Fit Shy
To FitSocial
My name is Jade, and I am the owner of FitSocial Elanora.
Eight years ago, I moved to the Gold Coast with my husband and our two boys. Before entering the fitness industry, I had a successful 14-year career in Property Management. During that time, after having my children, I started going to gyms to stay fit and active.
But the truth is… I never stayed anywhere for very long.
Every gym I walked into made me feel overwhelmed and out of place. I felt judged for not wearing the “right” clothes, not lifting heavy enough, and not looking like the “standard gym girl” type. I never truly felt like I belonged.
That feeling is what first inspired me to study Personal Training. I thought if I became qualified and understood fitness better, maybe I would finally feel confident walking into gyms myself.
Unfortunately, even after completing my certificates, it still wasn’t easy.
Interview after interview, I struggled to get a job in the industry. The hardest part was knowing it wasn’t because I lacked knowledge or passion — it was because I didn’t “look the part.” I would walk into interviews and feel gym owners sizing me up before I’d even spoken.
Now, don’t get me wrong — every gym serves a purpose, and different environments work for different people. But the “look at me” gym culture simply wasn’t for me. And after months of rejection, I realised something important:
There must be so many other people out there feeling exactly the same way I did.
People who wanted to exercise.
People who wanted to feel healthier.
People who wanted confidence.
But people who also felt intimidated, judged, or like they didn’t fit the gym stereotype.
That’s when the idea of FitSocial first began.
Six years ago, I was finally given an opportunity in the industry at Listen To Your Body. Over the next two years, I started building a community where women and men felt comfortable walking through the doors no matter their age, size, fitness level, or experience.
But deep down, I still dreamed of creating my own space.
A place that focused not only on fitness, but also on connection.
A place where people could train without fear of judgment.
A place where people could realise it’s never too late to start.
Four years ago, I was given the opportunity to purchase LTYB Elanora, and from there, the community continued to grow stronger than ever.
Fast forward to today, and I have now stepped away from the franchise to create my own brand — FitSocial.
FitSocial has lived in my imagination for years, and with the support of my family and my incredible members, that vision has finally come to life.
FitSocial is more than just a gym.
It’s a place where everyone is welcome.
A place where you can start at any age and any stage.
A place where fitness and social connection come together.
A place where nobody has to feel “fit enough” before they begin.
My insecurities and experiences as a young adult walking into gyms feeling lost, judged, and like I didn’t belong… are the exact reason FitSocial exists today.