Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Barbadian.
Hi Shannon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started in fitness in San Francisco. I was a Group Exercise Director and instructor for a local fitness gym chain. I taught everything under the sun. It was here that I was introduced to Reformer Pilates. Balanced Body introduced the Allegro Reformer to a gym for the first time ever. It became my job to introduce, program and sell Reformer Pilates to gym members.and have them embrace it as part of their fitness routine. I became a fully certified practitioner of Pilates and eventually an educator. I moved to Southern California ( Newport Beach) and opened my first Pilates & Cycling studio. I co-owned and operated it for 10 years. My next studio, Root Fitness, opened in 2021 and my mission is to have small group classes that blend Reformer Pilates and progressive strength training to sculpt your body, sharpen your mind, and ground you in confidence that lasts beyond the studio. My members are predominantly women who are challenged to move with intention, push past limits, celebrate progress that matters, and feel proud of the reflection in the mirror — and the way you show up in life.
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?
Yes and no. I have heard that the fastest to get to know yourself and all your faults is by opening a business. I would 100% agree with this. There are practical struggles that I would imagine every small business owner have: money (sometimes not having enough), staffing issues, new competition entering the space, high rent areas etc. But I think the biggest struggle might be in allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to know when to ask for help and realizing that “failure” in one area is an actual opportunity in another, if you allow it. If you can have the mindset that it will be a wild ride and you could become the best version of yourself and really help people along the way, the struggle will be welcomed.. For me, I think one of the challenges is that you have to constantly be evolving in the fitness industry without losing your authenticity.
We’ve been impressed with Root Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Root Fitness is a boutique fitness studio located in Corona Del Mar, CA. We specialize in small-group classes ( 6 Reformers) that combine Reformer Pilates and strength training. That allows my team to make sure each person is getting what they need for that day but also setting them up for gains for the next day. Every class is intentional. I blend progressive programming with mindful movement so my members can build lean muscle, boost your metabolism, and feel stronger week by week. My members are primarily women 40+ who are struggling with the changes perimenapause is causing. I wanted to give them a place without the fads and fluff but a place that could create real results built through purpose. The class size is limited to 6 so clients can really been seen. One of the classes I created is Strength & Reform. It’s both on the mat and the Reformer. On the mat we use heavy weight (25lb Bala bars) and we load the weight when on the Reformer. One of my members of this class makes pottery. Her clay bags weigh 50 lbs. She can now lift those bags by herself!
I am most proud of how supportive the members are with one another. I purposely did not put mirrors in the studio. I think women are entirely too hard on themselves. So what ended up happening is that the people next to you became your teammate, literally cheering you on and sharing the challenge with each other and helping each other push past limits.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that our city is so walkable. That really allow you to meet your neighbors and be part of a community. I don’t love that every real estate reality show has decided to set up camp in our neighborhood.
Pricing:
- Intro 3 Series $120
Contact Info:
- Website: www.root.fitness
- Instagram: root_boutique_fitness
- Yelp: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=yelp+root+fitness&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&dlnr=1&sei=9S34aIW3DKWm0PEPlsjX4AQ
