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Not everyone who joins a fitness program stays. These five women never left.
When we went looking for women who had been with us from the very beginning, we found something we didn't fully expect: not just loyalty, but lives shaped by showing up. They joined Moves before most people had heard of it. They've trained through pregnancies, postpartum recoveries, perimenopause, injuries, cross-country moves, and everything in between. They've done the challenges, logged the workouts, and kept coming back — not because they had to, but because something about this community made it feel worth it.
Here's what eight years of showing up looks like, told by five women who were here from the start.
Michelle H, 46
Oxford, PA · Member since 2018 · 10 Move Together Challenges
When perimenopause arrived, Michelle was ready. Twelve million pounds, 10 challenges, and a 16-kilometer hike through Crete later — she has the receipts to prove it.
What's the PR you're most proud of?
"I'd say the thing I'm most proud of is that I've lifted 12 million pounds since starting Moves!"
What recipe do you still make on repeat?
"I still make the jello yogurt bowls!”
What do you wish more women knew about strength training?
"I wish more women knew that strength training in your 20s and 30s will pay off in dividends when you're fighting perimenopause in your 40s. You will lose muscle and bone density as you age, and this helps negate that. I also wish many women knew about the importance of core strength. While I've never had kids, I've had 10 plus abdominal surgeries over the years due to Crohn's Disease, and those exercises have helped a good deal with back pain and core stability."
How has Moves made an impact on your life?
"I'm heading towards 50 and feel really good. Perimenopause symptoms have been minimized with lots of weight training and I feel confident in my skin and capable of doing pretty much whatever I want! My husband and I love to hike and several years ago we did the Samaria Gorge hike in Crete, which was 16km. Finished it and felt great!"
Jackie W, 34
West Point, NY · Member since 2018 · 13 Move Together Challenges
Jackie joined Moves three months after having twins. Thirteen challenges later, she's training for HYROX — and still going.
What's the PR you're most proud of?
"Being able to knock out some push-ups, but just really committing to my workouts and being consistent in the toughest phase of my life — motherhood."
What recipe do you still make on repeat?
"The sheet pan nachos!"
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining a Move Together Challenge?
"I'm on challenge number 14 so that probably speaks for itself, but that the recipes alone are worth every penny and the community will not let you fail. I'm just forever grateful for these workouts, Madeline, the Moves team, and this community!"
How has Moves made an impact on your life?
"Moves has walked me through so many parts of my life. I started 3 months postpartum from twins and have continued through two more pregnancies and postpartum recoveries, running races, HYROX races, and more. It's showed me that consistency pays off and strong can mean so many different things."
Ellen N, 33
Clifton, TX · Member since 2018 · 5 Move Together Challenges
A thousand workouts. Eight years. Three pregnancies. Ellen has been showing up since the beginning — and her best friend calls from four hours away every challenge to make sure she signs up.
What's the PR you're most proud of?
“The PR I'm most proud of is my deadlift. Before starting Moves, I was intimidated to do much heavy weight because I honestly didn't know how! Now I can deadlift 145 and feel super confident. Plus, it makes the daily tasks of motherhood — like picking up baby carriers or carrying in full loads of groceries — seem so much easier!"
What recipe do you still make on repeat?
"All of Lillie's recipes are hits in my house, but the Almost Classic Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad and the Greek Pork Pitas stay in our meal rotation, for sure."
What do you wish more women knew about strength training?
"So often as women we spend our time caring for others, pouring ourselves into the lives of those around us. We are mothers, teachers, caregivers, daughters, and friends! Strength training is a tool that lets us show up stronger and healthier in every aspect of our lives! The work we put in today will greatly impact us and those we love for years to come!"
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining a Move Together Challenge?
"Usually in the weeks before a Move Together Challenge opens, my childhood best friend Caroline calls from 4 hours away and says 'so, are you going to sign up this time?' I hate to admit that I usually have a list of excuses ready to go. But somehow, knowing that she is putting aside all of her (very legitimate) distractions to show up and care for herself makes it so much easier for me to do the same! Move Together challenges are such a great way to refocus and reset goals, especially leading into a busy holiday season. Plus, the app makes it so easy to jump in and follow along — meal plans, macros, and workouts take all of the guesswork out, so we can focus on execution."
Rebecca V, 31
San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 9 Move Together Challenges
Rebecca has been running since her mom laced up her shoes beside her in elementary school. Eight years of Moves later, her legs look as strong as they feel.
What's your favorite exercise?
"I love deadlifts — it's such a straightforward move, but works so many key muscles.
I've been a runner since elementary school; my mom and her best friend inspired me at a young age! Even though I consistently ran, I never really had much muscle definition in my legs. That was until I started consistently doing Weekly Moves! I had just completed a challenge and my mom commented how strong my legs looked. It's awesome to recognize your own progress, but having my mom notice as well was great!"
What recipe do you still make on repeat?
"It's actually from the 2019 New Year Challenge — it's the Turkey Pepper-jack Crunch Wrap. It's a lavash wrap with turkey, arugula, veggies, and pear. I've been making it for so long that I now add different veggies. It's an easy, adaptable meal that is fresh and filling!"
What do you wish more women knew about strength training?
"I'm a huge advocate for 30-minute workouts — it's plenty of time to get in an effective and efficient strength training workout! Lunchtime is my time where I can dedicate 30 minutes to a solid workout. I'm fortunate that my work has a small fitness room. It's not a full or fancy gym, but it's stocked with the basics. So with that and Moves, I walk out feeling refreshed, stronger, and ready for the rest of the day!"
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining a Move Together Challenge?
"Don't let perfection be the enemy of your progress. It can be intimidating to commit to a full challenge, or feel like you need to be 'in better shape.' I am recently back from a long-term injury and I am excited for the opportunity to move and strengthen my body. This challenge, my goal is progress and consistency over perfection, and being okay with any adaptations I make.”
Christina M, 43
New Vienna, OH · Member since 2018 · 14 Move Together Challenges
Christina came to Moves focused on getting smaller. Moves showed her what stronger felt like instead — and it's been home ever since.
What's your favorite exercise, and the PR you're most proud of?
"My favorite exercise is definitely the lat pull down. It makes me feel so strong. But the PR I am most proud of is my hip thrust. I hit 300 pounds."
What recipe do you still make on repeat?
"I am a sucker for chimichurri, so I make the steak chimichurri quite a bit."
How has Moves made an impact on your life?
"Moves is the program that is always there for me. It has made me stronger both physically and mentally. Moves is just simple. It taught me that things don't need to be complicated to work. A simple 30-minute workout is all it takes to be stronger, and proud of yourself. Moves and Madeline herself showed me that you don't need all the 'stuff' or frills to be successful."
What keeps you coming back?
"Moves feels like home. There are so many great programs out there. But for me, Moves is just home. It's easy to use, it's extremely effective, and it has all of the components we need, without thinking about it. Madeline has been a big help to me in the past. When I found Moves, my mindset was awful. I thought I needed all sorts of extra things to get a good workout. I also was only focused on getting smaller. She and her simple approach helped me see that I don't need the things. And that getting stronger is what the focus should be. She was never a big 'let's see your results' kind of person. That helped me so much. I needed that all those years ago. I'm happier with who I am and I am also stronger — in many ways — than I was when I came to Moves. I will be forever grateful."
Ready to join them? We start on October 12th!
Sign-ups for the Fall 2026 Move Together Challenge are open
