Hi Dana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Age 5: Swimmer and gymnast. Age 20: College graduate. Today: One of the most sought-after personal trainers of my generation. Dancer. Cirque du Soleil Artist. Aerialist. Choreographer. Athlete. Personal Trainer. Indoor Spin Instructor. Group Fitness Instructor. Life Coach. Nutritional Consultant. With my unique approach to health and fitness, I have helped over 100,000 people reach personal, physical, mental, and emotional goals.
As a fitness expert, I speak to audiences worldwide on the topics of fitness and health. I am a Master Ambassador for Fabletics, Lorna Jane and Lululemon, and am part of the Campowerment Expert Team. I have been featured on CBS, KTLA, EXTRA, as well as in SHAPE Magazine, LA Times and SELF Magazine.
Over the last 20 years, I am honored and grateful to have created a very dedicated loyal following. I have been described by clients as “magnetic,” “beyond inspirational,” and “unparalleled.” I am a true innovator and motivate those around me to defy limitations and embrace strength. Along with my enthusiasm for fitness, I have an extensive background as a performing artist and specialty choreographer. Passionate, persistent, and positive, I pour myself into creating challenging fitness programs to provide my clients and students with a distinctive experience that is a testament to the power of the human body. I live by example. I inspire with change. My clients range from Academy Award winning celebrities to business professionals and stay-at-home moms. I had the honor of training JK Simmons for his role in the movie Whiplash, for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Oscars and Golden Globes, and where he thanked me during his acceptance speeches! I share my joy for fitness by incorporating new and emerging trends in my field. I encourage my clients to push themselves past their comfort zones to gain effective and maximum results. I have participated in Spartan races to challenge my own mind, body and spirit. The Spartan series consists of obstacle races of various ranges and difficulty from 3 miles to marathon distances.
In 2016, I am proud to say I completed my first Trifecta. I have been in the fitness industry for 20 years. With my background as a professional dancer and Cirque du Soleil artist, I developed and created SHIFT by Dana Perri. This unique methodology is truly a recipe for results. With my years of experience and the development of SHIFT by Dana Perri, I opened my own fitness studio in 2012 in Sherman Oaks, California. The SHIFT workout system combines cardio and resistance exercises in non-stop choreographed classes with intricate pacing, sequences, and intervals. Each class was performed on a world-class spring floor, which guaranteed students the best possible results a full-body workout can offer while reducing the risk of injury. The SHIFT methodology uses customized music, which adds the element of fun. The key to SHIFT is non-stop cardio and resistance exercises combined and set to motion.
I create a variety of choreographed classes guaranteed to get the heart pumping and the blood flowing. Intervals and pace are what make SHIFT by Dana Perri results-oriented. Using lightweights, resistance bands and weighted medicine balls you are guaranteed a full-body workout that is exciting, safe, and effective. In March of 2020, with the stay at home COVID-19 orders strictly in place, I started doing live ZOOM classes to keep my community connected, healthy and strong. Unfortunately, in June 2020, and with great sadness, after three months of doing ZOOM classes from my studio and realizing that the gym industry was not going to open any time soon, I was forced to close my doors in Sherman Oaks. I have continued to offer live ZOOM classes, now from my home, and it has shown to be a great source of social connection and support during these unprecedented times!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I had a business partner join forces with me in 2015 in hopes to expand the business. After less than a year, it became clear that ultimately we did not have the same vision or views on what we initially discussed. I bought her out and decided to go it alone. It was the best decision at the time. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the fitness industry in Los Angeles to plummet. After three months and no government help, I made the decision to close my doors in June 2020. The financial pressure made it impossible to stay open. I have and am currently teaching live ZOOM classes from my home to keep my current fitness community as well as newcomers healthy and strong.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a huge fan of Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW. Her approach to growth and learning inspires me daily. I also love the Calm App – short daily meditations have been incredibly helpful.
Pricing:
- First Class FREE on ZOOM
Contact Info:
- Email: dana@shiftbydp.com
- Website: shiftbydp.com & danaperri.com
- Instagram: shiftdp & perridana
- Facebook: @ShiftByDanaPerri
- Twitter: @SHIFTbyDP
