This week’s “Meet a Mom” features the truly incredible Nikki Salvatore, Founder and Owner of East Coast Women’s Fitness in Scituate.
Nikki grew up in Hanover and will be moving to Scituate in August. She and her husband have a two-year-old daughter, Sophia, are expecting a baby boy this fall, and love spending time at the beach and taking walks with their pup, Rooster.
After graduating from Westfield State University with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, Nikki worked as a personal trainer and instructor in Hanover. She then began hosting small group training sessions, which grew into East Coast Women’s Fitness.
East Coast Women’s Fitness is a women’s-only small group training studio dedicated to empowering women through fitness, nutrition, and overall wellness. Every workout is personalized to meet you exactly where you are on your fitness journey. The studio is built on community, integrity, growth, and accountability—values that Nikki and her community demonstrate every day.
Read on to learn more about Nikki, the mantra she lives by, and her advice for other moms. I am so grateful to Nikki for her honesty and openness in this interview. She is so incredible both inside and out.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Hanover as did my husband. We bought our first home in Pembroke then our second in Rockland, and are moving to Scituate in August.
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names, ages?
I have a 2 year old daughter named Sophia and a baby boy coming this fall. This is my 6th pregnancy in four years so he’s truly a blessing and I cannot forget our 4 year old dog Rooster. As well as my husband Rob who I’ve been with for 12 years, his support is everything.
How did you start your business? I went to Westfield state university and graduated with my Bachelors in Exercise Science. I worked as a personal trainer and instructor at Healthtrax in Hanover before starting a women’s only small group personal training- and that’s where ECWF was born.
It’s a niche program with customized nutrition, individualized support, community and amazing workouts that meet you where you are at. I have poured my heart and soul into to this place and am constantly looking to grow and develop to better help and support the women of the South Shore. I was a waitress at the Millwharf in Scituate for 10 years and I love how full circle it’s become for me to now own a business here.
What is your favorite part about living on the South Shore?
My favorite part of South shore living is the community feel and that we live in what I refer to as vacation land. Everybody has a connection to someone and it feels tight knit, it’s special. People from here always come back and why wouldn’t you? So much to offer from beaches, fairs, farmers markets, good shopping, great food and drinks!
What family activity do you enjoy most?
My family and I love going to the beach together and on walks. We love to find a restaurant that involves an adventure. We can be spotted walking around downtown areas like Plymouth or Scituate (rain or shine) bopping around shops and grabbing an app.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
My work is incredibly rewarding I’ve met some of the most inspiring and amazing women. I have clients aged 12-80 and I have genuinely learned so much from doing what I do. I take on a lot personally but I am incredibly invested in every women’s journey, I truly wouldn’t have it any other way. That studio is my first baby.
Are you apart of any non-profits?
I am apart of the Scituate harbor business association and I am always open to volunteering / donating / participating in local events, tournaments, fashion shows; anything you name it! I support the local girls lacrosse team and any other teams I can. I try to say yes as much as I can!
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
The hardest part about being a working mom is balance. I absolutely love what I do but I love being a mom SO much, I still cry when I leave for work at least once a week. I never anticipated ever wanting to work less until Sophia was born but over the last 2 years I’ve tried to stop counting the hours I’m not with my daughter or I’m not working and just do my best to be present in the moment and give that moment my all. I try not to feel guilt and remember that I have a purpose, if I’m away from home or away from the studio it’s all for good reason and being the happiest & healthiest me is what my family and my business needs to thrive.
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
The best advice I’ve received is to realize that everything is a season – the hard parts and the good parts. Learn from it and cherish it all.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
My advice for any mom would be trust your gut. Whether you’ve been a mom for 5 days or 5 years nobody knows your baby better than you, don’t allow an app or social media dictate your thoughts. Do what’s best for your family, & be gracious with yourself. Being a mom isn’t easy but it’s the best thing in the world, focus on your wins!!!
Is there a quote or mantra you live by?
Mantra: Nothing changes if nothing changes! Manifestation is only part of the equation. Be honest with yourself. Take action. Embrace the hard days. Show up anyway.
Anything else that you would love to share?
I’d like to share that I’ve come such a long way in the last 5 years, not just as a business owner but as a woman. I wasn’t always this driven. I wasn’t always this self-aware. Growth took time, hard conversations, mistakes, and a commitment to becoming better. Today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. Someone who leads with empathy, chooses kindness, and continues to grow every single day. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that we’re all capable of becoming someone we’re proud of as long as we don’t give up on ourselves.
Please follow Nikki on social media to stay updated on the studio, and be sure to book your first session today. You will truly in the best hands.