FIT By Red

I decided to check out Fit by Red based on a recommendation about a month ago, as I am a hiker/​runner planning to train for a marathon, and I wanted to integrate some weight training. I must confess that I had never picked up a kettlebell, nor had I previously done any weight training, so to say that I was a little intimidated before my first session would be an understatement. With this in mind, I scheduled a couple of private training sessions with Shannon so that I could learn the basics and proper form, and I am so glad I did! She was incredibly thorough and motivating as she demonstrated and explained movements, placing an emphasis on form and safety. Then I started taking small classes, and it has been a fantastic experience. Every class I learn something new from awesome and encouraging Genevieve (she is so good at challenging students within their varying abilities), focused and flexible Lia (she does yoga too!), or kettlebell master extraordinaire, Shannon. I truly appreciate their constructive feedback during classes, as they make sure that I have a good, safe foundation to build upon.
While there are certain basic movements that will likely pop up every class for warmups, the variety of exercises has been phenomenal, and I feel like I am working productively as I challenge myself each class. In addition to the outstanding instructors, I really like the supportive attitude of the other people in the classes. Rather than a competitive atmosphere, each person focuses on personal growth within her (or his) abilities. While I have not noticed dramatic physical changes yet, I definitely feel stronger, and more importantly perhaps, I feel more confidence as I continue to feel stronger. I wish I had taken a «before» photo, as I have a feeling that I am going to see significant changes by the time I had the 6 month mark… I am already seeing a bit more lean muscle in my upper body, and these classes seem to help the glutes too! Just sayin’. ;)

FIT By Red is my favorite place to work out in Seattle. The trainers are super knowledgeable and helpful during work-​outs. These are the kind of people that love what they do, and it shows! Even in their «large group» classes, you get one-​on-​one attention and help if needed. I’ve learned so much and have gotten in much better shape than ever before while working out here. It’s a super effective and fun workout packed into an efficient 45-​minute session. I have nothing but great things to say about this place!

I hate group fitness classes because I have a real insecurity about being corrected and called out in front of the group. I already know I’m the weak link, you don’t need to make me feel dumb about it. I write this because my experience with Shannon has been SO supportive and encouraging. I never feel bad about being the slow, new girl. It’s a great class, and she’s an excellent teacher!

Found this hidden gem on classpass and LOVE everything about it. Small classes and lots of personal attention, taught by folks who know what they are doing and are passionate about helping you get strong!

Super psyched to have a fitness studio like this in the neighborhood (Belltown). Both Shannon and Genevieve are very approachable and knowledgeable — taking the time to expertly explain the basics in a safe and systematic way. Totally fun and effective: I’m in pretty good shape and had done kettlebells on my own before, but for the next few days after my first session I felt every single muscle in my body; I felt solid! The gag is this: at no point during the workout did I feel I exerted too much effort. The gains were achieved faster AND through MUCH less perceived effort than my usual balls-​to-​the-​wall workouts. Not only that but Genevieve taught me the proper, safe form to perform the basic kettlebell movements.
The studio is a nice combo of an industrial-​ish, no frills décor, clean, it has small classes and a GREAT vibe from everyone I met. Awesome work-​out with fun knowledgeable people. What’s not to love? I highly, highly recommend this place.

An incredible and fun way to get in shape! Shannon is great about teaching technique and providing feedback. I get my butt kicked every class, but I also know that I’m not going to hurt myself with bad form and/​or triggering old injuries.

What a fantastic way to get in shape! I completing two six-​week small group sessions with Shannon and felt my strength and form really improve as a result. This will give you great take-​aways to work out smarter on your own time as well. It was the perfect compliment to the miles I was logging for some Marathon training.
After six weeks with Shannon I could do push-​ups, real proper push-​ups and I gained a lot of upper body strength to balance out my runner’s legs. I would recommend this for anyone looking to add some strength training to their routine!

Today was the last class of the small group training series I signed up for. Over the last month, I’ve learned quite a bit from Shannon about proper form, how to use kettle bells and a lot of different ways to use them bells. I leave every class dripping with sweat. Each session has fully worked my body and I can feel the huge improvement I have made in just a month. I highly recommend anyone looking to try something new, something fun, or just looking to get into shape to come here. Fit by Red will get you FIT!

Shannon’s built a great studio with FIT by Red, and I’m glad I found it. After just three months what I can do with my body, how I move in it, and how it looks are miles ahead of the best trainers in the past have managed with me.
Shannon does «hard style» kettlebell, her workouts are always varied and challenging, and the people who come to class are always down to earth and good to be around. Still a lot to learn and plenty of progress to make. Best fitness investment I’ve ever made.

Shannon is great! I went with a friend for about 6 weeks and we both thought she was awesome. She was great at switching up workouts and stepping us up when we were ready. Over 6 weeks we gained about 6 – 8 pounds of muscle, fast results.
We stopped going because it wasn’t the kind of results were looking for, but I definitely recommend her if you are trying to put on muscle.

Prior to working out with Shannon I was working out 5 times a week on my own, thought that I was eating pretty healthy (after all I was a vegetarian) and could not understand why I was gaining more and more weight every year. I could no longer buy clothes that fit and my scale had hit a whole new high. I started searching for a crossfit gym in belltown and luckily found Fit by Red on Unilocal instead. I signed up online on Sunday and showed up for class Monday. My husband said I looked fine and was being an idiot.
I learned two things from Shannon very fast. 1) That my «workouts» were taking time and doing nothing and 2) that my supposedly healthy diet was consisting of 5000 to 10 000 calories a day so that fact that there were no cheeseburgers in the mix really was lost in the noise. I started working out with Shannon 4 days a week and once a week on my own. My hardest previous workout now became the easiest day of the week. First my clothes started to fit then I started losing weight for the first time in years. I had to buy new pants because my old ones were falling off. My husband stopped complaining about having to wait until I got home to go out for dinner.
I started working out with Shannon 5 days a week and once on my own. I went from hanging on the window sill in class so I would not fall over to deadlifting over 200 lbs. I went from not being able to run to running 11 miles. I lost 85 lbs and 12 dress sizes. My husband started training with Shannon too. He lost 70 lbs.
I still eat out 6 — 7 times a week. I still drink and have dessert. Because of Shannon I know that I will make it to my target weight and be able to keep it off. If you are looking for a trainer or just a way to lose weight your search is over. Shannon is amazing.
Update: I am now down 14 dress sizes and ran the Seattle Amica Half Marathon last month. Not only did I not die during this process, I ran the whole way and enjoyed it so much that I signed up for another one in January.

I started Kettlebells about 11 months ago, and the transformation to a lean and stronger body has been directly because of Shannon and Fit by Red.
In 6 months, I gained 11 pounds of lean mass and dropped 6% fat. Results will vary person to person, but a good clean diet and Shannon’s intense workouts will get you there.
I had to go into surgery after a few months ago, but was able to continue to workout. I will note this was in no relation to swinging bells, just a pre-​existing condition I need to get done. Kettlebells were the perfect fit for making a quick recovery and back into the «swing» of things. (Pun intended!)
As mentioned before, the classes are a perfect size. Plenty of attention is paid to proper form and technique, thanks to Shannon. The people that attend the gym are energetic and focused without the typical gym competition.
Highly recommend Fit by Red!

I absolutely hate traditional cardio and maintaining a regular workout schedule was really hard for me. Shannon’s studio is right across the street from my apartment in Belltown and I heard that Kettlebells were a great work out, so I figured why not? The nightly 45 minute workouts are awesome!!! Kettlebells get your heart rate up and provide excellent strength building. Class sizes are perfect, small enough that Shannon can work with everyone, tweak our form as well as well as encourage us when we get it right.
Before I started going to regular classes, I took a couple personal sessions with Shannon (a requirement) to learn the proper form for Kettlebell workouts — a sign that she cares not only about filling up her classes but making sure that her clients are lifting properly to avoid injuries.

So my girlfriend and I were in decent shape before we started working out with kettle bells. We have now been going here a little over two weeks (including intro class) and I read a review that promised Spartan abs. Well I don’t have those yet but I can say I have already lost about 8 pounds. I don’t know if this is typical, but I can say Shannon does work us hard. Many times I feel like I want to vomit, a sure sign that I am getting what I paid for.
The only reason that I only gave 4 stars is that I have only been there 2 weeks so once I get some more time with Shannon and I see those Spartan Abs it will quickly jump to 5.

Years of soccer and running wreaked havoc on my body and joints. I needed to find an alternative workout that would push me to my limits without injury. Kettlebells at Fit by Red was exactly what I was looking for. Simply put, Shannon rocks. She is supportive, encouraging and will get your butt into shape, literally. I’ve been going to Fit by Red for 2 years now and have become noticeably stronger without bulking up.
The community that works out at Shannon’s studio is all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. Shannon creates a safe, fun, open environment for all of her patrons. If you are looking to burn fat and tone up with a bunch of awesome people then check out Fit by Red, you won’t be disappointed.

When I started doing kettlebell workouts with Shannon earlier this year, I had really «let myself go». After 2 – 3 months of consistently going to class I dropped 7lb of fat (which was around 3% of my overall body fat — wow!) and my figure has visibly transformed. Yes, I can wear my skinny pants again.
I’ve been going to class for the last 9 months. I continue to drop fat and gain toned muscle. Kettlebells helps me maintain my overall fitness and is cross training for other sports. I feel 100 times stronger without bulking up.
Class sizes are small enough that Shannon is able to give personal attention, but big enough for the group dynamic to be extra motivation on days I don’t want to get out of bed! She is great about making sure beginners learn propor form even within a group setting. Not to mention, Shannon is awesome and I always look forward to her classes.
I absolutely recommend Fit By Red with Shannon to anyone who really, actually, wants to get in shape… and stay that way.

Shannon is the best! You think an hour with a trainer will be rough… and it is! But she makes it fun and the time somehow flys by! you feel the burn all day – but its a good feeling!

Fit by Red is a great choice for those who need that extra push to get up and work out. Both Kettlebell training and boot camps are offered by «Red.» Shannon tailors each workout to the individual which ensures maximum results. Bootcamps are located in Myrtle Edwards Park, a beautiful waterfront location-​Check ‘em out!

Ever see the movie 300? Well get ready to get 8 pack abs like Gerard Butler or a flat, sculptured tummy like Gwen Stefani. Kettle bells will definitely help you get there faster than anything you can do on a elliptical or treadmill at the gym.
Shannon mixes things up every session so you have max muscle confusion which helps in building muscles and burning fat. She keeps the workouts fun, safe and educational. I’ve been training with Shannon for over a year and have lost fat and built strength and muscles (not bulky, just defined) that I have never been able to do on any other fitness plans.
She is awesome!

A year ago, this gal wasn’t exercising at all. I enjoyed lifting my vodka soda to my mouth, and that’s about it. Then I started training to run a half marathon, and a good friend mentioned how kettlebells classes were helping her build the stamina and the muscles that one pretty much depends on for running.
I started going to kettlebells workouts with Shannon at FIT By Red in April — and after sweating buckets each week, I started to see muscles in my arms and legs, sprouting like leaves on a tree after a long (fatty, super out of shape) winter. I ran my first half marathon successfully at the end of June — no stopping, no crying, just sheer pride. I’m pretty certain I couldn’t have done it by just running alone in preparation.
Shannon is a supportive, fun and careful instructor — you will not hurt yourself, you will do things you never imagined you could do, and you will look BOSS in a really short amount of time. I’m a believer. Now go!