Episode 504: Shaun T.: Motivation, Confidence, and the Power of Fun in Fitness

Nov 21, 2025

Shaun T., a celebrated fitness trainer and choreographer, shares his journey from college dance teacher to creator of popular programs like Insanity. He emphasizes the importance of fun and authenticity in fitness, explaining how it motivates people and fosters connection. Shaun delves into building confidence through persistence and how therapy transformed his mindset about success. He also discusses the origins of Hip Hop Abs and the significance of representation as a gay Black man in the wellness industry.

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INSIGHT

Fun Beats Fear For Motivation

People avoid the gym because it feels intimidating, not just because of time or knowledge barriers.
Shaun T says making fitness fun and nonthreatening is the key to sustained motivation.

ANECDOTE

From Messy First Lesson To Tennis Obsession

Shaun T started tennis at 33 after a lesson on a vacation and became obsessed despite early failures.
He used it as cardio and improved so much he later beat his partner and played doubles with Serena Williams.

INSIGHT

Showing Up Builds Competence

Shaun T calls himself a 'life's decathlete' who excels by committing to try and show up.
He emphasizes belief in capability as the driver to become good at many things.

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How does a college dance teacher end up becoming one of the most recognized names in fitness? In this Fitness Friday episode, Shaun T joins me to share how he went from teaching hip-hop classes at Equinox to creating Hip Hop Abs, Insanity, and inspiring millions of people around the world.

We talk about what really keeps people motivated, why fun matters more than fear, and how confidence gets built one rep at a time. Shaun also opens up about his evolution, from being told he’d never hit like a pro to beating Serena Williams in doubles, and how therapy changed his mindset as a high achiever.

He shares what it was like to grow through the early days of Beachbody, how Hip Hop Abs was born, and why showing up fully as yourself is what creates real connection. For Shaun, being a gay Black man in the fitness space wasn’t something to hide. It became his strength.

Shaun T is a fitness trainer, choreographer, and motivational speaker best known for programs like Insanity, T25, and Hip Hop Abs. He’s also an advocate for mental health, self-belief, and authenticity in and out of the gym.

🎧 Shaun T on Motivation, Confidence, and the Power of Fun in Fitness

Tune in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1SXA4en800

What we discuss:

(00:35) How a tennis lesson turned into an obsession
(03:48) Building confidence by showing up, not being perfect
(05:19) Why therapy changed how Shaun sees success
(07:57) The story behind Hip Hop Abs and Insanity
(16:35) Representation, authenticity, and owning your story
(18:22) Finding motivation through fun instead of fear

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Find more from Shaun T:

Website: https://www.shauntlife.com/

Instagram: @shaunt

X: @shaunt

Tiktok: @shaunt

Youtube: @shauntfitness