Hidden Gems: Meet Shelby Barry of Shelby Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Barry

Hi Shelby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for movement began with yoga. I started practicing to improve my mobility and flexibility but quickly fell in love with yoga as an outlet for mental and spiritual growth. Feeling a strong calling to teach, I pursued yoga teacher training, which greatly enhanced my teaching skills. This led me to teach yoga, yoga sculpt, and eventually trampoline fitness.

When the pandemic hit, yoga became my refuge for staying active and mentally strong. With extra time on my hands, I decided to earn my certification in personal training. I began lifting weights at the gym, which has been one of the best decisions of my life. Gradually, I built a roster of private clients and started my own business, something I truly never envisioned for myself.

Now, after four years of working for myself, I have the privilege of collaborating with incredible men and women who are determined to lift heavy and transform their lives. The one-on-one experience of helping clients achieve their goals brings me immense joy. My clients feel like family to me, and it’s surreal to be able to call this my job.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a business solo can be very challenging! For me personally, I struggle to set boundaries between my work and my personal life. Long days can be grueling, so I’m very grateful to have so many wonderful clients that make the work hours feel less like work. I’m hungry to keep growing as a professional and I don’t want to pass on opportunities that come my way, but sometimes that means I have no days off or time for myself and my friends.

As you know, we’re big fans of Shelby Fitness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a personal trainer and fitness professional, I operate as a business of one. Over the years, I’ve worked at a variety of gyms and studios across Los Angeles—big and small, mass-market and high-end. I decided to start my own brand because I wasn’t satisfied with how most fitness studios operate, namely their pursuit of profit at the expense of client results.

Our culture puts a lot of pressure on people to look a certain way and have a certain body. And there are endless programs and products promising results: weight-loss apps, dieting fads, and workout trends. Supplements, miracle drugs, and medical interventions. Fitness and wellness businesses are just that—businesses. They package the latest trends, push the prevailing wisdom, and sell the quickest fixes. I’ve found that this leaves most people confused, misguided, and demotivated when it comes to achieving their health and fitness goals. I’ve made it my mission to change that.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be complicated. I like to say: it’s not necessarily easy, but it is simple once you understand the basics. My process with private clients begins by demystifying their preconceptions around exercise and diet. I offer an approach that’s straightforward and scientifically backed. I believe education leads to empowerment, and I’ve found that anyone—given the right tools and mindset—can transform their lifestyle and their body.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up doing musical theater and I’ve always taken great joy in community and connecting with people who share a dream. I’m a people person! As a kid, I had a lot of energy, and movement was how I expressed myself. In high school, theater and dance helped build my confidence and shaped my sense of self. I discovered that, at heart, I am an empathetic cheerleader with a passion for helping people grow into their best selves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: shelbylaurenbarry
• Other: tiktok: @thefitshelby

Image Credits
Emma Marie Jenkinson