We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shirley Carlisle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shirley below.

Shirley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

My journey into the fitness industry started when I was 22 and wrapping up my final semester of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. I chose Kinesiology because I’ve always been passionate about sports, health, and fitness. Growing up, I watched my mom teach countless group fitness classes, and I naturally developed an interest in how the body moves and how to help others move optimally.

One afternoon, while working a minimum-wage, part-time administrative job at a random desk on my college campus, I received a life-changing message through ZipRecruiter. It was from Shirley, who would become my boss and mentor for the next five years. She was opening a new gym, 30 Minute Hit, and invited me to apply for a Boxing/Fitness Trainer position. I had played a ton of sports growing up but had never tried boxing or kickboxing. The idea of joining a women-only gym really appealed to me, and I thought, “Why not?”

I obliged, went through the interview process, and became a trainer in January 2020. At that time, I wasn’t sure which route in Kinesiology I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted a career that made me feel fulfilled and purposeful. Sitting at that desk job, I realized I wasn’t meant for a sedentary office life. I needed to move, share my passion for fitness, and connect with people. This opportunity was a perfect fit.

Admittedly, I was nervous about learning boxing and kickboxing quickly enough to teach others. But I loved soaking up all the knowledge and technique—it was challenging and exciting all at once. Looking back, I could not be happier with where I ended up. Five years later, I’m still with the same company, now serving as both a trainer and manager at two locations. I’ve grown personally and professionally in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then.

A huge reason I’ve stayed is Shirley. She’s the best boss I could have asked for—always looking out for my growth and success. She encouraged me to earn my personal training certification with a specialization in group training and is now supporting me as I pursue a specialization in weight loss. She’s always trusted me with opportunities, whether it was private training, social media management, or eventually promoting me to manager as quickly as she could.

What makes this job even more special is the mission of 30 Minute Hit: empowering women to unlock their inner warrior and highest potential. Every day, I get the privilege of impacting a community of strong, inspiring women. It’s beautiful, rewarding, and genuinely fills me with gratitude.

Happy is an understatement—this has been the most incredible place to grow, both as a professional and as a person, and I’m so proud to still be part of this journey.

Shirley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Lauren Clark, and I’m a 27-year-old certified personal trainer and manager at 30 Minute Hit in Tustin and Aliso Viejo. I’ve been part of this incredible fitness community for five years, and I absolutely love sharing my passion and energy for fitness, athletics, and body mechanics with the amazing women who walk through our doors.

I got into the fitness industry by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Cal State Fullerton, which I earned in May 2020 amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. My passion for movement and wellness was sparked early on by my mom, who was a fitness trainer. Watching her lead classes and inspire others taught me the power of fitness—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

At 30 Minute Hit, we provide a supportive, empowering, and safe space for women to unlock their potential and cope with their emotions in a healthy, therapeutic way. Our program combines boxing, kickboxing, and self-defense techniques into a 30-minute, high-intensity workout that is both challenging and rewarding.

We solve a variety of problems for women who are looking to prioritize their health and fitness but may feel intimidated by traditional boxing gyms or struggle to fit long workouts into their busy schedules. Our workouts are designed to be realistic, efficient, and incredibly effective—perfect for working moms, professionals, and women on the go. Not only do our sessions blast calories and build strength, but they also help improve metabolism and promote a sense of self-protection and confidence.

What sets us apart is the unique environment we’ve built:

Women-only space: A non-intimidating atmosphere where women feel safe and supported.
No set class times: Flexibility to fit workouts into your schedule.
Free kids area: Moms can work out without worrying about childcare.
Highly trained and dedicated trainers: Our team is passionate about helping every member achieve their goals.
Our community is truly what we are most proud of. Over the past five years, we’ve built a network of strong, empowered women who lift each other up and celebrate each other’s victories. The connections we’ve formed and the positive impacts we’ve made are invaluable.

The main message we want potential clients to know is that this program is unlike any other. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable or unsupported in your fitness journey, 30 Minute Hit is the place where you’ll finally feel safe, comfortable, and part of a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed. We’re here to help you unlock your inner warrior and transform your life in the best way possible.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Opening a new business is always a challenge, but nothing could have prepared us for what happened just weeks after we launched 30 Minute Hit Tustin. After a long and demanding process—securing a location, overseeing construction, hiring and training our team, and handling all the moving parts that come with opening a gym—we finally celebrated our grand opening on March 7, 2020. The excitement was palpable. We had just begun welcoming new members, and our dream was coming to life.

Then, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic forced shutdowns across the country, and just as we were gaining momentum, we had to close our doors. It was a devastating moment. But instead of giving up, we pivoted. We applied for every state and federal program available for small businesses, strategized ways to stay afloat, and stayed connected with our community.

When we were finally able to reopen, we adapted with strict health protocols—extra sanitizing, masks, and limited hours. We focused on providing value to the handful of members who had joined before the shutdown, ensuring they felt supported and engaged. Through resilience and determination, we rebuilt, member by member.

Now, five years later, 30 Minute Hit Tustin is thriving. We’ve cultivated an incredible community, built an amazing team of trainers, and created a space that empowers and uplifts. The journey wasn’t easy, but our ability to pivot in the face of uncertainty is what made us stronger. What could have been a devastating setback became a testament to our perseverance—and we couldn’t be prouder of where we are today.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most important factor in succeeding in the fitness industry is hiring the right people. A gym’s success isn’t just about the workout program—it’s about the people delivering it. You could have the most effective, well-designed training system, but if the trainer isn’t engaging, motivating, and able to communicate it in a digestible way, it simply won’t work.

Trainers are the heartbeat of any fitness studio. They set the tone, create the energy, and build connections that keep members coming back. A great trainer isn’t just someone who knows fitness—they know how to coach, inspire, and make every person who walks through the doors feel seen, supported, and empowered.

At 30 Minute Hit Tustin, we prioritize hiring trainers who bring not just expertise, but passion, personality, and the ability to create a positive experience for every member. Because at the end of the day, people don’t just stick with a gym for the workouts—they stay for the community, the encouragement, and the people who make their fitness journey something they look forward to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.30minutehit.com/tustin
• Instagram: @tustinhit
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/30MinuteHitTustin
• Yelp: 30 Minute Hit Tustin

Image Credits

Some stock photos credit of 30 Minute Hit Franchise