Introduction Blog

Shannon Hales, sitting on a weight bench in front of a rocky river bed and wildflowers.

I’m Shannon Hales, 32, married with 2 children, 3 very different dogs and a lazy house cat. We homeschool, take art classes, do taekwondo. I love to read books and play Pokemon Go, yet I usually tend to rest when I’m not working.

After having my son (now 8), my hormones tanked. I had cysts, ruptured cysts, endometriosis, hemorrhagic fibroids, reoccurring bv, pelvic pain, cysts in the breast tissue, literally everything that could have went wrong- did!

I had four surgeries in 9 months that led to a total hysterectomy about 2017-2018. No ovaries, no cervix, no tubes, no womb. I was in my mid twenties, thrown into surgical menopause, while raising two children under five years (a daughter 4 years older than my son).

Around the time of my last surgery, my dad died unexpectedly and I became very depressed.

The next couple years are a blur. Raising young children with pets, hormones raging, overwhelming grief. Generally unhappy, carrying around a ziplock of medication.

I fought for my sanity while studying textbooks, wiping butts, navigating marriage, working for someone else’s fitness app.

Fast forward 5-6 years to 2024, I’m completely pelvic pain free, off HRT and all other medications. I have earned a crap ton of certifications. Still hosting sessions in our living room, AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER with years of experience.

I teach: the scientific names of exercises, correct form, exercise recovery, how to prepare healthy meals at home, act as an accountability partner, and implement daily holistic health practices. We will really get down to nitty gritty when it comes to mental blocks around exercise.

Shannon Hales sitting on a rocky river bank, smoking a Blazing Shannon.

-Zoom or FaceTime for sessions and texting as main communication

-Equipment needed: dumbbells and a kettlebell, weight bench, exercise mat, and bands

-Perfect for anyone that is already getting routines from Pinterest or TikTok (seriously, the WANT-TO has to be there already!)

-Children in background is acceptable, up to 2 interruptions permitted per session

-Diastasis recti and pelvic floor friendly, build upper and lower body strength, improve mobility, implement daily health habits, push through mental blocks,

-Must be willing to openly communicate, show up when you’re tired, meal plan, post progress pictures and review to website, pay monthly fee

Serious inquiries only, if you can’t pass a physical then this program is not for you. Message me directly or through my website.

#sessionswithshannonh #rooteddomus #coach #holistichealth #perseverance #dumptuck

why I am not a fitness influencer

I have been in the fitness industry off and on for a decade, on all sides. Front desk girl, client, class participant, sister to the gym daycare teacher, and now I am the personal trainer. Several times a week I host a live session from my living room. I build fitness plans every week. I have stacks of 5 subject notebooks full of original routines; piles of books that have been eagerly consumed. special interest? hyperfocus? you betcha.

sure, I am certified. AFPA-certified personal trainer. I am studying yoga under My Vinyasa Practice. nutrition classes through AFPA. business classes through ISSA. to keep most of these certificates active, continuing education classes or retesting is necessary. science evolves daily, most fitness professionals either have to constantly update their knowledge or fall behind the times.

collecting certificates like trinkets.

Since COVID, working remotely was and still is the best option for our family. making silly videos with filters is easy. posting myself in gym clothes at any angle to be openly judged by others never felt like a safe place.

I’ve seen the sweetest of fitness girls get destroyed in comment sections. I’ve witnessed the best of young men put their bodies through strenuous training to compete only to be called disgusting in passing. yeah yeah it sounds biased and trivial; bc it is my experience that I’m basing the decision on, what’s it matter to you then? ;)

soooo many people have come forward with, ‘Shannon, make videos, all you have to do is record yourself and post it! you’re doing it anyway.’

do you know how many middle-aged, genetically small, long brown-haired women are exercising on social media and private platforms? the market is drenched. needing equipment and infinite time to record and edit video… it just doesn’t seem like a practical fit for me at this time.

maybe one day when the kids are older; I don’t want to put myself into a ‘I’ll never do that’ box. it does look like a lot of creative fun. for now, I am going to stick to building relationships and driving results with current clients… continue to branch out and get a firm foundation in brand identity and business.

if you’re interested in personal training sessions, you can learn more about them on the services page or book a free consultation. the client log is kept small to allow scheduling changes, personal accommodations, and daily time spent per client. I come with references!