A Journey from Ballet to Fitness: An Interview with Meredith Shumway

Hamptons.com sat down with Meredith Shumway, a former professional ballerina turned fitness expert, to discuss her inspiring journey from dance to creating innovative fitness routines. Drawing on her extensive background in ballet and her passion for injury prevention, Meredith shares the experiences that shaped her approach to fitness. We’ll also explore her unique workout program, The Formula, and get a glimpse into the Sage and Sound Experience offered at her studio.

Can you share your background and what inspired you to pursue a fitness career? 

My background, first and foremost, is dance.  I was a professionally trained ballerina and started my studies with the ballet legend Maggie Black.  She was known for training and retraining ballerinas who have suffered through injuries.  There, I gained first-hand knowledge of how the human body works and how to train properly to avoid injuries.  While training with Maggie Black, I attended the Kirov Academy of Ballet and received a full scholarship to attend The American Ballet Theater summer intensives.  After going on and graduating from college, I graduated in 2008 when the economy crashed, and I couldn’t get a job anywhere.  So, I returned to my roots and auditioned for a job at Physique 57 in NYC.  After spending seven years with Physique 57, I worked at Tracy Anderson for eight years, training clients, teaching classes, and managing the studios.  However, my passion for pursuing fitness came mostly from my dancing.  The strength it took to train to be a professional ballerina was so fascinating to me, but the injuries that were inevitable really made me think about what I could do to make a change in the industry.  What can I design to stay physically strong and remove the option for injury?  That and extensive training on a few professional athletes created The Formula.   

What is the Formula Workout, and what sets it apart from other fitness routines? 

The Formula X Meredith is all about the energy!  It is a 60-minute, high-energy, beats-driven, heated workout that combines elements of H.I.I.T., Barre, Pilates, and Functional Training.  What sets The Formula apart from other fitness routines is the focus on form and injury prevention.  As this class doesn’t involve impact, the format and routines are designed to remain in the muscles and out of the joints and prevent further aggravation in problem areas like the lower back, knees, and neck.   

Your studio offers the Sage and Sound Experience. What can participants expect from this unique offering?

The Sage + Sound Experience is a 30-minute immersive sound experience with guided lying-down meditation using Sound as a central place of focused awareness.  There is a full immersion of sounds from a variety of overtone-emitting instruments.  Participants can expect to find balance, experience relaxation, promote inner peace and well-being, and boost their mood. About Sage + Sound NYC:  Discover the ultimate destination for self-care + wellness at Sage + Sound, located in the heart of the Upper East Side. Immerse yourself in various self-care services such as acupuncture, massage, + rejuvenating facials. Take a step further + explore the unique offerings at The Study, where you can participate in meditation sessions, sound experiences, + breathwork.

What are some of your favorite places to visit in the Hamptons? 

Because my life is so active, I usually spend my afternoons and evenings relaxing at Dopo Argento in Southampton, Sunset Beach on Shelter Island, or Beacon in Sag Harbor.  But the best place of all is the drive-on beach on a Sunday with my kids enjoying simplicity.