get to be here". But nothing has made that switch easier. Fitness is about the journey, embrace it!
Reflecting on your journey since joining Sweat Club in November 2019, what are some standout moments or memories that come to mind?
Top 3, in no particular order would be:
Spending my mornings with the early AM crew (special shout-out to the OG crew that helped grow the schedule with their hard work & dedication)!
C O V I D. When our community brought the in Club energy to Sweat Club Connect. We stayed connected and motivated with our live workouts that could be watched back at any time. Still crazy to think we did that!!
The love I received from our community as I embarked on this new journey.