An Inspired Chat with Shelle Tarver of Los Angeles

Shelle Tarver shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Shelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Music! Most of my day is interacting with people. Which means I have to talk a lot lol. As soon as I put my headphones in or listen to music out loud I get lost in it. I can be silent or I can sing a song off key with all my heart for hours. That brings me joy because music can heal you, remind you, or find you when you need it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Shelle, a biomechanics‑informed personal trainer and the creator of Shelle FIT. I help women move smarter, feel better, and build strength they can trust by blending science, structure, and soul. My approach is deeply shaped by my own experience with endometriosis, which pushed me to understand hormones, inflammation, and how to train in a way that supports the body instead of fighting it. I focus on restoring alignment, improving movement patterns, and creating programs that meet women (even men) exactly where they are whether they’re brand‑new to lifting or rebuilding confidence after pain or burnout. Right now, I’m expanding my online coaching so I can reach more women who want education, empowerment, and training that actually fits their lives.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandad. Some of my earliest memories are of running errands with him and just hanging out. He’s a pastor, so I’d often tag along to different churches, speaking engagements, repasts, or his own services. The best part was having the whole church to myself I’d play every instrument, and no matter how terrible it sounded, he let me be a kid. He did close his office door when I really got going, though lol. Those moments shaped me. Watching him interact with people taught me how to treat others with compassion, patience, and understanding, because you never know what someone is carrying.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I was first diagnosed with endometriosis, I didn’t really understand what it was. I didn’t know anyone who had it, and I was navigating it alone in a new state while my family was back in Chicago. Even with close friends around, the random pain and constant fatigue made me pull back. I didn’t want to feel like a burden or the friend who always had something going on. My body felt like it was fighting me, and I became really isolated.
Everything shifted when I started researching, exploring natural remedies, and finding support groups. Hearing other women share the same experiences made me feel seen. That’s when I stopped hiding and started owning my story. I chose to face this new life with my head up and my heart open, turning my pain into purpose.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. The version of me you see online is the same woman you’d meet in real life outgoing, a little silly, and always down for a good workout. I love teaching in a way that actually makes sense, and I care deeply about the information I put into the world. My goal is to help women understand their bodies, feel confident asking questions, and know they’re not alone in whatever they’re navigating. And if I don’t know an answer, I’m the first to research it or find someone who does. What you see is truly what you get.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I made them feel seen, supported, and capable in their own bodies. That I taught women how to move with confidence, listen to themselves, and trust their strength. I hope they remember me as someone who led with compassion, curiosity, and honestysomeone who turned her own challenges into a way to help others feel less alone. If that’s the story people tell, I did my job.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellfit_t/

Image Credits
Tim R, Lesly C, Debbie C, Meredith K, Zoey W, Dyamon W, Qwe L, & Nydra C