About

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Emerson

SHARON MANRING ANDERSON

Sharon Manring Anderson, owner and founder of SOAR Optimum Performance and Wellness, proudly celebrates over 40 years in the sport and fitness world as a multi-sport competitor, trainer, coach, yoga instructor, and mentor.

She credits her late father for having instilled in her the spirit of perseverance, determination, self discipline, and honor while training as a competitive gymnast in her youth. His lessons continue to inspire her today as she dedicates 110% of herself and her business to helping others achieve their personal best. She has always approached health and wellness holistically and believes that ample time must be devoted to the development of mind, body, and spirit in order to attain and maintain optimal health.

She holds certifications in the following disciplines to offer her clients customized training programs for their sport and wellness goals. Level 1 Coach (Road Runners Club of America), Personal Trainer (American Council on Exercise), Leader Level 1 Coach (American Coaching Effectiveness Program), Functional Movement Training Specialist (ACE), Sport and Fitness Nutrition Specialist (ACE), Nutrition Therapist (The Academy of Health Sciences), Sports Performance Trainer (Combine360), and 200-YTT (Yoga Alliance)

When not working, you can find her running and training for road races, rock climbing both indoors and outdoors, and escaping to the beach whenever possible for some swimming and surfing. She is a devoted yogi and foodie who loves traveling whenever possible, spending time with friends, meeting new people, and nurturing her artistic spirit by visiting art galleries and museums.

“Be the change you wish to see.” - Gandhi One of her favorite quotes that serves as a mantra in her daily life. She believes in giving back to the community through volunteering with nonprofits and nontraditional channels..

“Sharon tailors my workouts to accommodate the way my body feels on that particular day. I have been living with M.S. for the last 15 years, and walking can often be challenging for me but I can honestly say that I am in the best physical shape I’ve ever known since working with her. I am willing to try new things now and to push myself. I can’t say enough positive things about her as a trainer.”

Wanda Murray

“This has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to continuing my training with my wonderful and supportive trainer. I love the investment I made by choosing to train with SOAR.“

Beth Sheehan

“I have learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of achieving, body, and spirit. I am very excited about continuing training and pursuing my fitness goals with the help of SOAR.”

Yolanda Fields Witherspoon, Founder and CEO of Speak Like Me

“I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon for the past year. She has an outstanding grasp of both the physical and dietary requirements needed to establish your goals. Her workouts keep me engaged and she provides the perfect level of motivation during our sessions. Sharon will inspire you to push your fitness to the next level.”

Dr. Paul Kiritsis, Orthopedic Surgeon at OrthoVirginia

“We never realized how non nutritious the foods we were eating were until you taught us how to make healthier choices. I am also really enjoying my workouts and am feeling stronger already! Thank you so much for transforming me and my family and setting us back on the right track.”

Ali Johansen Hall, Owner Lock Salon, Participant in Corporate Health Fitness program

“Since working with Sharon, my yearly physicals are revealing a big improvement in my overall health. I have been eating better with her guidance, have reduced the amount of blood pressure medication I typically take, sleep better, and have lost weight. I also never thought I would be able to enjoy playing tennis again but Sharon’s creativity and motivation have completely changed my outlook.”

Gray M.

“I had been training to run the New York City marathon and began having issues with my knee. I went to Sharon to do some strength training and to help improve my running program. She listened to me and worked conscientiously to keep me on track so I could complete the race safely without pain. Running this race was very important to me because NYC is my hometown and I had to defer running the race twice already due to deployments to Iraq. With her help I ran it and finished! We accomplished this together! Thank you!”

Deborah Fulk, U.S. Army Veteran