Daily Inspiration: Meet Nina Averbeck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Averbeck.

Hi Nina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved performing, creating choreography, and the energy that comes from moving to music. Over time, I discovered that what I enjoyed even more was creating opportunities for others to experience that same joy, confidence, and sense of community.

My journey with MYSFIT began in 2017 in a way I never expected. The original creator of the program was pursuing other professional opportunities and needed someone to carry the torch. She saw something in me and trusted me to continue what she had built. That vote of confidence changed the course of my life. Had she not entrusted me with that opportunity, MYSFIT likely would not have continued, and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.

Since taking over, I’ve worked to grow MYSFIT into a high-energy dance fitness experience that blends dance cardio, kickboxing, strength training, and a nightclub-inspired atmosphere complete with disco lights and upbeat music. My goal has always been to create a space where people can leave their stress at the door, have fun, and move their bodies without worrying about being perfect. What started as a weekly workout class has evolved into a community that comes together every Monday night to exercise, connect, and celebrate movement.

In 2019, that passion for dance and community led me to help establish the CinCity Shakers, a Cincinnati-based parade dance group that brings fun choreography, catchy music, and positive energy to parades and special events throughout the region. As Creative Director, I have the opportunity to combine choreography, performance, music, costume concepts, and event planning into experiences that entertain audiences while giving performers an outlet to express themselves.

Looking back, both MYSFIT and the CinCity Shakers grew from the same simple idea: creating spaces where people feel welcome, supported, and free to have fun. Whether it’s a fitness class or a parade route, I love bringing people together through movement and helping them discover confidence, connection, and joy. What began as a lifelong love of dance has evolved into a way to build community, spread positivity, and create experiences that people genuinely look forward to being part of.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

When I first took over MYSFIT, I had plenty of experience dancing and had earned my fitness instructor certification, but I had never run something like this before. I was fortunate to inherit a strong foundation from the original creator, which gave me a framework to build from, but there was still a lot of learning on the fly. I had to figure out how to lead, market classes, build a community, and keep people engaged while staying true to my own style and vision.

Just as things were starting to gain momentum with both MYSFIT and the CinCity Shakers, the world came to a halt in 2020. Like many small businesses and community organizations, we were hit hard by the pandemic. The Shakers had to stop performing altogether for a period of time, and when MYSFIT was finally able to resume in-person classes, everything felt different.

Some nights only one or two people would show up to class. It would have been easy to get discouraged or wonder if it was time to move on, but I kept reminding myself why I started in the first place. If even one person walked through those doors and left feeling happier, stronger, or more connected than when they arrived, then it was worth showing up.

That mindset, along with the incredible support of my friends, team members, and participants, helped me keep going through some very uncertain years. Instead of focusing on how many people were in the room, I focused on creating the best experience possible for whoever was there.

Looking back, those challenges taught me some of my biggest lessons about perseverance, leadership, and staying committed to something you believe in. As the world gradually reopened, people started finding their way back, and I was ready for them. Today, both MYSFIT and the CinCity Shakers are stronger than ever, and I appreciate them even more because of everything it took to get here.

I wouldn’t change a thing. The road wasn’t easy, but it shaped who I am as a leader and made the successes that much more meaningful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of everything I do is creating opportunities for people to connect through movement, music, and shared experiences. Through MYSFIT, I lead weekly dance fitness classes that blend dance cardio, strength training, and high-energy entertainment. Through the CinCity Shakers, I help create and direct performances that bring excitement and positivity to parades and community events throughout Cincinnati.

While dance is certainly a big part of what I do, I think what I’m really known for is creating welcoming environments where people can simply have fun. Whether someone is attending their first fitness class, stepping into a parade performance for the first time, or returning after years away from dance, my goal is to make them feel comfortable, supported, and included.

I specialize in taking the energy and excitement people associate with performance and making it accessible to everyone. Not everyone considers themselves a dancer, but almost everyone enjoys music, movement, and being part of something positive. I love finding ways to bridge that gap and help people discover confidence they didn’t know they had.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific event or achievement—it’s the communities that have formed around both MYSFIT and the CinCity Shakers. Over the years, I’ve watched friendships develop, confidence grow, and people step outside of their comfort zones in ways they never expected. Seeing participants become performers, leaders, and lifelong supporters of one another has been incredibly rewarding.

I think what sets me apart is that I approach everything from a place of genuine passion and creativity. I’m constantly looking for ways to make experiences more engaging, memorable, and fun. Whether it’s choreographing a parade routine, designing a themed workout, or finding new ways to bring people together, my focus has always been on creating something that leaves people smiling long after the music stops.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
If I had to choose one quality that has contributed most to my success, it would be consistency.

I’m a big believer that you don’t have to have everything figured out to get started—you just have to keep showing up. When I first took over MYSFIT, I certainly didn’t have all the answers. As the years went on, there were plenty of challenges, unexpected obstacles, and moments when it would have been easy to step away. But I kept coming back, week after week, because I believed in what we were building.

That commitment became especially important during and after the pandemic. There were times when only a handful of people attended class, and it would have been easy to focus on the numbers. Instead, I focused on the people who were there and on providing the best experience I could. Over time, that consistency helped rebuild the community and strengthen the foundation of both MYSFIT and the CinCity Shakers.

I also think consistency builds trust. Whether someone joins a workout class, participates in a performance group, or attends one of our events, they know what they’re going to get: positive energy, encouragement, creativity, and a welcoming environment. People can count on me to show up, and I think that’s one of the biggest reasons these communities have continued to grow.

Talent and passion are important, but consistency is what turns an idea into something lasting. It’s what has allowed me to keep learning, improving, and creating opportunities for others year after year.

Pricing:

• MysFit – First Class is free!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/mysfitness
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysfit.fitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cincityshakers
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninasuzanne
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/cincity_shakers