In 2012, I packed my bags and moved to sunny San Diego. The 2,000+ mile trek from Cincinnati was no easy task, but I knew America’s Finest City had something special in store for me. Sure enough, I met my husband three months later. :) One thing I noticed right away in San Diego (besides the awesome weather of course) was the myriad healthy eateries and fitness studios. In Ohio, I was a regular at LA Fitness and splurged on a monthly hot yoga membership. But here, there are SO MANY options. Where to begin?After settling into my apartment in Hillcrest, I ventured to a studio I read about in Shape Magazine, Barry’s Bootcamp. That first class with Scott kicked my butt and I did what any fitness lover would do—I signed up for class the next day. After countless sprints, burpees, curls, presses, squats, and more I was hooked. I soon joined and popped in for class 3-4x/week. The workouts were, and still are, tough, but what really kept me coming back was the community and the trainers.When I moved to San Diego I knew no one. But after a few months at Barry’s, and later CorePower, I made friends, sweat dates, and crushed a half marathon. I felt supported, ready to tackle my fitness goals, and a bit sore from all of those sprints :) The San Diego fitness community has grown tremendously since 2012, and I have had the privilege of meeting many trainers and local studio owners. One of the things that has always struck me is their devotion to the business and EVERY person that walks through their doors. They love what they do. I’m excited to launch a series called “San Diego Fitness Faves,” featuring studios across San Diego. Every month, I will venture to new studios to sweat it out, and then report back on the workout, community, and instructors. My goal is not only give you a few fun ideas for your next sweat sesh, but support studio owners and their dream of helping you live a happier and healthier life. Fitness + Community: get fit and have fun

San Diego Fitness Fave: Relevate Life

Relevate (v): to raise or restore to good spirits.Relevate’s owner, Shannon, is a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach, Yoga Instructor, and Ph.D. Her tremendous knowledge in alignment, food and nutrition, and coaching is unique and valuable.The studio shares a space with VIDA Pilates in UTC and every time I walk in I am greeted with a smile and a big hug. The bright colors and intimidate studio space make me feel right at home. 

Relevate Life: The Workout

The one hour workout offers a little bit of everything: barre, Pilates, yoga, cardio, and inspiration for the day ahead. Warm-up with a quick cardio burst and dynamic stretching, strength train on the floor, and feel the burn with grueling exercises using a core ball, bands, and your own bodyweight at the barre. What can you expect? Sweat, quake, and sculpt your way to a firm backside and core. My legs usually feel like they are about to fall off. This is not a standard barre class, and there are elements of strength and intensity that I’ve found unique to Relevate. Shannon provides alignment tips and cues throughout the workout, often performing the exercises herself. She has the unique ability to push you while also making you feel supported, safe, and empowered. Every session concludes with a restorative savasana. After just one hour I leave feeling strong, uplifted, and ready to tackle my day.  Explore Relevate’s schedule for class times and our opportunity to meet Shannon in person. As an Athleta Ambassador you can also find her teaching classes at the UTC store. What about you? Do you have a fit favorite in San Diego? I’d love to meet you for class :) Let me know in the comment section below!Photos provided by Relevate Life.