Today we’d like to introduce you to Christiana Shannon.
Hi Christiana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in fitness as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor while pursuing my education in Nutrition and Food Science at Montclair State University. Through working with clients, I realized how much I loved not only helping people reach their fitness goals, but also building meaningful relationships and helping them develop confidence in themselves.
That passion eventually led me to open Fit By Chris, my private personal training studio in Paramus, NJ, in March 2025. I wanted to create a space that offered a more personalized, welcoming experience than a traditional gym, where clients could feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely excited about their progress.
Since opening, I’ve continued growing my business by offering individualized training, customized workout programming, and nutrition services. I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science and am currently pursuing my master’s in Dietetics to further expand my knowledge and expertise.
Being a business owner has challenged me and taught me so much, both professionally and personally. I’m proud of what I’ve built so far and excited to continue evolving Fit By Chris into a brand that reflects my passion for fitness, education, and helping others become the strongest, healthiest versions of themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road! One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to navigate entrepreneurship while also being a full-time graduate student. When I opened Fit By Chris, I knew I loved fitness, nutrition, and working with people, but I quickly learned that being passionate about your craft and running a successful business require two very different skill sets.
As a solo business owner, I’ve had to learn how to wear every hat, from training clients and developing programs to marketing, managing finances, and building a brand. There have been periods of growth and excitement, but also slower seasons that have tested my confidence and forced me to reevaluate my approach.
I think one of the hardest lessons has been accepting that progress isn’t always linear, both in fitness and in business. I’m constantly learning how to balance ambition with patience, adapt when things don’t go as planned, and become more comfortable with uncertainty.
Despite the challenges, this experience has pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated. I’m still figuring things out, and I think that’s an important part of being an entrepreneur. I’m learning to measure success not just by numbers, but by the relationships I’ve built, the impact I’ve made on my clients, and the foundation I’m continuing to develop.
We’ve been impressed with Fit By Chris, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Fit By Chris (FBC) is a private personal training studio located in Paramus, New Jersey, specializing in individualized strength training, fitness programming, and nutrition guidance. I founded FBC with the goal of creating a training experience that feels personal, empowering, and approachable, regardless of someone’s fitness level or experience.
What sets FBC apart is the level of individualized attention and education that goes into every client’s experience. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches to fitness. Every program is thoughtfully developed around the individual’s goals, abilities, lifestyle, and preferences. My approach emphasizes proper movement mechanics, progressive strength training, and building sustainable habits rather than relying on quick fixes or extreme methods.
With a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science and my ongoing graduate studies in the same field, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between exercise and nutrition science. I want my clients to understand not only what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. Education is a huge part of my philosophy because I believe that understanding your body creates confidence and independence that extends well beyond our sessions together.
FBC offers private 1:1 personal training, customized workout programming, and nutrition services. The private studio environment allows clients to train without the distractions or intimidation that can sometimes accompany traditional gyms, while receiving a highly personalized experience.
What I’m most proud of is the community and relationships I’ve built through FBC. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients consistently over extended periods of time, witnessing not only their physical progress but also their growth in confidence, strength, and mindset.
Ultimately, I want Fit By Chris to represent an approach to fitness that is rooted in science, centered around the individual, and focused on long-term results. My goal isn’t just to help people become stronger in the gym, but to give them the knowledge and tools to feel capable and confident in their bodies for years to come.
How do you think about luck?
I think luck has played a role in my journey, but I also believe that what we choose to do with the opportunities we’re given matters just as much.
I’ve been fortunate to meet people who believed in me, trusted me with their fitness journeys, and supported my business from the beginning. Some of the most meaningful opportunities and relationships I’ve developed have come from simply putting myself out there, even when I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing.
On the other hand, I’ve also learned that hard work doesn’t always guarantee immediate results. There have been slower periods, unexpected setbacks, and moments when things haven’t worked out the way I anticipated. Those experiences have taught me that there will always be factors outside of my control, especially as a business owner.
Ultimately, I believe luck can create opportunities, but consistency, preparation, and the willingness to keep learning determine what we make of them. I try to focus less on whether circumstances are working in my favor and more on how I can continue growing through whatever comes my way.
Pricing:
- 45-Minute Training Memberships: starting at $300/mo for weekly private training
- 60-Minute Training Memberships: starting at $360/mo for weekly private training
- 45 or 60 Minute Flex Packages: starting at $800 for 10 sessions, $1,750 for 25 sessions
- Nutrition Coaching: starting at $360
- Customized Workout Programming: starting at $299
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fit-by-chris.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitby.chris?srtk=cXQ2cG84d3JtcXhu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9ABhWDUx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
