Daily Inspiration: Meet Shawna Ramthun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Ramthun.

Hi Shawna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Two full time working moms – Shawna Ramthun and Niki Fanjoy – for years we talked about doing something for ourselves, building something, a business, that hopefully one day we could make our full-time careers. We weren’t sure exactly what we wanted to do. Our families were vacation partners and no matter where we went, Niki and Shawna, always took time to workout together, to do something physical. All sorts of different formats, whether it be running or following a video. Shawna was a certified fitness instructor working at another small studio and had been for a handful of years, teaching group fitness. In October of 2022 the pair and their husbands had attended a Billy Strings concert. On the ride home, as usual, we dreamed of what we could do together, what we could launch, and the idea for ReNew You Fitness was born. We immediately got to work, filing the necessary paperwork with the state, building a website and application, and looking for space. We found a temporary space in Montague and after months of blood, sweat, tears, and so much help from our families and friends we created a beautiful studio and had our grand opening on Cinco De Mayo in 2023. The support from the community was amazing and regular clientele was starting to sink in. We outgrew the space quickly and relocated – to another small but larger space – in December 2023. After a second studio build, with all the same blood sweat and tears, we kicked off of first New Year New You Challenge and the participation & feedback was overwhelmingly positive. But beyond just providing group fitness, we were creating a community of wellness and support. Our clients became friends and relationships were being built in front of our very eyes in something we created. Unfortunately, we had to move again! It was starting to feel like the universe was trying to tell us something, but we persevered – and what seemed like it could be the end turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to us! We are now located at 8742 Ferry Street right on the main drag in downtown Montague nestled next to the Book Nook. We’ve grown from 3 instructors to 8 and expanded our fitness and yoga offerings to provide more variety and more days/times. Our space is beautiful as ever and accessible to the community, better parking, and most importantly, welcoming to all fitness levels and all walks of life. We encourage anyone whether you are just starting your wellness journey or fitness is a regular part of your routine to come on in and we will support you along the way. Our classes have a wide range of fitness levels and no matter where you are, we will meet you there!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not smooth! 3 moves in 3 years has been our biggest setback. Each time we move its a large investment and a TON of work. We value to feeling you get when you walk into our studio and address every detail. We are hoping 3rd time is the charm.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Shawna Ramthun – Director by day – Yoga instructor by night – started as a certified Strong Nation instructor at another studio for several years before taking my yoga teacher training certification and embarking on this amazing journey with Niki to open our own place a few years later.

Niki Fanjoy – Program Manager by day – Fitness instructor by night. Fitness has ALWAYS been a priority in Niki’s work-mom-life. Niki is a certified group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

We both have full time careers outside of the studio and kids! But the studio is our passion. Because of our full times careers we offer classes before and after or day jobs. We both teach early morning sessions at 5:30am and evening classes between 5-7pm. Luckily we have a great team of instructors that also provide a variety of times.

At the studio we strive to address a wide range of physical activity and movement. Its all about moving your body, no matter how fast or slow, we never want to stop moving. We have a wide variety of fitness and yoga classes. On the fitness side of the house Niki teaches High Intensity Interval Training, also known as HIIT, and mat pilates. We also offer barre classes, cardio drumming, bootcamp, and strength training through our upper and lower body burn classes. Our yoga practices offerings continue to grow and expand. Shawna teaches a gentle yoga practice, power yoga, and stretch yoga. We also offer a variety of vinyasa style classes and yin yoga.

Additionally, we offer private sessions. These are great for a weekend with friends or a bachelorette party! We have had several groups over the years, and we always aim to make the experience special and tailored to the group.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Valuing people, for their story and their journey. Promoting encouragement and support – and absolutely NO JUDGEMENT! And perseverance has been key for us to keep going.

Pricing:

• Individual classes range $12-$15
• Class pack offerings for discounted session pricing
• Annual memberships range $88-$99 per month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.renewyoufit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renew.you.fitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renewyoufitness/