01/05/2025
We all know and love Shelby Dilorenzo!! She is our May Staff Spotlight + has chosen to highlight two barre bestie clients: Jennifer Chewning and Christine Lewter. We love you so much, Shelby!
What inspired you to become an instructor at True40?
-When something has made a positive impact on your life, you can't help but share it with others! After a year of being a client, I found community and encouragement, and gained physical strength while learning more about my body. My definition of health changed- it stopped being about a number on a scale or a certain appearance, but about fueling my body properly, moving my body as a celebration of what it can do, and surrounding myself with people who genuinely want the best for me. As someone naturally hard on myself, it was refreshing to be in a space where I was both challenged to grow and accepted as I was. I wanted to help others find this confidence and community, so becoming an instructor felt like the next step!
As an instructor, how do you embody the "Move true, be you" philosophy in your classes?
-Whether dancing and singing along to the music or telling a story over the mic, I try to show up as myself and create a space where others feel like they can as well. It is important to recognize that bringing what you've got, even if it's not 100%, is still showing up. I love to encourage clients to take a challenge, but I will also remind them that simply moving their body is worth smiling about! I am genuinely excited to have each person in my class, and it is an honor to grow in strength and celebrate movement together!
Tell us about the two clients you're nominating for this spotlight. What about their journey resonates with our True40 community values?
-Jennifer and Christine are the cutest barre besties! They hold each other accountable by carpooling to the early morning classes and always walk in with a smile, ready to work hard. I nominated them for member spotlight because they inspire me as two working moms prioritizing movement. Fun fact: I have taught both of their children 8th-grade science!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! How do you feel movement and exercise contribute to mental wellbeing?
-As a science teacher, I am going to go with the scientific explanation for this one :) Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters and pain relievers. This means the same feeling you get when you laugh is the same feeling created when you exercise- amazing! Exercising with others is even better for our mental health as it provides the encouragement and motivation often lacking when we exercise alone. I always say that rainy days after work are when you need group fitness the most! I always leave class with more energy, a better mindset, and a smile on my face.
How do you practice mental wellness outside the studio?
-I am in my best headspace when I have moved and nourished my body, been around my friends who fill my cup, and spent time in God's Word or prayer. I am constantly asking God to reveal things that I am believing that are not true and surrendering things/outcomes I am holding onto, knowing that He has a plan better than my own. I am reminded of Philippians 4:6-8, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
