We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Ginn Owner/Instructor/Personal Trainer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shannon Ginn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

There are so many opinions, models, books and so forth on “success”. For me my success is measured in the success of my clients, and my staff. It takes being open to change, not giving up on my dream, reminding myself daily how much I love what I do and just how important it is to keep offering it. Many business owners get caught up in the profit end. While I do agree wholeheartedly that making ends meet and being self sustainable is a top priority, it is not my only bottom line. The well being of each and every person I work with and train is the most important key to not only my success but their success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I have been a fitness instructor for over 25 years. I started in Martial Arts. I was preparing for my Black Belt test and I discovered the gym scene. My first experience was with the local YMCA in downtown Asheville when I was 21 years old. There I met a female trainer that opened my eyes to resistance training. At the time I was also mountain biking, road cycling and running. I realized that to do all the activities I loved, I needed to have a well rounded and balanced training program. The resistance training catapulted my training to new levels. I found strength I did not know I had in me. I loved being in the gym and feeling strong. I began teaching cardio kick boxing outside of our Martial Arts school. I found my self drawn to the gym and training people. Teaching classes and personal training was a side gig that I loved. Making a living at it was hard. So I pursued my other passion, cooking. I went to culinary school and then to pastry school. My main career was being a Chef for over 15 years. However I always had a secondary job teaching and training. I taught at over 15 different studios over the next 2 decades. Students came for my classes and followed me to my next venture.
2020 Covid- I lost my job of 10 years, my benefits, everything as well as my job of 5 yrs at a local studio. So I reinvented myself and decided it was time to train and teach the way I wanted to and for my self. Finally I am free to take 25 years of experience and intensive training and give to my community without anyone holding me back.
I believe that working out is more than just changing your outer shell. That is just an extra bonus to what really happens when we take care of our bodys. I teach my clients (who you will here me refer to as students more than clients) about form, recovery, mind and body connection and pursuing goals safely no matter your age, or physical abilities.
I am proud of my studio because we have several options to choose from and honestly when you do a little of all of it you will find balance in the body and mind. I believe it is never too late to start moving. We are as old as we allow ourselves to be. I offer a regiment of cardio, strength, balance and recovery through stretch and foam roll classes. Its a perfect balance.
I love music, dancing and having fun while I work out, so you will see lots of that in our studio. I have several classes at a variety of times and try to keep the schedule balanced for everyone’s needs. I am now looking for a new instructor to join my team in order to add even more variety and classes. I check in with my students when i do not see them, I keep them engaged with 6 week challenges, themed glo rides for holidays like Halloween, Christmas and new years as well as newsletter updates.
I have been open for 8 months and am beginning to work with other like minded people in our community. Chiropractor, Massage Therapist and a new Physical Therapist office in town. Net working and being a part of our community is a high priority for me. I am a big believer that you keep what you have by giving it away. So working with others in the community is important to me, it makes me feel whole and fulfilled.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I treat everyone with respect and honor where they are in their fitness journey. I can train and teach from beginners to advanced. I have a reputation for making incredible music playlists. This is an art form that helps keep everyone engaged and motivated to keep going. I am always open to learning whats new and where science is taking us as we evolve in this industry. I am also grounded in my programming making sure it is safe, effective and realistic. I back my theory’s up with research and education.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Let me start by saying, I have been incredibly lucky and I am beyond grateful for the people that have stepped up and continue to do so to make sure this business succeeds.

My wonderful partner sold a house in 2021 that gave us seed money to start. A friend/student that has been taking classes from me for over 15 years also stepped up and got our bikes for the cycle studio ordered and paid for. There are several people that have donated funds and support and continue to do so, because they believe in what we do.
Honestly, if it were not for them I would not have a studio. They are the ones that have for years told me to do this. 2020 came along and everything seemed to fall into place. in 2021.
2022 we are hanging in and slowly gaining momentum with new clients finding us. Due to Delta, we used the rest ofour funds to carry on as many were still staying home. We have been unable to do any marketing other than social media at this point. However, word of mouth is helping.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gritfit.studio
• Instagram: gritfitstudioasheville
• Other: We are also on google and Vagaro (our booking system)