Adapted and reimagined from an original article by Xavier Villarmarzo
For Creative Golden Years
At 67, Shebah Carfagna is redefining what it means to age with strength, passion, and presence. A lifelong advocate for movement and mindset, Shebah is a nationally recognized fitness expert, wellness entrepreneur, and mother whose journey has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of showing up — for others and for herself.
What began as a personal escape from stress during a demanding corporate career eventually became a calling. As a single mother raising a son with autism while managing a high-pressure fundraising role, Shebah turned to movement for solace. In those early morning workouts with other professional women, she found not just structure — but community and clarity.
By 2005, Shebah made a bold shift: she left the corporate world and dedicated herself to wellness full-time. Over the years, she’s earned more than 15 certifications in modalities ranging from personal training and Pilates to boxing and spin. Each step was more than a credential — it was a step closer to helping others discover strength in their own stories.
Fitness with Heart
In 2016, Shebah and her partner, Nate Wilkins, co-founded the Ageless Workout Method, a Miami-based wellness company focused on holistic aging. Together, they’ve created innovative, accessible programs that meet people where they are — whether in luxury spas, community centers, or on a virtual platform.
Shebah’s style is rooted in compassion and adaptability. She works with clients of all levels, always reminding them that aging is not a decline — it’s an evolution.
Recovery and Reinvention
In 2018, Shebah underwent a total hip replacement and toe joint surgery — but she didn’t let it stop her. Thanks to a year of pre-habilitation, she was back teaching water aerobics just eight days after surgery. Two weeks later, she traveled to Seattle to cheer her son on as he represented Florida in the Special Olympics.
When the pandemic hit, Shebah’s business pivoted fast. Her second venture, Panache, began broadcasting live Zoom fitness classes, keeping seniors active and engaged from home. That reach continues today, with sessions offered through multiple wellness platforms.
Mindset Matters
Shebah’s message is simple: “Aging is a gift.”
Her work now includes speaking at events like the Rethinking Retirement Summit and the Livelong Experience, and participating in podcasts on longevity, menopause, and pro-aging mindset. Her philosophy blends medical fitness with mindfulness, eco-therapy, and evidence-based practices.
“I inspire people to adapt to life’s obstacles rather than letting them derail their goals,” she says. It’s a message especially powerful for women over 50, who often feel unseen in the fitness world. But Shebah is changing that — one breath, one class, one mindset shift at a time.
Your Movement Matters
Whether you’re walking around the block, starting strength training, or returning to movement after a break, Shebah’s story reminds us that the body listens — and it responds to love, discipline, and care.
“Never let the condition manage you. You have to manage the condition.”
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be fast. You just have to begin.
Save the Date
Shebah will be presenting virtually this summer on July 16 at 1:30pm EDT. Visit https://seniorplanet.org/ for more details.
Links to follow Shebah Carfagna:
Social media: @panachefitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panachefitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/panachefitness
Website: panachefitness.com
This article was adapted from an original feature on Senior Planet by Xavier Villarmarzo. It has been rewritten to reflect the voice and values of Creative Golden Years.