Welcome to my guest blogging series. There are a lot of ways to tackle anxiety beyond going to therapy or seeing a counselor. Sometimes, it makes sense to look for additional supports. Today, I’m talking with Shana Atkins, owner, and force behind Shana Fit.

Using Movement to Help Manage Anxiety

Using exercise and moving your body is one of the strategies I talk with my clients about to help them cope with their anxiety. However, sometimes clients feel disconnected from their bodies or even unsafe in their bodies. They need a little bit of guidance. So, today, I’m going to talk a bit about what that looks like- finding someone to help you forge a healthy relationship with exercise.

I am excited to start my series of interviewing amazing people across the state of Pennsylvania, who are all here to help you on your journey to living a life not fueled or derailed by anxiety.

Meet Shana Atkins, personal trainer in Lancaster, PA.

I met Shana several years ago while she was beginning her personal training journey. After struggling with her own health issues and finding relief through fitness, Shana decided to pay it forward by helping others with exercise.

With ISSA certifications in personal training & sports nutrition and a certification as an RRCA Run Coach, it’s clear she’s passionately dedicated to nurturing the love of fitness in everyone she meets. In addition to her love of exercise, Shana can be found in the company of her husband and their fur babies. Below is my interview with Shana.

Why did you choose to become a personal trainer and open Shana Fit in Lancaster, Pennsylvania?

I moved to Lancaster about 3 years ago and dove right into the fitness industry. In those 3 years, I have met so many incredible people and knew I wanted to stay in this region to open my own fitness studio. Owning a small business in Lancaster is really a dream come true!

How Can Having a Personal Trainer be Part of Your Anxiety Treatment?

Having a trainer keeps you accountable - especially during times in your life where you’re so stressed out you may just skip your workout. It’s so important to carve that time out in your schedule to get movement in, to get those feel-good endorphins going!

One-to-one training sessions are great, and I love the support from small group classes at Shana Fit. People come in having a bad day, and in no time, they are smiling and chatting up others in the studio and leave feeling so much better. It’s amazing what exercise can do for the body and soul.

Who do you love helping in their fitness journey? 

I have worked with people from ages 14 to 80, from advanced athletes, pregnant women, to people recovering from multiple surgeries. I am open to helping anyone.

What can people expect when they first start working with you?

For me, being a personal trainer isn’t a job - it’s a PASSION. I genuinely care about each and every person that comes into my studio and am honored that they chose me to be a part of their fitness journey. I want to provide a workout and an environment that people enjoy and want to come back to. Of course, I will push people, but no one should ever leave Shana Fit feeling defeated. I want people walking out feeling like a savage!  

I care about my people. I care about the programming - I invest a lot of time in making effective workouts. I care about how people feel, physically and mentally. Once you’re in with me - know I got you! 

What do you wish people knew about working with you, Shana Fit & the services you offer in Lancaster, PA?

I think some people get intimidated with treadmills and assume they have to be a runner to come into my studio. I encourage people to power walk if they need to and I also have a spin bike as a cardio option. I will push people to their full potential, but I will always give options and modifications to movements if that is in the best interest of a member. 

If you want to check out Shana click here, or Shana Fit, click here for her website.

Mind & Body Anxiety Treatment in Lancaster, PA

Getting to know people who understand the connection between anxiety and your body is important. You don’t want to just go with any personal trainer; you want to find someone who knows YOU- someone who takes the time to know who you are, your personal story, and what challenges you.

So, if you’re in counseling, make sure to tell your personal trainer so they know who else is supporting you AND if you’re in therapy, let your counselor know you have a personal trainer. Having a team to help you manage your anxiety is so essential- you are not alone in this.

Lancaster, PA Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The mind and body are connected. As a DBT therapist and counselor in Lancaster, PA, I help people take care of their bodies in order to take care of their minds. If you’re looking for help to deal with anxiety and panic, DBT can help. Click HERE to schedule a free consultation for DBT.