Meet Shanika Queen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shanika Queen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanika, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

“You can’t pour from an empty”! The older I get, my values and priorities have taken on a different form. Self-care is at the top of my list of things to do or not do, lol. I often say: “if you’re no good, then how can you be good to anybody else”. There are so many factors as to why I prioritize self-care and when I do so I feel like a new person.

I am a wife, mom and caregiver to my mother and although my husband, son, and mother are very much independent these are the people who I care and provide for. My daily schedule consists of me working a 9-hour job as a Program Analyst. Once I’m done there, I switch hats and am a personal trainer, notary, and an independent travel agent. All these titles come with a different personality and a different setting/surrounding and because of this, now I am practicing the art we know as code switching. Code switching is known as changing the way you speak due to your environment. When I am in the office at my good government job of course, I speak one way amongst my colleagues then I do when I am at home. When I am home I code switch often. There is no way I can talk to my husband with the same tone and dialect as I do my son and mother and vice versa.

Listen, everything is not for everyone! So I say all of this to say with the many hats I wear and having the ability to adapt and transform to my environment and people so frequently as I do, thanks to the United States Marine Corps that my days are in fact exhausting yet fun and fulfilling. Self-care is in fact very essential to me. Sometimes it is me going for a walk throughout the day to connect spiritually or with nature or it takes on the form of me journaling. It is also reflected in the way I choose to start my day whether that is with a workout or a cup of tea and some meditation. These acts definitely help to set the tone for my day.

I have noticed that most times as women, myself included we are so busy taking care of everyone and everything that we begin to neglect ourselves, ultimately resulting in us becoming overwhelmed, frustrated, overstimulated, and unsettled. Along with the therapeutic walks, herbal teas, workouts, and journaling that I do I also like to indulge in what I like to call a “make me happy day”. These days are set aside for my manis/pedis, and massages which leaves me rejuvenated and refreshed. I always make sure to schedule my next appointment before I leave that way I won’t forget and to ensure that I maintain my emotional, physical, and mental well-being. No matter the size or form of self-care, once I’ve had that opportunity to recalibrate myself it leaves me with a sense of accomplishment. At this point I can carry on in my resiliency and have the peace and clarity I need to forge ahead and continue to be creative and productive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m excited to share with you my role as the owner and certified personal trainer at Body Movement Fitness. At my homebased studio, I have the privilege of guiding individuals on their journey towards optimal health and fitness. What excites me the most about being a personal trainer is witnessing the transformation that clients undergo—not just in their physical appearance but in their confidence and overall well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients achieve their fitness milestones, gain confidence, and embrace healthier lifestyles. The approach I take at Body Movement Fitness isn’t just about physical exercise; it’s about fostering a sustainable commitment to health and wellness.

My vision for Body Movement Fitness is built on the principles of personalized attention such as: providing prioritized personalized training programs that cater to individual goals and needs, ensuring that each client receives the attention and support they deserve, scientific training methods, and a supportive community atmosphere. I believe in empowering clients to not only reach their fitness goals but to push pass the mental blockage that is preventing them from reaching their full potential. It’s this personalized touch and commitment to excellence that sets Body Movement Fitness apart.

When it comes to exciting news, I’m happy to announce the launch of my new group fitness classes designed to enhance both stamina and flexibility. These classes are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their workout routine in a motivating and supportive group setting. Additionally, I’m expanding to include nutrition counseling services to provide comprehensive guidance on achieving fitness goals through balanced diet choices. I have future intentions to launch innovative wellness workshops that complement the vast array of fitness services I offer not just to my clients but to the community.

Body Movement Fitness isn’t just a gym. It’s a journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. I invite everyone to join me on this journey and experience the transformative power of fitness firsthand. Whether you’re starting your fitness journey or looking to take it to the next level, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my fitness journey, the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful are:

Consistency: Consistently showing up and putting in the effort, even on days when I did not have the motivation, has been crucial. Consistency builds habits and reinforces progress over time. To develop this, I recommend setting realistic goals, creating a workout schedule and finding accountability partners or a supportive community to keep you on track.

Support and Accountability: Whether it’s a workout buddy, a fitness community, or a trainer, having support and accountability can greatly enhance your consistency and motivation. Share your goals with others who can encourage and inspire you. Surround yourself with like minded individuals to bounce ideas off or maybe even healthy competition.

Nutrition Awareness: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in fitness and overall health. Learning about balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and how food fuels the body is essential. Begin by educating yourself on basic nutrition principles, gradually making healthier food choices, and considering consulting a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized guidance.

For those early in their fitness journey, here’s my advice:

Start Slowly and Progress Gradually: Begin with manageable workouts that match your current fitness level. Progression should be gradual to avoid burnout or injury. Celebrate the little wins along the way to stay motivated. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about fitness principles, including proper form, different types of exercises, and how they benefit the body. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and optimize your workouts.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“Relentless” by Tim Grover has been instrumental in my development, particularly in understanding the mindset and approach required for achieving success in fitness and beyond. Here are a few valuable and impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book that have resonated with me:

The Relentless Mindset: Grover distinguishes between three types of individuals: Coolers, Closers, and Cleaners. Cleaners, the highest level, are relentless individuals who are never satisfied, always seeking to improve and dominate their field. This mindset of relentless pursuit of excellence has inspired me to constantly push my limits and strive for continuous improvement in my fitness journey.

Embracing Pressure: Grover emphasizes the importance of embracing pressure and thriving in high-stakes situations. In fitness, as in life, challenges and obstacles are inevitable. Learning to thrive under pressure and use it as a motivator rather than a deterrent has helped me maintain focus and drive towards my goals.

Commitment to Excellence: Grover stresses the importance of commitment to excellence in every aspect of life. From training techniques to nutrition and mindset, striving for excellence in all areas contributes to overall success and fulfillment. This mindset has encouraged me to pay attention to detail, seek out the best practices, and continuously refine my approach to fitness.

The Power of Mindset: Throughout “Relentless,” Grover underscores the significance of mindset in achieving greatness. Developing a mindset of relentless determination, resilience in the face of setbacks, and unwavering focus on long-term goals has been pivotal in my personal growth and success as a fitness enthusiast and trainer.

Overall, “Relentless” has not only provided me with practical strategies for improving my fitness performance but has also instilled a deeper understanding of the mindset and mentality required to excel in any endeavor. It’s a book that continues to inspire and challenge me to elevate my standards and pursue excellence with relentless determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bodymovementfitness.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bodymovementfitness
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/bodymovementfitness