Conversations with Shelle Tarver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelle Tarver.

Hi Shelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Chicago-born, I moved to Sacramento for grad school in 2016, then landed in LA in 2018. I’ve always known my purpose was to help people. Growing up, I was the girl hooping with the guys on the block—always active, so a movement-based career was a natural fit. My grandad, a pastor, deeply influenced who I am today.

In college, I was undecided until some real conversations with friends led me to Kinesiology—a path that combined my love for movement and helping others. I started personal and group training during that time, which let me apply what I was learning in real-time. My first group fitness job gave me an environment where I could grow and keep learning, something that’s always been important to me.

When I moved to Sacramento, I began working with people who had spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders—challenging work that made me a more compassionate coach and human. After nearly six years, I’ve transitioned back into group personal training while still occasionally working with some of my neuro clients, which I’m incredibly grateful for.

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?
Overall, the road has been pretty smooth. I’ve been fortunate to learn and take away valuable skills from every place I’ve worked. The biggest challenge for me has been building a private client base. I post on social media, but I haven’t seen much traction from it yet. I’m not currently part of a fitness community here, and with so many of us in the space, it’s been tough to find genuine connections. That’s something I’d love to change soon. I would love to put together a team of like minded trainers to help the community and empower one another.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently the Head Coach at a gym in Santa Monica, where I train personal training clients in a group setting—up to 12 people with a 6:1 client-to-coach ratio. I handle programming, nutrition and goal consultations, and help clients build healthy habits around sleep, recovery, and hydration.

In addition to my role there, I also train online and in-person clients independently. I work with a wide range of populations—from young adults and older adults to individuals with neurological conditions and those brand new to fitness. No matter your fitness level, I’m here to help—whether your goals are weight loss, muscle gain, low-impact movement, pregnancy support, or rehab.

I’m proud to serve people in such a meaningful way. Everyone wants to live a long life—why not make sure your health supports that? As a trainer, my goal is for you to feel strong, confident, and capable in any gym. Whether it’s building strength, moving pain-free, or simply understanding your body better, I’ll guide you through the ‘why’ behind every movement. I believe that’s what truly sets me apart.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m happiest when my clients surprise themselves—lifting heavier than they thought they could, hitting a PR, or pushing through something that once scared them. That kind of growth lights me up. I also find joy in being outside in nature, sharing good food, and spending time with my family. These moments make me happy because they remind us to step outside our comfort zones. When we stay stuck in the same patterns, it’s hard to feel excited about life—but growth, challenge, and connection? That’s where the magic happens.

Pricing:

• $150 60 minute training
• $1000 8 pack – 60 minute training
• $1600 12 pack – 60 minute training

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfit_t?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Renee Bailey, Chef Keith Corbin, Shaun Fabian, Cheri B, Lesly Colindres, & Debbie Colindres