Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Garcia.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sam. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
It all started with dance! Dance was always a way for me to express myself; a way to be heard without using my voice. I attended weekly dance classes, danced competitively in high school, and eventually signed with an agent.
My seven years of dancing professionally were filled with amazing jobs, including dancing for Bette Midler in Vegas. During that time, I started practicing yoga and never looked back.
I can’t say that my relationship with movement has always been healthy. Throughout high school and my early twenties, I struggled with body dysmorphia and bulimia. I used exercise as punishment and escape. Interestingly enough, when I chose to start my road to recovery at 25, movement was what saved me. Once I could see movement as a way to connect to myself, my motivation changed. I was no longer moving to look good, but rather to feel good and find balance. Even now, I often check in with myself to ask why I am choosing to workout. If it doesn’t feel like I’m doing it to take care of my mind and body, then I change my inner dialogue.
In 2012, I began teaching barre. I taught at Pop Physique a few years, including amazing opportunities to run teacher trainings and record instructional videos. I also completed my 200/hour yoga training while teaching at Corepower Yoga. I became more curious about fitness and began teaching at Tracy Anderson Method.
In the short amount of time working there, I learned the importance of a great playlist and how our bodies are capable of more than we know. From there, I moved to New York and started teaching yoga at Y7 and dance cardio + sculpt classes at Modelfit. There I was able to tap into my own creativity as an instructor. I owe my clients at Modelfit for trusting me and providing the space for me to create.
Two years later, my husband and I returned to Los Angeles, where I continued teaching for Y7 and began creating my own classes. I participated in a yoga training with Tony G at the Raven in Silverlake. This training completely transformed my perspective on the body’s biomechanics. I now teach a class at The Raven called Stretch/Tone, which helps strengthen and tone the body through isometric and functional movement.You can find me there every Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30 am.
I’m so grateful to also teach Yoga & Barre for Equinox. I love the variety of people I get to meet and share movement with. Learning continues to be my top priority. I’m a NASM certified personal trainer, Holistic Health Coach, and am currently pursuing a degree in psychology.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m always faced with challenges. Hosting my own class has definitely been a learning experience. No matter what, I always keep trying.
Shaped by Sam – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I train clients privately in their home. I also rent out space at Studio A in Silverlake where I teach my signature class – DanceTone. This class combines “follow along” dance cardio & dynamic sequences, designed to balance strength and grace in your body. Set to a curated playlist, I take you through a 50-minute experience that helps elevates your mind/body connection.
There is no equipment used in this class. We use our own body weight and resistance to push the body to new levels. I post my class schedule weekly on Instagram (@thesamgarcia), with online streaming, and NYC pop-ups coming soon!
I call my brand Shaped by Sam. My intention is to shape your mind/body/heart by using movement, music, and connection. All of my classes, down to every song on the playlist, are selected with intention. They are greatly inspired by music and what I see my clients need. My goal is to help people function and feel good in their body.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That’s a hard question. I think it can be as simple as living with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shapedbysam.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thesamgarcia
Image Credit:
Nancy Jae
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