"The reason I thought I couldn't run for more than 5 minutes was because I’ve had knee issues from a very young age — including dislocation of the patella, twice. One of them happened when I was just a kid."
It’s a moment that still echoes in her memory — that frustrating feeling of limitation, of not being able to do what others seemed to do with ease. But today, Shaina Michael isn’t just a runner. She’s a certified fitness coach, a passionate Zumba instructor, and a living testament to resilience.
A Move, A Shift, and A New Beginning
When Shaina moved back to Mumbai after 13 years of living and working in Hong Kong, the shift wasn’t just geographic — it was deeply emotional.
"My fitness journey started when I needed to feel a sense of purpose," she shares. "I was in a dark place mentally. I needed something to hold on to."
That something came in the form of Zumba. The energy, the rhythm, the freedom — it didn’t just make her move; it helped her heal. Zumba didn’t just lift her mood. It slowly started to lift her belief in her body again.
From Five Minutes to Forever
For someone who once doubted her ability to run beyond five minutes, the transformation was quiet but profound.
"I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it."
She started slowly — stair climbs, cardio workouts, and her beloved Zumba classes. Then came strength training. Running was still occasional at first — just once a week — but everything changed when she began training for races. The distances grew longer, and so did her confidence.
The Pain Didn’t Stop Me — My Mind Wouldn’t Let Me Quit
Running hasn’t been without its hurdles. Knee issues and nagging injuries tried to slow her down, but Shaina didn’t give in.
“Overcoming it was mental. It was about pushing limits, redefining what I thought I could do.”
This mindset — rooted in resilience and self-trust — is what she passes on to others as a trainer, mentor, and motivator.
A Life That Moves to the Beat
Today, Shaina wears many hats: certified fitness coach, dance fitness instructor, marathon trainer, Pilates and functional training expert — over 10 certifications and counting. But what she values most? Making people move, smile, and feel alive in their bodies.
"I love to make people dance and see them smile."
Her training schedule reflects this joyful blend: strength workouts thrice a week, cardio-based Zumba twice, stair climbs, and that one long, grounding run each week — which increases when she's prepping for races.
And the results speak for themselves.
She’s completed full marathons, the Tata Ultra 35K, and has multiple half marathons under her belt.
Chasing Milestones, One Minute at a Time
Shaina has already come so far, but she’s not done.
“I’d love to shave off a few minutes each time I run a half marathon or a 10K,” she says, always chasing growth with grace.
But her ultimate goal goes beyond the stopwatch.
"To age well, live a healthy, productive life — that’s what keeps me going," she adds. It’s a motivation rooted not in vanity or medals, but in vitality.
Train, Train, Train. And Don’t Give Up.
Ask her what she’d say to someone just starting their running journey, and her advice is simple but powerful:
“Train, train, train. And don’t give up.”
It's the same mantra she repeats to herself during tough miles or long climbs — a rhythm as steady as her breath.
Finding Relief in Colour and Compression
It was at an expo that Shaina first discovered Sorgen Compression Socks.
“The vibrant colours stood out,” she recalls. But beyond aesthetics, the science-backed benefits drew her in.
"It helps fight muscle fatigue. That’s a game-changer, especially when you're balancing so many high-impact activities."
Sorgen, for Shaina, is more than gear — it’s a support system woven into her recovery and training routine.
Running Saved Me. And Now I Get to Help Others Save Themselves.
Shaina’s story is one of quiet courage — not the kind that screams for attention, but the kind that builds over time, through every step taken after doubt, every smile shared after struggle.
Follow her inspiring moves
About Sorgen Spotlight
We shine a light on runners who inspire us to lace up, learn, and live better. Stay tuned for more real stories, real sweat, and the science-backed gear that keeps our community moving.
