Welcome to Expansive
Our Philosophy
At ExSF, we're not your typical gym. We're a haven where fitness meets inclusivity, laughter, and a profound sense of well-being. We want to break away from the conventional fitness narrative and offer you a new perspective on achieving your best self.
Inclusivity is Our Foundation
In our world, diversity is celebrated, and judgment is left at the door. Regardless of your race, gender, age, size, or fitness level, you're welcomed with open arms. We believe that everyone's journey to health and vitality is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Strength, Mobility, and Cardio Health
Forget the one-size-fits-all approach to fitness. At ExSF, we're all about building strength, enhancing mobility, and boosting cardiovascular health. Our focus isn't on shedding pounds; it's on the lifelong routine of exercise that helps you feel stronger, move more freely, and improve your overall health.
A Happy, Fun Environment
Expect more than just a rigorous workout when you step into ExSF. We've created a relaxed, joyful atmosphere where laughter is as important as lifting. We firmly believe that the journey to a healthier you should be enjoyable, and we're here to prove that working hard and having a great time aren't mutually exclusive.
Join us at ExSF, where we're redefining fitness, one smile and one rep at a time.
The Team
Expansive Strength & Fitness is a locally owned, neighborhood fitness studio that offers one-on-one and small-group sessions. It is a hub for like-minded, non-judgmental trainers to coach under their own business models and brands. See below for current coaches and hours.
SHannon Walsh (SHE/HER)
Founder
Coach Shannon embarked on her journey as a fitness coach and bodywork practitioner back in 2013. After nearly a decade working in a corporate gym, Shannon realized that a corporate setting was not for her. She wanted to put people, not profits, first. Shannon ultimately made the empowering decision to establish her own fitness haven, launching Expansive Strength & Fitness (ExSF).
Shannon is known for her supportive, non-judgmental demeanor, her delightfully cheesy humor, her meticulous progressive program design, and her astute exercise cueing.
With a dash of humor, Shannon creates an atmosphere where fitness becomes enjoyable, where laughter intertwines with push ups. She truly believes that a regular fitness routine can improve almost anyone’s life because the mental and physical strength she has gained from lifting has heightened her own happiness, confidence, and willingness to try difficult things.
Ultimately, Shannon recognizes that (assistant coaches aside) we are all just human beings with human foibles and imperfections. And that’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect to work out.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4 PM by appointment only*
Strength Class: M/W/F, 7 - 8 AM (full)
Strength & Conditioning Class, Mon, 9 - 10 AM & 11 AM - 12 PM (full); Wed 9 - 10 AM (full)
Strength & Conditioning No-Minimum Class, Fri, 9 - 10 AM (full)
*Shannon Walsh is not currently taking new clients.
SHannon Wheel (She/HER)
Shannon Wheel is a weight-neutral, HAES-informed personal trainer who works with clients to build trust in their bodies through an individualized strength and movement practice. Shannon grew up as an unathletic music-and-theater nerd who eventually found joy in exercise in the years after college.
She first fell in love with lifting heavy weights in 2011, when she discovered that the process of building strength can be transformative beyond its physical effects. With newfound confidence and passion, she made the leap in 2013 to change careers and become a personal trainer while also attending school to become a Registered Dietitian.
She has worked in several Boston-area gyms and studios, always eager to learn new things and grow as a professional. Now self-employed, she shares her time between the Expansive Strength gym in Somerville and Zoom-based virtual sessions from her home studio.
After calling Somerville her home for many years, Shannon now resides on the North Shore with her husband and 2 energetic kids.
Hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 7 AM - 3 PM by appointment only
Strength & Conditioning Class, Tues, 7 - 8 AM
Please visit Shannon’s website for more information or to schedule coaching: https://www.shannonwheelfitness.com/
or email her at: shannonwheelfitness@gmail.com
Chloe Zwiacher (She/her)
Chloe is a recovering collegiate athlete who believes fitness should be fun and functional. She specializes in working with people chronic pain/illness, hypermobility, and neurodivergence. Whether you want to workout to help with chronic pain, build enough strength to lift and carry the kid in your life, or gain confidence via picking up Really Heavy Stuff™, she is here to guide you on that journey.
Hours: Monday/Tuesday, 2 PM - 8 PM & Thursday, 2 PM - 7PM by appointment only
Please visit Chloe’s website for more information: https://coachchlo.as.me/
or email her at: chloe.zwiacher@gmail.com
Assistant Coaches
BArli & ellie
Barli and Ellie (emeritus) Walsh, our dedicated assistant coaches, exhibit an extraordinary level of care and affection for your well-being and they wear their hearts on their paws. Their commitment to your progress is so genuine that they may recline beside you as you hold a plank, meticulously assessing your form. These furry helpers are known to assume rather daring positions, all in the name of ensuring your balance and agility reach peak performance.
While Ellie has officially retired from gym-doggery so she can spend her days lying half-in and half-out of her bed, Barli is a frequent fixture, joining Coach Shannon Walsh on most days.