The Purpose of Quality of Life Fitness:
- To help individuals become stronger, energized and more physically and mentally confident in a safe, PRIVATE environment
- To offer a sane, sustainable solution to achieve optimal quality of life, for life.
- To design effective and FUN exercise programs customized to all levels of fitness while respecting limitations
- Transform mindsets that associate happiness and fullfillment by reaching a number on a scale to living fully in the moment and praciticing self care on a day by by basis.
- To approach health and wellness on a holistic level (proper nutrition, fitness, sleep, support, stress reduction)
- To grow and nuture a support community through positive book studies, small-group training, and outdoor activities.
Biography: QLF founder Denise Shaw
“Help!”
With this one small, unspoken word written on a roll sheet, Denise Shaw began to change her life and pursue her dream. But she couldn’t do it alone.
Freudian Slip?
It was during a college Psychology class when the instructor asked each student to write or sketch a little something about themselves in the space next to their name on the roll sheet. Some people wrote “hi”, drew smiley faces or doodled. Denise wrote “help” next to her name, prompting the professor to gently inquire and eventually help get her life on track.
Making the Leap
Inspired by the example of her instructor, Denise dedicated herself to helping others live a healthier life. She’s been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years now. But it only came about after years of struggling with scoliosis and subsequent spinal fusion, an unhealthy relationship with food and her body, anxiety and depression.
Quality of Life Fitness began in 2004 when Denise finally made a leap of faith, leaving a lucrative career in Human Resources working with Fortune 500 companies to follow her dream.
Obstacles to Health
This preoccupation with health dates to when Denise was diagnosed with advanced scoliosis at age 12. Back surgery was the only option, which required fusion, plus an extended recovery period wearing a collar brace. The brace effectively prevented any physical activity and contributed to subsequent struggles with the eating disorder bulimia, a negative body image, and bouts of depression throughout her teens and early adult years.
Road to Recovery
Denise’s recovery journey included intensive therapy and 12-step meetings. These formative experiences contributed to her empathy for and desire to help others. During this time she became committed to developing a balanced approach to fitness and nutrition for adults. Today, the courage and motivation admired by many of Denise’s clients can be attributed to her recovery journey and career transition.
Because of her history, Denise has a huge heart for others who’ve struggled with their own eating disorders, negative body image, anxiety or depression. Consequently, when it comes to training, Denise’s style is more like that of a coach or cheerleader than an intimidating “drill sergeant.” Many clients, in fact, credit their faithfulness in sticking with the program to the safe and supportive environment they enjoy at Quality of Life Fitness.
Educational Background
A trained expert in her field, Denise has completed certification programs through the most rigorous credentialing organizations in the fitness industry, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She underwent extensive Pilates training through the internationally respected Body Arts and Sciences (BASI) and is also a Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches Corporation.
Denise is a graduate of California State University, San Marcos, where she earned an MBA in Management.
What people are saying about QLF
“You know how exercise produces endorphins? With Denise and her Quality of Life workouts, you are not just gaining endorphins, you are gladly embracing a lifestyle change—sometimes without knowing it.”
“Denise has a motto, ‘Reduce stress, eliminate drama.’ Quality of Life Fitness produces results you can not only see, but also feel and believe. You feel good about yourself.”
“With her high level of education, research and life experience, Denise has been able to customize a functional, approachable, maintainable way to shed pounds while staying confident.”
“Her special workout plan helped me lose stress along with weight. There’s less drama around me because I am happier with myself and my body.”
“The Quality of Life plan is simple: if you do your homework correctly and listen to her assignments and inspiration each week, you will see and feel results. Those around you will see the inner confidence you build in yourself, which will positively affect and motivates them as well.”
"Training at Quality of Life Fitness was the first time I had ever put time and energy into building some muscle. I was very intimidated by the idea of working out, especially with weights. But Denise made me feel comfortable and enthusiastic. Within a few months, I saw a difference in my body and the way I felt about myself. She motivated me to live a healthier lifestyle and now I actually enjoy working out!"
Contact Information
Denise Shaw, Owner
Phone: 949.232.3574
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