Meet Nathan Shiya | Outdoor Adventure Specialist, Fitness Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nathan Shiya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nathan, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Born & raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I grew up with mountains in my backyard. From the time I was young, my parents had emphasized the importance of living according to one’s values and ethics. As taught, many of those characteristics included respect, compassion, love, hard work, family & faith, and community involvement to name a few. There came a point in my early adulthood when I’d lost touch of these values. In attempt to regain sight & focus, I removed myself from various environments ridding toxic influence from my life. While doing so, I found myself spending countless hours on the mountain. Once an escape, nature soon became a classroom to learn, a playground to play, and a temple to honor & cherish.
Since then, the mountain has played a critical role in my journey of personal development as well in my career. As part of my services provided, I’ve infused fitness & the wilderness to create a wholesome experience which emphasizes the mental, emotional & spiritual as much as the physical.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The majority of my work cannot be found in textbooks; my strengths, skills & services are a compilation of the experiences acquired throughout my life. From trial & error, countless hours of movement, and extensive durations spent outdoors and expanding my community and network, my success is found at the root of it all. The greatest challenges have been in the marketing and delivery of my services as they’re extremely unique and unmatched.
I believe, as humans, we’re made for the mountains. Once an individual is able to familiarize with the foreign landscape and geography, the opportunity for success and adventure, heightened focus & awareness, and prolonged health & happiness climb to an all-time high (no pun intended).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to a special part of the desert, an area that I like to call home- away from busy parking lots and highly-trafficked trails. I’ll teach skills, encourage imagination, play games and simply be human. As fun it is to dine out, I would prepare a home-cooked meal with some of my grandmother’s oldest Arabic recipes. From there, I would take them out on the town where we’d mingle with like-minded folks over a few games of billiards.
At some point during their stay, I would bring them as a guest to my local gym for a fun full-body dynamic workout. And of course, we would enjoy the ambience at one of my favorite coffee shops.
I would make sure to end their stay with an unforgettable experience which shall take place on the mountain or somewhere in nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
During times when I doubt myself, my friends & family have continued to believe in me and express unconditional love and support. Forever grateful! Other organizations that have provided opportunity for growth:
1) Anasazi Foundation
2) The Phoenix- a sober community

Website: www.shiyastrong.com

Instagram: @shiyastrong

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-shiya-2a734827a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCByF769OGKSmemi7umW3HHw