Meet Shelle Tarver

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

Shelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose through my upbringing. I grew up with my grandparents, and my grandfather is a pastor. As a child, I attended various church events with him, where I learned the values of patience and compassion. From an early age, I knew I wanted to help people in any way I could. Over the years, I’ve witnessed people experience a wide range of emotions—happiness, grief, anger, and confusion. In those moments, my guiding thought was always, ‘How would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes?’

I realized that not every moment in someone’s life will be easy, but if I can help guide them through difficult times and offer support, that would be deeply fulfilling. I genuinely want to see people succeed and become the best versions of themselves, no matter where they are in their emotional journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a holistic personal trainer with a focus on helping clients not only reach their fitness goals in the gym but also addressing factors outside the gym that impact their overall health. In addition to training at two gyms, I run my own business, ShellFit LLC, where I work with clients both in-person and online. I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of populations, including athletes, older adults, young adults, and individuals with spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders.

My mantra is ‘Big Stronger Than Your Excuses.’ Life can throw challenges at us, but I believe the first step to success is choosing not to make excuses. I’m passionate about training people from all backgrounds and skill levels. I view each client as a puzzle; everyone has different needs and challenges, and my goal is to help their unique pieces fit together.

I strive to educate my clients throughout the process. Proper form is crucial, but I also want my clients to understand the muscles they’re working and why it matters. Above all, I aim to create a safe space where they can learn, grow, and achieve their personal best—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and continuous learning have been key to my journey. For those just starting out, I would encourage them to develop their craft with a holistic approach. Strive to be the trainer who not only helps clients reach their goals but also shows compassion on the tough days. Be adaptable and open-minded—don’t limit yourself to one way of thinking. Connect with trainers who have different philosophies and experiences; comparing notes can not only enhance your own knowledge but also benefit your clients by broadening your perspective. Always remain a sponge—stay curious, keep learning, and absorb as much information as you can.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

Right now, I’m feeling a lack of community. I have so many ideas and a strong desire to bridge gaps, but as someone who’s originally from Chicago, I’m used to a culture where people come together for a common goal. In LA, I often feel like an outsider, especially when it comes to knowing who to turn to for support in organizing community events. For example, if I wanted to host a workout specifically for trainers, I’m not sure who to reach out to beyond my immediate coworkers. My goal is to create a space where both new and seasoned trainers can connect—through big events, workshops, and meaningful conversations—with the ultimate aim of making a real impact on people’s lives. My challenge is figuring out how to bring people together in a way that draws in fresh faces and fosters genuine collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: shellfit_t
• Other: Tiktok: shellfit_t

Image Credits

Lesly Colindres, Debbie Colindres, Terina Sprague, Renee Bailey, Keith Corbin, Cherie Brownell, and Shaun Fabian