Meet Aryana Shokat

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aryana Shokat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aryana, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is a huge area of development for me over the years. Over the years I’ve had to really learn the meaning behind work-life balance, and what both extreme ends of the spectrum can look like. Either being completely burned out by your work or chomping at that bit to get back in the game because it feel like your soul’s purpose isn’t being fulfilled. There is a happy medium that we are all searching for, one that allows us to be dialed into our craft, but also one that gives us that time to be with our family, make memories with our friends and loved ones, truly being present in the little moments of life along the way. It’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way.
Early on I learned to be a work-a-holic who could burry emotions into my work whenever needed, as long as I was focused on a task away from the problems I was going through, I didn’t need to address them until I was “free” later on. This allowed me to climb up the experience ladder in my industry rather quickly, however it came at a cost of sleepless nights, lack of time to spend with anyone I cared about, being constantly attached to what was happening at work instead of focusing on my life, all on top of an over caffeinated and underfed body. I was becoming the opposite version of health I was trying to inspire in others.

After college is when my real experience in the fitness industry was put to the test as I landed a studio manage position for an Orangetheory Fitness location that was in pre-opening. This was my dream job at the time, I put everything I had in bringing this studio from the ground up, and ensuring that we broke sale records in the process. We succeed at everything we set out to do, however we were pulling crazy hours to make it happen, my body was making it clear it could not sustain this type of living. An opportunity came to work at the regional level where the job would be less physically demanding. I thought would allow me to balance my life more effectively, but the intensity of the position didn’t change. It was until 2020 when the world shut down that I began to re-hardwire my attitude towards what it meant to be a successful person.

In the years since I’ve learned to shift my priorities towards being more focused on the things and people I love. It was clear that boundaries needed to be set with how I approached work. It gave me an opportunity to use the skills I gained building businesses for others, allowing me to go all-in on my training business, controlling my work hours, and shifting my priorities back on my own health. Everything changed for the better after that! It gave me the chance to save my relationship after neglecting to be present with my partner for so long. Changing my definition of success allowed me to view life in a whole new lens, it no longer was about being extremely money driven, rather having a life rich in experiences, moments, love, and ease.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things that helped set me apart in the fitness industry was that I went to school to get a degree in business, unlike the rest of the industry who typically maintained degrees in kinesiology. In order to keep up I’ve had to constantly stay up to date with same knowledge as my industry counter parts, mostly through self-taught sessions or going out of my way attend seminars / lectures / conventions to receive extra education. This gave me a bit of a professional edge because I’m able to see beyond what other instructors can when it comes to helping grow companies, I’m also able to help identify all areas of potential growth and be able to articulate a game plan to achieve it based off prior experience. I have an ability to think like an owner and not just a fitness professional.
I also had to work extremely hard to develop my own unique teaching style. While the other industry professionals were being taught the foundations and basics of training in their classes, I was doing everything I could outside of class to help craft my own way of teaching / training people. This came through a mix of my life hobbies – yoga, lifting and boxing. I’ve found a way to combine these concepts and create my own style of delivering results. It was through many years of practice, teaching my own classes, and training hundreds of people that I learned I was able to master those skills and become the instructor I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big fan of nature and hanging out a long of coastal cities in California. Of course we are starting our day bright and early to be the first one at my favorite trail head!

From there we take a cruise back down to PCH and hit up Paradise Cove in Malibu for lunch! We are for sure ordering the steak nachos, giant tiki drinks and anything else our heart desires for desert! From there we are heading down to the beach to soak in the sun, play in the water and collect natural crystals that you can find all along our beaches!

For dinner we head out to Venice to grab something extra delicious because every restaurant down Abbot Kinney is amazing! We take a stroll down the beach one more time to watch the sunset and let’s be honest to also let the traffic die out because its LA before we head home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many people have encouraged and inspired me both personally and professionally, I wish I could list out every single person! Taking a moment to recognize some of the most influential people in my lives that have helped shape my story along the way.

First off my mother – she’s spent her entire life helping me navigate all of my up’s and down, especially after my father died 13 years ago. She’s been such a constant beam of support, going above and beyond to show me the light even in the most intense situations. Never giving up on helping me through every down, and being the first person to celebrate every victory. I’m incredibly thankful for all her love.

Secondly my dear friend and professional Colleague Ginger Fishman – If it wasn’t for her betting on my green skills after college, I wouldn’t have grown into the force of nature I am today when it comes to understanding how to bring up a business from the ground up, watching it succeed and thrive! She gave me an immense amounts of opportunities to prove myself in a myriad of ways, and pushed me towards professional + personal growth. I’m beyond grateful for her and all the lessons she’s guided me through.

Third Oxygen Yoga and Fitness in Calabasas – This organization and team gave me an opportunity to begin teaching again at a very pivotal point in my own healing journey, which ultimately gave my the strength to build my foundation back up. All the while helping inspire others to do the same. It’s been such a beautiful experience of self-growth.

Website: https://linktr.ee/karmafitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodybyary/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmafitness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7tTsSftA42lMpOlDNbcu-g

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/aryanashokat/ 

Image Credits
Daniel Byun Photographer