LEAP OF FAITH

Lake Forest native Shelby Caparelli reflects on the journey that brought her back to her hometown and led her to a new career as a fitness instructor.

Shelby Caparelli says wellness was always top of mind when she was growing up in Lake Forest—in part from watching her father run his Marshall’s 584 Strength Training Studio. “Seeing his commitment to helping clients build and maintain their strength ignited my own desire to pursue a career in health and fitness,” says Caparelli, who left her 15-year corporate career as an Executive Assistant at a private equity firm in Chicago to pursue fitness full-time as an instructor at Toned Yoga in Lake Bluff. “Taking that leap changed everything. I love that I’m able to play a small role in helping members feel strong, confident and ready to take on their day, in the 45 minutes we’re together in class.” She moved back to Lake Forest with her husband in 2018 with a dream of giving their future family the same meaningful experience she had as a child. “I have so many fond memories,” Caparelli adds. “Soon after moving back, we welcomed our two sweet boys—Max (5) and Leo (3.5)—who keep us busy and permanently tired!” She credits her family’s love and support for making this new chapter possible. “This is really just the beginning!” Caparelli took time out of her busy schedule recently to share a few of her favorite things.

Next passport stamp will be? Italy for a trip to Tuscany. Best winter beauty hack? Hydrafacials at Terrasse’s in Lake Forest. Favorite candy? Milk chocolate-covered almonds. Favorite Lake Bluff or Lake Forest restaurant? Le Colonial. I crave the spicy chicken stir fry. What do you listen to when driving? My Toned Yoga playlist for the week. Fashion brand or item you can’t live without? HYDROJUG. It goes where I go. Favorite way to stay fit? Weight training, teaching, and taking fitness classes; balancing macronutrients. What’s at the top of your bucket list for 2026? Seeing Backstreet Boys in Las Vegas at the Sphere with my girlfriends.

Favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Candlelit dinner with my husband that includes a heart-shaped pizza from Lou Malnati’s. Best way to beat the winter blahs? Weekends at the Jump Zone with my kids … just kidding! Hands down, it’s a girls night out. Celebrity you most admire? Leonardo DiCaprio. From Titanic onward, he’s always chosen roles in movies that leave a mark. Band or musician you can’t stop listening to? Golden, by K-Pop Demon Hunters—not by choice, but thanks to my 5 year old. Dream car? Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Favorite way to spend a day off? Running errands in peace. Added bonus is a massage at Flotstone in Lake Bluff. Best piece of advice you ever received? “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” In other words, recognizing that comfort can lead to stagnation, while discomfort pushes you to learn and achieve your goals.