Testimonials

Deb H.

I am a 72-year-old who started training with Shannon three years ago hoping that core work and other strength training would affect my intermittent back spasms that I got from sitting so much of the time.  Not only has my back pain completely disappeared, I just returned from a 119-mile canoe trip that I did without any mishap! Shannon’s exercises, delivered with warm encouragement and strong persistence, have been the back bone of my recovery. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in becoming stronger!

Sam E.

I’ve known Shannon for a long time, so in 2021 when my doctors told me that I needed to add exercise to my routine to help combat the effects of Long Covid, she was the person I trusted to ask for help. The only other exercise I’d been able to stick with before was martial arts, but I didn’t feel ready to return to it for a lot of reasons. I need the accountability of working with someone but without the overwhelming feeling of a class setting. 

I was insecure not just about my body, but my ability to even TRY. Shannon worked with me to build a plan that would ease me back into physical activity. When I started with her, I could barely breathe through 2 minutes of movement. Today I’m planning runs and rock climbing sessions and strength events with friends. I’m even ready to go back to martial arts.

But beyond helping me with the physical aspect of training, she’s been with me and guided me through injuries and chronic pain. I often get frustrated by what I feel are limitations, but Shannon talks me through those and I always come out of a session feeling like a badass (which may not be what you’re going for, but which is definitely on my goals list); not because of the physical feat of a certain amount of reps at a certain amount of weight, but because I was able to get through and finish. 

It’s been really great to work with someone understanding and adaptable. Over the past 18 months I’ve started feeling more confident about myself, which has affected everything from the clothes I wear to how I handle myself professionally. While that’s not entirely due to being able to do more pushups than I’ve ever done in my life (for example), I know it’s a big part of it. 

I’ve already recommended Shannon to friends who are looking for that extra push to get themselves started on their fitness journey, and I’ll continue to recommend her to anyone who asks, of any fitness or experience level. Working with Shannon has helped me reach goals… and made me confident enough to set new ones.

Leyla D.

I first began my fitness journey after a back injury that was not improving through physical therapy alone. Not wanting to have surgery unless forced to, I decided to start working with Shannon to recover through strengthening my core especially, but also my whole body. After I recovered, I continued working out as prevention, maintenance, and self-care and it has become an integral part of my life. 

The specifics of my goals have changed over the years, but the overarching goal throughout this journey has been to get stronger — my work with Shannon has helped me to do so. At the beginning, I never would have believed I would be strong enough to hit personal bests for squats and deadlifts, but as I surpass 150 lbs for each, I feel stronger than I ever have and more confident in myself in and outside the gym. 

I would recommend Shannon's services for anyone who would like to start or continue their fitness journey, no matter your experience level. Workouts have been crafted to my needs and wants and Shannon meets me where I'm at, but she’s also challenged me to want more and to recognize that I am capable of pushing myself.

Karen O.

After having my daughter, I let my physical fitness slip. In my adult life, I’ve always tried to stay active, but with the new responsibilities of parenthood and trying to keep up with work, something had to give — in my case, that was maintaining any kind of exercise regimen. 

After four years of only periodic exercise, I realized that I was constantly tired, my anxiety was off the charts, and when I played with my daughter, I had trouble getting up off the floor. 

When I started working with Shannon, my main goal was just to feel better and to establish some kind of exercise routine. Making fitness a priority wasn’t easy, but accomplishing small goals was rewarding and kept me motivated. 

First, I noticed that getting off the floor wasn’t so hard. Then, running up a flight of stairs wasn’t as punishing as it used to be. Later, I could do ten pushups, then fifteen, and then twenty. Before, I thought of fitness as something interim. You need to lose weight or reach a goal, and once you get there, you don’t have to do it anymore. But I learned that physical health is something you choose every day. You need to incorporate it into your life not as a quick fix but as something constant and stable. 

Since I’ve been training regularly, I’ve noticed many positives and very few negatives. I am better at managing my anxiety and I can keep up with my kid. Most importantly, I’ve stopped measuring my worth in what I weigh and instead I take pride in what my body can do. 

I used to think that fitness classes were for people who are already fit and that I certainly wouldn’t belong, but that’s not true at all. Shannon designs the classes to be accessible to all fitness levels, genders, and ages, and she makes an effort to adapt to your injuries. The atmosphere is nonjudgmental and inclusive. Plus, sometimes there are cute dogs.

Erin M.

When I started with Shannon, I wanted to lift heavy and use free weights and continue what I had started a few years before so that I could stay fit and not decline as I age.  

Now, my body feels more integrated and I use my whole body for things I might not have before. I am more aligned and I can isolate muscles and recognize when I'm engaging them. I learned how to engage my core and now I can use that to do things I would not have been able to do otherwise, like deadlifts. I used to feel like I was dragging my butt around with me, but now it helps carry me through life! 

Lifting weights has been so great for my energy level and fitness. I love it. The changing class routines keep it from getting boring. I have more energy, continuing fitness, and a confidence that I'm moving and lifting the right way.

Jessica B.

I've had chronic low-grade issues with my upper back for most of my adult life. When Shannon told me she did Thai bodywork, I was intrigued. I have often wanted to be able to access bodywork after a workout without all the hoopla of a massage. This was a perfect fit.

I'd done everything: massage, chiropractic, physical therapy. I have to say that bodywork with Shannon, done consistently post-workout, has been the most effective way to keep myself pain-free and energized.

Initially I felt like bodywork was a bit of a luxury — but, if I miss a few sessions because I'm busy or traveling, I realize just how much it helps me move through my daily life. I now think of it now as one of my basic healthcare activities.

It is a gift to be able to work with someone consistently because they get to know the specifics of how your body works. It’s like having a built-in way to pay attention to and optimize mobility and comfort as various things come up. If an injury or tightness hijacks me during the week, I trust Shannon to know how to help my body heal/improve. I can now function with minimal discomfort in my upper back...and almost do a pull up!

I think everyone could benefit from bodywork! Speaking from my experience as a human over 50, regular bodywork with Shannon helps keep me mobile, energized, and creative in my approach to life. If you are new to bodywork my biggest piece of advice is ¡communicate!...and relax.