Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lupu
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from a small city in Israel. As a teenager, I struggled with an eating disorder that started with anorexia. I remember a day when I was so weak I couldn’t even climb the stairs to my home.
When the doctor warned me—either start eating or face hospitalization—I got terrified. I forced myself to eat, but then I couldn’t stop; my body was so hungry. As I began to gain weight, I turned to purging in a desperate attempt to regain control. The shame and guilt were overwhelming, and I kept it hidden until my mom finally found out and got me into therapy.
Therapy was a turning point. It was during that time I discovered the healing power of exercise. I realized that while an eating disorder might never fully disappear, with the right help and hard work, you learn to understand your feelings instead of letting them control you.
Seventeen years ago, I moved to America, fell in love with California—and especially San Diego—and decided to make it my home. With barely any money to my name, I started working in sales and kept up with daily workouts in my tiny apartment using Beachbody videos. A few years later, I managed a sales team and even opened a small cosmetics store. Life took another beautiful turn when I got married and had two amazing babies. Amid the chaos of motherhood, I discovered my passion: helping others find refuge in fitness as a way to fight depression and anxiety, and to strengthen both body and mind.
Determined to follow my dream, I spent nine months studying hands-on training and corrective exercise. I remember the doubts—people asking, “Who do you think you are? There are so many trainers in San Diego.” On my first day of class, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of physiology and almost wanted to quit. But I told myself, “I’m not a quitter,” and pushed through. I ended up excelling in my classes.
I started out at Crunch Fitness, working primarily with elderly clients, and then, after a divorce and right before COVID hit, I began training clients in my own garage while juggling life with two little kids. COVID, oddly enough, became an opportunity; with gyms closed, my private sessions took off, and soon neighbors and their friends were joining in. In just three years, I was training 60 clients right from my garage.
Then one day, a city official knocked on my door—a neighbor had complained about parking, and I was given 60 days to move out. That was the push I needed. In just 60 days, I moved into a used to be tire place. And made it a beautiful studio called: Shape360
Every twist and turn in this journey has shaped who I am today—a fighter who’s learned that every setback can become a stepping stone, and who’s passionate about helping others find strength and hope through fitness.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was far from smooth. I faced a language barrier in school, which made every day more challenging. On top of that, I heard people say I’d never make a living from what I was doing—that I was just wasting my time. And then there was the struggle of being a single mom with two little ones, all while trying to build a business and attract a clientele. Through it all, I had to keep believing in myself, stay true to my passion, and listen to my inner voice. Even to this day, that determination keeps me moving forward.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Shape360 is more than just a gym; it’s a family, a tight-knit community that blossomed from friends and neighbors. It all started with women who supported each other, and soon their husbands joined in as well. We’ve become a group that not only works out together but also enjoys hikes and gatherings with our families, including potlucks and fitness races. My dream is to keep growing organically, just like this—one connection at a time. At Shape360, personalization is at the heart of everything we do.
We understand that every person is unique, with their own needs and goals. Our small group training allows for the intimacy of a personal training session, while also providing the energy and motivation of working alongside like-minded individuals. Our community is strong and supportive, and there’s never any judgment.
Each member who joins our membership program has a one-on-one check-in session with one of our trainers once a month. These sessions focus on goal setting, accountability, and tracking progress. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, improve strength, or enhance your overall wellness, we’re here every step of the way—with measurements, body fat checks, meal plans, and guidance on nutrition.
For those who prefer more personal attention, we offer private sessions. Many clients start with private training and later transition into group classes when they’re ready.
All of our trainers specialize in corrective exercise, which means we can modify workouts to meet individual needs. Whether a client is pregnant or recovering from an injury, they’ll always receive a safe and effective workout. At Shape360, you’ll find our signature classes, as well as flexible options like a 10-class package or drop-ins. Right now, we’re offering up to three free classes to give people a taste of what we’re all about, whether they’re starting their fitness journey or looking for a supportive space to grow.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
1. I grew up in a small, religious community where women were expected to be quiet and unseen. But I always dreamed of something bigger. I was curious about the world outside, about chasing a bigger purpose. I was shy, not confident, an introvert who longed to be an extrovert. The people who see me today would never guess who I used to be. That little girl fought hard for her confidence and self-belief, step by step.
2. My goal now is to show my kids that anything is possible with consistency! Consistency is key, and I always tell my clients that not every workout has to be the hardest or the most intense. But if you commit to showing up three times a week—just like our membership goal—you will make it a priority, and that consistency will lead to results. One thing I don’t believe in is offering an unlimited membership.
My clientele consists of busy people—parents, workers, individuals with full lives. Working out should never consume your life; it should support the life you’re already building. That’s why we invest time in designing programs that are efficient and yield results, even with just three workouts a week. And the proof is in the progress—just check out our Instagram, where we share the incredible transformations of clients who’ve lost weight, become leaner, and gotten stronger.
Pricing:
- It is all on the website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shape360.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shape360studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shape360studio/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shape-360-fitness-studio-santee
Image Credits
karlie troyan
