Inspiring Conversations with Shahin Safae of Royal Personal Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shahin Safae.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Norway in a working-class family. My dad was a painter, and my mom worked in a bakery. We didn’t have much, but I learned early on the value of hard work. I started working young—paper routes, small jobs—and by 18, I was able to buy my first apartment.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2014, I didn’t speak any English. I was starting over with nothing. I worked whatever jobs I could find—driving a bus, parking cars—just to survive. It was hard, but I always believed I was meant for more.

My brother and I were both trainers, and we knew we could create something special—something more personal and private than what big gyms offered. That’s how Royal Personal Training started. We built it from scratch, and today it’s grown into a space I’m truly proud of. It’s not just a gym—it’s a place where people feel seen, supported, and pushed to be their best.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving to L.A. without speaking English was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I felt completely out of place and had to start from zero. I worked long days—sometimes 16 or 17 hours—just to pay the bills. There were times I was exhausted, broke, and questioning if I made the right choice.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Royal Personal Training is a private space we built to feel different from a typical gym. It’s calm, personal, and focused entirely on the client. We do 1-on-1 training, and everything is tailored—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here.

What makes us stand out is the way we care. We take the time to really listen, to understand what someone needs—not just physically, but mentally too. It’s not just about the workouts, it’s about building trust and helping people feel good about themselves.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always driven. I didn’t come from much, but I had a strong work ethic from a young age. I was independent—I got my first job as a kid delivering papers, and I liked the feeling of earning my own money. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, but I was focused and curious.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.royalpersonaltraining.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/royalpersonaltraining
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/royalpersonaltraining
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-personal-training-los-angeles