Find What Moves You

Shanti has inspired me to try things I didn’t think I was capable of. Her beach workouts have repeatedly empowered me to move my body in new ways, to step outside my comfort zone, to practice self care, to feel strong and chase what makes me come alive.

A powerful combo, right? Shanti is truly a beautiful force.

Shanti is the founder of SweatPlayLive: personal training, fitness, wellness and surf retreats. She is one of the most inspirational, motivational, supportive and strong people I know (her life story is remarkable, read her inspiration below). Shanti was the first wildpreneur I interviewed for Wildpreneurs several years ago. Gracias Shanti for your inspiration and tremendous support—you’ve made all the difference!

Workout with Shanti on Zoom

One of the silver linings of COVID19? Shanti is now offering her awesome workouts online. We can all tune into Shanti’s workouts weekly on zoom. Check out her fusion sculpt class or strength/cardio/core. Follow Shanti at @SweatPlayLive for the weekly schedule and zoom login info. Also be sure to check out her upcoming surf/fitness retreats.

Discover Shanti’s wisdom in Wildpreneurs Chapter 7 - Invest In Yourself. Here’s a glimpse of her free-spirited inspiration:

Q: What was your inspiration to get SweatPlayLive going? Where/when did this take place?

When I was in college I visited my boyfriend's friend Lisa. She was the program director for Skylonda, a fitness/hiking retreat in Redwood City (Bay Area), CA. Her work day involved a 2-4 hour morning hike, teaching 2 fitness classes and then afternoon stretch class. Dream job!.. at least I thought it was, and envisioned myself doing something like that some day. Fast forward to 2010. I had been personal training and teaching fitness classes for 13 years and was on a Surf, Mountain Bike, Yoga retreat in Nayarit, Mexico. The 2nd day, I crashed on my bike and opened up my arm to the bone. Because of the stitches I received, I was unable to surf, ride or practice yoga. Instead, I spent the week (happily) laying in a hammock on a beautiful beach writing up a business plan to lead my first retreat. I returned home from that trip and mentioned it to my clients and students - and I had my first trip set for a couple months later.

Q: Is this work your passion? If so, when did your passion begin or originate?

I am very, very fortunate to have known what I wanted to do from an early age. I could never see myself working in an office. Even training indoors, in gyms, is challenging for me. I like to be free. To feel free to move. I played lots of sports growing up, and also danced for many years, but it wasn't until I started teaching kickboxing aerobics (Taebo) right out of college that I KNEW I wanted to do this forever. "Find what moves you" is the Sweat Play Live tag line. My passion is moving and my purpose is absolutely to teach and inspire others, through fitness, to find what moves them.

Q: Do you strive to grow and expand your business down the road? Or are you satisfied with where your business is at now?

I know my retreats can truly change people's perception of what their bodies can do, and what their life can be. With that, I want to host more retreats!

Q: What do you wish you’d known prior to getting started as an entrepreneur?

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I am definitely a jump in head-first kind of person. I learn by doing. Looking back, and looking at my business right now, I know taking some marketing courses would have been helpful :)

Q: What do you find is the most challenging part about running your own business?

Wearing all the hats! There are so many little details that need to be done, whether it be keeping up the the daily social media or little touches for each retreat guest. I am the queen of the post-it notes. I could not live without them :)

Q: Some days are easier than others, how do you keep yourself motivated on the toughest days?

Many years ago when I was just starting out as a trainer, I was discussing business with a client (a successful businessman) and I said, "but that is going to take forever!" He laughed and said, "Yes, it might. But if you are lucky you will have forever. What else are you going to do, quit?" I think about what he said often. I know there is NOTHING ELSE in the world that I would rather be doing. Just like I tell my fitness clients- it takes consistency. Do a little something everyday. There are some days I am super pumped and grind through 8+ hours of blog/newsletter/email writing and some days I do the bare minimum. It's all a balance, but if you are truly following your passion... you will find a way.

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of being a wild entrepreneur?
I LOVE getting to create my days. I love exercising, I love teaching, I love personal training and I get to do what I LOVE every day!

Q: What’s your biggest piece of advice to someone considering becoming a wild entrepreneur?

You have to just follow your heart and go for it! There are going to be plenty of people around you that cannot see outside of their box or cubicle. You might hear advice or get resistance from people living with a fear-based mindset. Do not let them squash your dream.