About
Shaniqua Bennett
Coach, athlete, and the founder of Purpose Performance and Wellness in Columbia, SC.
I was talented but timid so I had to show myself that I need to give myself more credit. I saw what I was missing in my youthful journey and but I change my view. Instead of looking up from the valley, I climbed the mountain instead to change my view to a vast and extraordinary life! So fitness has changed my life so that what I'm going to do for other athletes!Shaniqua Bennett
I got into training doing my favorite hobby, which is playing basketball. There I learned so much, and it has taken me down many avenues that have been beneficial to my life. It let me become the person I needed while growing up and still need as an adult. Wearing many hats in this field is what I love — coaching girls basketball, coaching others, coaching myself.
My training is HIIT and powerlifting, with cardio added depending on the goal. I am newer to the science side and honest about that. What I bring is the performing side: what a body actually does under load, learned from years as an athlete on the court.
I make sure I am always approachable. I keep an open mind, because everyone has a reason why, and I want to help you figure out your why and keep it as motivation. I refuse to push someone beyond their limits when they are not equipped and ready for it. Meet others where they are — that is the whole job.
I also build every routine to go anywhere. Life moves — travel, a full house, a quiet house, a week nothing goes to plan. So I coach adaptability on purpose: the same program works in my gym in Columbia, in a hotel fitness room, or in your garage. New terrain does not mean starting over. It means your routine travels with you.