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The Heights, known for its foodie and brewing spots, is now being recognized for a place to go work off all those extra calories! Karen Tamayo, co-owner of Seminole Heights Athletic Club (SHAC), was determined to solve that problem of over indulgence. What started out as a small workout group for her colleagues at Moffitt Cancer Center, grew into a full-fledged business. Tamayo’s colleagues would hear about her workouts and would comment, “they wished they could do that.” She set out to provide help to her friends in need of toning up and losing a few pounds.
She held short workouts that were fondly referred to as “Hospital Bootcamp” right on the Moffitt lawn after work. Moffitt co-workers began meeting at her home gym. Neighbors and passerby’s noticed the regular workouts and asked to join the group as well. Before she knew it, Tamayo had accidentally started an exercise movement. She and wife, Marlo, knew they needed a more conducive space to serve their growing clientele. SHAC was born in 2017—not just out of the demand for its existence, but out of Tamayo’s passion to get people healthy and to keep them healthy.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of repair,”Tamayo says. Her formal medical background in cytology and molecular diagnostics gives her a framework for looking at human health. Her experience at Moffitt re-enforced the idea that we need to take control of our health early and look after it often. The combination of a proper diet and exercise routine will not only add more years to our lives, but it will add to the quality of those years. The Tamayos built this business from scratch, out of love, without the benefit of a formal business education.
In the true spirit of service to community, Tamayo left her career in medicine to serve as a personal fitness trainer and health resource. Not a cookie-cutter neighborhood, Seminole Heights business owners embrace that unique residential clientele. SHAC fits right in by breaking the mold. They offer a gym experience that you simply cannot get with corporate gyms. They understand that the residents of this community lead busy lives. They’ve thoughtfully developed a schedule of one-hour, focused classes, to suit a broad range of customer needs. If you’re an early bird, schedule yourself a 6 a.m. wake-up workout to start your day! If you can’t make it in until after work, they offer classes as late as 7 p.m. SHAC takes the guess work out of your workout with pre-set routines every day.
If you need help with accountability, they’ve got an app for that! SHAC members have access to an app that not only allows them to schedule their workouts in advance, but also keeps track of their progress. Member data is added by the trainer after every session, allowing you to track your progress and keep yourself honest. If you’re game for a little friendly competition, you’ll appreciate the Leader Board feature that allows members to share with their fellow gym-mates. The app even includes a food journal, for a fully-realized, healthy lifestyle. What does Tamayo really want the residents of Seminole Heights to know about SHAC? She said, “You don’t have to be in shape to come in here and have a great work out. Everyone is welcome.”Whether you’re in the best shape of your life, trying to shed a few pounds, or looking to maintain your physical health as you enter your golden years, Tamayo and the SHAC trainers are available to really help you through your journey.
Located at 4705 North Florida Avenue, SHAC will be moving into a great new facility very soon. The new location will be the ASAP Magazine building at 4423 North Florida Avenue.With increased membership, they’ve outgrown the old space and are anxious to be moving to the great new space. Plan to help celebrate at their new location!