Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

SANTANA RODRIGUEZ Producer & Host “Shaping Up With Santana”

  • Written by Thomas Estey


Bringing unbridled passion, soulful creativity and dynamic leadership to her multitude of endeavors over the years, Santana Rodriguez has impacted thousands of lives as a fitness champion, international print magazine model, fashion entrepreneur and television host/personality. Drawing on her experience in these realms and focused on her mission to empower people to take control of their personal health and fitness, the charismatic, Buffalo bred, Los Angeles based modern Renaissance woman is launching “Shaping Up with Santana,” her first internationally distributed fitness and travel show, in January 2018.

Described by the creator, producer and host as a “basic workout 101 for fitness beginners,” the 10-episode debut season of “Shaping Up with Santana” will be distributed by Newark, NJ based Tempo Networks, which will be airing the show in all 28 islands of the Caribbean and a potential audience of five million throughout NYC, Philadelphia and other regions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. In addition, a Fox affiliate in San Juan will be showing it throughout Puerto Rico. Viewers outside these regions can view the series via Verizon Fios, billed as the fastest internet and Wi-Fi available.

Shot in beautiful beach and mountain locations throughout Malibu, California, “Shaping Up with Santana” will air two different versions of each episode – a 22 minute program focused solely on workout and an expanded 28 minute version in which she will incorporate other related topics like important nutrition tips. With dynamic, quick cut photography that incorporates images the lush environment along with close ups of Santana illustrating each exercise in detail, the typical episode’s first half will feature her doing a cardio workout with two other individuals; the second half will focus on toning exercises on a mat, essentially covering those specific to certain body parts and muscles. 

“The production values are elaborate, but the basic concept is simple,” says Santana. “My main focus is to save you the time and the money a membership to a local gym would cost. People don’t always have time to go to the gym, or have the money for a monthly membership – and there aren’t many gyms in the Caribbean islands. Some of the exercises I demonstrate are free cardio dances that require no weights, and in other segments I use kettlebells, but explain that you can use household items like soup cans or even a big beach ball to great effect. We do a lot of simple things that people can tag onto, like jumping jacks, jogs and marches.

“Everything I do on ‘Shaping Up with Santana’ is geared around getting people motivated,” she adds. “We’re not a technical show. I want to make it as simple, straightforward, authentic and down to earth as possible. My goal is to help people to become their best physical and mental selves, but I also want them to know that they don’t have to look like or feel like a perfect Barbies and Kens to enjoy and get a lot out of these workouts. People of all shapes and sizes can have fun exercising, and it’s easier than they think to incorporate cardio activity and movement into their daily lives.”

Although Santana gears her show to average men and women seeking a fresh perspective on exercising, she brings many years of training experience and expertise to the endeavor. After originally moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting and appearing in one film and multiple plays, she shifted gears dramatically when a friend convinced her to compete in a fitness competition. Placing 3rd in her first ever contest, Santana realized that her opportunity to become a leader and make a difference in people’s lives lay not in Hollywood, but in this exciting new world. Finding renewed purpose, she began rigorous training and committed herself to perfect nutrition habits. 

Over the next few years, Santana won six major competitions and earned a national title called “Miss Team USA Modelquest” with the ABA Federation. “These were not bodybuilding competitions,” she says, “but physique competitions with an emphasis on tone, symmetry and definition. It was such an honor to have carried on such a title.” Santana’s popularity as a fitness champion led her to appear in over 20 international magazines, including numerous layouts and editorials in publications like Oxygen and Max Muscle and the cover of Blazin’, Unique, RockHardChic and the lifestyle magazine New York Faces. She was also featured in a prominent classic car magazine. 

An appearance on a music and models show in her native Buffalo led to opportunities to co-host and become a segment producer for the prominent NYC based programs “New York Rocks (on Staten Island TV) and “New York Profiles.” Her work as a producer – and subsequent success working in sales in corporate entertainment and building her own sports fashion line, Santana Creations – helped pave the way for her to launch her own show and have creative control of all the aspects of its production.

Beyond her desire to give back and become a powerful role model and motivator for women of all ages, Santana attributes her ongoing success to her father, whom she calls “the strongest man I know.” Her dad, who passed away two years ago, lived through two leg amputations from type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, a broken hip, gallbladder problems and congestive heart failure. “Even though he had many mishaps, he was always a true fighter and an amazing father and husband to my mom,” Santana says. “He taught me how to be the independent, confident woman I am today. When young women watch me and learn my story, I want them to know that if they don’t like something they see, or face obstacles in their lives, they have the power to create something on their own. They can be anything they want to be, and they have a voice that people will listen to.”

Santana is dedicating the production of “Shaping Up with Santana” to her dad for another reason as well. “He has been my greatest source of motivation and inspiration for living a healthy lifestyle, and my main influencer that led me to begin my whole journey into fitness,” she says. “If only he knew then what we know now about staying in shape and nutrition, maybe he would not have suffered from so many physical illnesses. Even as his deteriorating health and my helping my mom care for him before I moved away made us closer, I kept wondering how this could have happened, Was there some mistake? 

“Creating a show like this is the best gift I could give him. I may not have been able to take away his pain, but I can influence and educate and become a role model to others so they never have to go through that. In a world where people are divided more than ever, I wanted to develop a show of unity, togetherness and love, bringing people from all walks of the world together in joining a common interest that we all have...and that is to live a healthy lifestyle. I also want to acknowledge my mom as well and say that I thank both my mom and dad for raising me the way they did, even though when I was younger, I thought they were sometimes wrong in their decision making. Even so, they taught me discipline, and as a result I became who I am today. ‘Shaping Up with Santana’ is my way of taking all that God, my parents and life experience have blessed me with and finding a unique way to give back.”   

 

ENTERTAINMENT

The Magic of Retro Gaming: Modern Ways to Relive the Classics

Remember that unmistakable sound of an 8-bit melody drifting through the arcade? The hypnotic glow of pixelated screens, the satisfying click of a joystick, and the pure joy of reaching...

How to Get More Likes on YouTube Shorts

Gaining more likes on YouTube Shorts requires a combination of high-quality, engaging content, strategic optimization for YouTube's algorithm, and boosting initial engagement with professional tools like Famety. High-quality videos attract...

The Power Of Website Design Packages: Crafting Your Digital Presence

In today's digital age, a compelling online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a small business owner, your website serves as...

Solar Street Lights In Australia: Illuminating The Path Towards A Sustainable Future

Solar street lights are outdoor lighting fixtures that are powered by the sun. These lighting systems have a solar panel that absorbs sunlight during the day and converts it into...

Maximizing Your TV Viewing Experience with the Best Entertainment Units

Are you in search of the perfect furniture piece to bring your entertainment area together? Look no further! A TV entertainment unit is the ultimate solution. With its stylish design...

All for laughs: why you should book a stand up comedian

If you are planning a special event and need the perfect entertainment there is only one way to go: standup comedy. After all, can you really trust a DJ not...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutio...

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Managed IT Support and Cyber Security Services in Brisbane

As Brisbane develops its technology scene, the need for adequate IT infrastructure and security becomes apparent. This is how digital transformati...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a ...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation...

How to Choose the Right Horse Trailer for Your Riding Needs

Many horse owners travel long distances for riding lessons, competitions, or to move horses between properties. Having a safe and reliable trailer i...

Sydney Turf Installer for Instant Green Lawns and Long-Term Performance

Having a green lawn at home makes everything look better. Whether it’s the front yard, backyard, or a small patch beside the driveway, people in S...

Designing Better Living Spaces: Why New Kitchens in the Blue Mountains Are in High Demand

The Blue Mountains region is seeing a steady rise in home upgrades. According to recent housing data, kitchen renovations remain one of the most req...

The Role of Packaging Manufacturers in Reducing Supply Chain Costs

In today’s fast-paced logistics and distribution landscape, businesses are under constant pressure to optimise operations and reduce expenses. One...

Customising Roller Shutters for Warehouses, Factories, and Logistics Hubs

In today’s fast-paced industrial and commercial environments, security, functionality, and efficiency are paramount. Whether you manage a busy log...

Top Fire Hazards in Commercial Buildings and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to protecting lives, assets, and business continuity, fire safety should be at the forefront of every commercial property owner’s ri...

Refillable Bottles and the Role of Reusable Caps in a Sustainable Packaging Future

As industries across the globe strive to reduce environmental impact, refillable bottles and reusable caps are emerging as champions of sustainable ...

The Comprehensive Guide to Physiotherapy: Benefits & Techniques

It employs hands-on care, movement and advice to aid recovery and prevent further issues. Individuals of all stages of life utilize physiotherapy for ...

What Can Be Funded by the NDIS? A Guide to Approved Supports

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to empower Australians with disability by providing funding for supports that improve in...

10 Desserts That Aren’t Complete Without a Dollop of Whipped Cream

There’s something undeniably luxurious about a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, it has the power to tran...

Why Personalised Ornaments Make the Perfect Christmas Gift

In a season brimming with sentiment and tradition, gift-giving is one of the most cherished ways to show we care. And while store-bought items can b...

What Causes Depression? Biological, Psychological, and Social Triggers Explained

Depression is a complex mental health condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life—from sleep and energy levels to relationships an...

Brisbane Road Accident Lawyers and Bus Accident Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a road accident in Brisbane, especially one involving a bus, can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re a passenger...

Freezer Room Hire in Perth: The Ultimate Solution for Reliable Cold Storage

Ever found yourself in a cold storage crisis and wondering how to save your perishables before they go bad?   Well, this isn't something new. Pe...