I have a reputation for being way too fun, spreading confidence, and empowering others to feel their best! I truly love encouraging others to see and feel the best in themselves. And I know first-hand how challenging it can be to love yourself the same as you love others. Our experiences mould and shape who we are and who we’re continuing to become, and THAT’S the journey that’s so darn uplifting to me. I was active in cheerleading, cross country, track & field and earned a brown belt in Taekwondo throughout grade school. I grew up in an active community and my family was a big part of it. My parents and two older brothers enjoyed an active lifestyle and we were well nourished by Mom’s homemade cooking! By 20 years old, I was a certified group instructor and continued my education and experience to lead me to today; working within my passion as Owner and Coach at For the Love of Sweat Fitness & Activewear.
Age:
36
City, State/Province:
Somerville NJ
Country:
USA
Occupation
Lifestyle Coach &Zyia Active Representative
In your opinion weight loss is more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why?
Weight loss doesn’t have to be either or… fitness and health work together to build the best you. I think reaching a weight loss goal or a “health goal” in general means you’ve gained, maybe even mastered, many skills. Yes SKILLS, which to me means you’ve built and created better LIFESTYLE HABITS. Adjusting and practising as you continue living life to the fullest.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
- Fitness level: 100
- Health level: 100
I’d want it all! It’s truly helpful to have an awareness of the differences and connections between health and fitness and understanding aspects of both. I personally love to promote overall well-being and mental health importance through physical fitness and nutrition.
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
I’m a bodybuilder by heart – as you can see – but I enjoy variety in training. Whatever style of training I choose, it’s a time to experiment and see all that my body and mind can accomplish. It’s a lot of fun!
How did your passion for fitness start? And what was the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey?
I remember reading anything and everything that had to do with fitness and bodybuilding competitions in the early 90s – my teenage years! Following icons: Jenny Lynn, Jen Hendershott, Monica Brant, Elaine Goodlad, Adela Garcia, and Nicole Wilkins. Classic figure made my heartthrob. I feel like bodybuilding is in my blood really. And there are so many joys yet so many challenges that you encounter throughout life’s journey. That’s what my fitness journey is to me, my life’s journey because it’s so much more than muscles and sweat. For the love of sweat! One of my biggest challenges is self-sabotage. So self-reflection is huge to me – recognizing where you are and what you need to be happy, successful and fulfilled. Not beating yourself up with weaknesses and self-doubt. It seems unlikely that anyone would intentionally sabotage themselves, yet they do, and I have many times. I practice self-compassion and healing methods regularly.
Share your unique training/coaching methods?
I like to dig deep. With your permission, of course. My methods are practice-based meaning there’s no shortcuts or all-or-nothing approaches, rather daily doable decisions. So if you’re working with me then you’re becoming more aware and more powerful in your brain AND body.
Trainer Philosophy:
I’m faith-filled, relatable, and compassionate. I’ve been blessed to inspire others with healthier opportunities through mastering myself.
Training Plan:
Details depend on the phase I’m in, but I love to focus on the feeling of every movement in each exercise. I like to strength train at least 5 days per week, whether in season or not, but my split will vary. I like incorporating compound movements toward the beginning of my workouts then tapering into intensity techniques to really wring it out; nice and sweaty!
Nutritional Plan:
Details depend on the phase I’m in, but health is first!
Supplement Plan:
Protein powder, creatine, multi-vitamin, Vitamin D, ice cream… only the staples for longevity.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I like all natty as much as possible because I perform better, and also feel better mentally knowing I’m consuming the best for me.
Please describe the importance of mental health?
It’s complex like our brains and our bodies. So I think that limiting nutritional deficiencies may boost mental health. Feeding our brains with knowledge and nutrients is the ultimate superfood.
Take us through a typical day in life for you?
Well, my typical day lately begins with a spiritual podcast or video I can listen in and set the tone for the day, followed by something educational and inspiring. I’m either doing cardio while listening or making my first meal. I have my best productivity and focus between 8-2 pm so I try to prioritize my online workday accordingly. Depending on the day, I meet with hybrid client’s morning and evening and teach a couple of fitness classes a week. Owning 2 online businesses gives me the freedom to make my own hours, but man is it so important to prioritize your time!! I fill in the gaps with training, cooking, eating, studying, time with my dogs, friends, family, and the responsibilities of living my happiest lifestyle.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
SFM has great content for any person, bodybuilding or not, at any level of fitness or stage in their lives. It screams GOAL GETTER!
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
Would you help me build and promote natural bodybuilding to the STATUS it so much deserves?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you for this opportunity?
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! And the back one!! Can you hear me screaming that with a smile!? An opportunity to showcase my gifts, inspire others, and promote natural bodybuilding at the same time is an honour with SFM.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
Coach Barakat is superhuman in every way. Over the years together we’ve built an undeniable bond both in and out of competing; we are a chosen family and I’m so grateful for our relationship.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
LiveScience Supplements and Eat Clean Bro meal service. Both sponsors are fueled by providing individuals with the most natural ingredients and products out there. I’m so happy to represent companies that stick to their core values in natural ingredients and passion for healthy living.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life?
WNBF World Figure Champion 2021 is the ultimate goal this year. I want to set the standard for our natty figure athletes and be the legacy; live up to it and keep setting the bar higher for as long I can – God willing. Longevity is my life’s goal. Personal development and improvement in all areas of life are what’s on my mind when I wake up every day. Life can be a little less stressful if you handle it with better strength and deeper meaning. You set goals, and then achieve them… on repeat!
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian – love animals!
- I love horses and want a farm in my future
- I’m a total ambivert which comes as a surprise to most people
- I could spend all day in the sunshine (protected of course)
- I suffer from a form of psoriasis
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Get out of your own way.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Sense of humour, Authenticity, Integrity, Creativity, Driven.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
I’d want to inspire the person who has little faith in themselves. Who questions their gifts or potential but knows deep inside what they’re capable of. Your faith will carry you to and through!!
Who inspires you? And why?
Gosh, a question with a loaded answer! I’m inspired by so many real and these people know it because I express it. I also know how many people I’ve yet to meet in this life and the inspiration is limitless.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey?
Think of it as a long road trip. You will have to stop for food and bathroom breaks, you will probably experience some traffic jams and detours. So mentally preparing yourself for revisions and some rebooting will help you stay the course and achieve your true goals.
What does success look like for you?
Success is knowing that my life is filled with abundance; love of family, friends, having fun, challenging myself, serving others, and overcoming fears. There’s no right or wrong way to define success you know… but I know it means self-respect to me.
What is your favourite quote to live by?
I have two that have stuck with me for years and I do not recall the origin… “Love never ceases or diminishes, it’s always within you.” I have a tattoo that represents this. And “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” That’s been on my email signature since day 1.
Connect with Shannon: IG | Website
Photos By: Erik Renninger | Tommy Von Spreckelsen
