Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl/Sheila Kindred/Hannon.
Hi Sheryl/Sheila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In the early 2000s, our mother was diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As caregivers, mothers, wives, working women and business owners we made sure everyone else was taken care of while quietly neglecting ourselves. Our lives revolved around responsibility, leaving little room for self-care, health checkups, or mental and emotional wellness.
When our mother passed away in December 2017, it became a powerful wake-up call. We looked in the mirror and realized our lives no longer included us. That moment made us understand a hard truth: if we didn’t take care of ourselves first, we wouldn’t be around to take care of anyone else.
What started as a personal commitment to reclaim our health became Me First Fitness a brand built on the belief that self-care is not selfish, it’s essential. Today, Me First Fitness exists to help women and men prioritize their health, mindset, and well-being so they can live stronger, healthier, and more fulfilled lives by starting with themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road! We initially worked with clients in ministry settings, which required traveling to multiple locations, setting up and breaking down workouts, and transporting equipment each time. While the work was meaningful, the logistics became physically demanding and difficult to sustain.
Through that experience, we realized how much more impact we could make with a storefront. We believe having a dedicated space would allow us to better engage with our customers, build deeper relationships, and provide a consistent, personalized fitness experience for the entire community.
However, due to the uncertainty of the current economy, we changed our platform to reach people via social media but we know a physical location would help us stay connected, expand our reach, and consistently remind people that self-care comes first.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Me First Fitness?
Me First Fitness is a wellness brand built on the belief that fitness should be accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for everyone which includes our young, seniors and all body types. We are certified AFAA Group Fitness instructors specializing in all levels of fitness, from beginners to advanced participants, with a strong focus on functional and low-impact movement.
One of the areas we are most known for is Chair Fitness. Chair Fitness allows individuals to work out regardless of age, physical limitations, injury, or fitness level. It removes the fear and intimidation often associated with traditional fitness spaces and creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, capable, and empowered.
What truly sets Me First Fitness apart is our approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all fitness. Our focus is on personalized movement, mindset, and self-care meeting people where they are and helping them build strength, confidence, and consistency without guilt or pressure.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of creating a space both in person and online that reminds people and caregivers, that taking care of themselves is not selfish, it’s essential. Through our classes, programs, and social media presence, we continuously encourage our community to choose themselves first and prioritize long-term wellness over quick fixes.
We want readers to know that Me First Fitness is more than a workout, it’s a reminder that your health matters at every stage of life. No matter your starting point, there is always a way to move, grow, and put yourself first.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We’ve lived in Dallas, Georgia for almost 20 years, and we truly love it here. What we enjoy most is the strong sense of community, it still has a small-town feel where people are friendly, supportive, and genuinely care about one another.
If we had to choose something we like least, it would simply be that there’s always room for more wellness and fitness options as the city continues to grow. Overall, Dallas feels like home, and we are excited to continue serving and growing with this community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mefirstfitness1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/meefirstfitness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mefirstfitness1
- TikTok: @mefirstfitness1
Image Credits
Julian Hannon
