Conversations with Michelle Menechyan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Menechyan.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in fitness teaching cardio boxing classes in Los Feliz. It was fun and I built a community, but I wanted to share my evergrowing knowledge on strength training and transition to personal training.

The pandemic simultaneously shut down my group classes while laying a foundation to build my personal training business. My 1:1 sessions started virtually and then eventually went outdoors. I expanded my clientele through word of mouth and gradually increased my Instagram presence through fun and informative fitness content. It’s been quite a journey– taking on multiple roles to run my business, learning through trial & error, and trying to find a work/life balance.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One of the most challenging parts of growing my business was laying the foundations for it. At first, it was physically and mentally taxing as I led socially distanced group classes at Griffith Park where I would haul numerous pairs of heavy dumbbells from my car at 6am to the volleyball courts at Griffith Park.

No matter what, I kept my training going. Despite those mornings where some extra sleep would’ve been nice, I knew it would be rewarding to go train a group of eager individuals who later told me I got them through some rough patches during 2020/2021.

Since then, I am thankful it’s been a smooth road as I have a solid group of amazing clients. It’s difficult to stop working and caring so much about them. That’s another struggle in itself. Finding a work/life balance. It can be 8pm and I’ll still be answering texts or e-mails about nutrition questions, gym tips, etc. from clients.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My mission behind starting Body By Mich was to find the balance in the extremes that the fitness industry sets. To encourage the women, I train to find their strengths in the gym and focus on fueling their bodies to complement their training. To educate my clients on proper form for weightlifting, as well as fitness and nutrition science. I don’t believe a personal trainer’s role to be someone who dictates movements and controls your eating for short-term goals.

I remain by my core philosophy with training: finding JOY in movement. Rather than regarding it as dreadful or a way to burn calories, I aim to inspire women to view the gym as a place to gain strength, confidence and train because they love their bodies, not because they hate certain parts they’d like to change.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success is not how much money I can make or the notoriety I can earn in the fitness industry. Success is the freedom I have with my career and how rewarding it is to know I make a positive impact on someone’s well-being. I help people chase and achieve their wellness goals — whether that be increasing their strength in the gym, managing their weight, or feeling more confident in themselves. All while demystifying the convoluted myths that make up a majority of the fitness industry. That’s a win for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bodybymich.com
• Instagram: bodybymich

Image Credits
Jorge Valiente