Steko founders, Corporate Wellness Instructors Megan Srour and Anna Payan
The Women in the Arena
Two girls walked into a barre (studio)… and discovered they had the same strong passion to energize and help people through movement.
Although this is where their friendship began, it wasn’t until a few years later that they realized they wanted to make a bigger impact outside the gym and studio. They wanted to bring purposeful movement to the average person where they are and as they are.
Modern society sits way too much. When you factor in work hours alongside daily activities like driving, eating, and leisure time using our phones or watching TV, many of us spend a significant portion of our day seated.
Merely dedicating thirty minutes to an hour for exercise a few times a week isn’t enough to fully counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Instead, emerging research suggests that integrating periods of standing and movement throughout the day is a crucial solution. So Steko was formed, not only to promote the health of Megan’s and Anna’s husbands, who work in tech and biotech, but for the majority of people who need to show up, sit, and work to provide for themselves and their loved ones.
The Women in the Arena
Two girls walked into a barre (studio)… and discovered they had the same strong passion to energize and help people through movement.
Although this is where their friendship began, it wasn’t until a few years later that they realized they wanted to make a bigger impact outside the gym and studio. They wanted to bring purposeful movement to the average person where they are and as they are.
Modern society sits way too much. When you factor in work hours alongside daily activities like driving, eating, and leisure time using our phones or watching TV, many of us spend a significant portion of our day seated.
Merely dedicating thirty minutes to an hour for exercise a few times a week isn’t enough to fully counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Instead, emerging research suggests that integrating periods of standing and movement throughout the day is a crucial solution. So Steko was formed, not only to promote the health of Megan and Anna’s husbands, who work in tech and biotech, but for the majority of people who need to show up, sit, and work to provide for themselves and their loved ones.
Megan Srour
Hi there! I’m Megan Srour, the founder of Steko, and I’ve been a “mover” from the get-go. Moving has shaped my path through childhood, college, and today. As a cheerleader at Virginia Tech University, I was voted “Rookie of the Year” and at The University of Texas, I earned a spot on the NCAA Division 1 rowing team. Those years were formative and laid the groundwork for my commitment to fitness for life.
But my journey isn’t just about sports. Teaching and supporting others has always been my true passion, whether I was in the classroom or sales. And even though I was happy working in the world of group fitness as an instructor, I knew there was something more I wanted to do.
That’s when it hit me – I wanted to create something new, something that wasn’t just about breaking a sweat, but about making movement purposeful, impactful, and accessible. Inspired by my husband’s struggles with staying active during his desk job as a computer engineer, I teamed up to co-create a program that would combat the physical effects of sitting all day, and relieve the mental exhaustion that comes from pressures at work.
With Steko, I’m on a mission to help people like you incorporate movement into your daily life in a way that feels good and makes a real difference. With my certifications as a Personal Trainer from The American Council on Exercise and Corrective Exercise Specialist from The National Academy of Sports Medicine, I am here to support you every step of the way. Let’s move together!
Anna Payan
Hi my name is Anna, and I was born and raised in Arizona and attended Arizona State University (GO DEVILS!) I majored in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science. Shortly after graduation I moved to New York City with my husband and went on to work at NBC Nightly News, as well as a syndicated talk show called “The Bill Cunningham Show” along with other television jobs. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized working in TV, was taking a hit on my mental and physical health. I was desperate to find an outlet that would help with my stress levels and was on the hunt to find a way to release this anxious energy–enter my fitness era.
When I discovered the endorphins moving my body gave me, I decided to try as many workout programs as possible to find one that motivated me enough to stick with. I got hooked on barre, a low-impact class that trains your muscles through isometric movements, and I taught as an instructor for several years. I also teach personal clients through my personal training business Unparalleled Fitness. It was while I was teaching that I realized my passion for helping others move and improve their health. I have broadened my education by becoming Pilates Certified, which allows me to bring movements focused on posture and core strength to our Steko program.
Movement is medicine, and after being in this industry I realize the impact it has both physically and mentally. I want to share movement with the world and allow everyone to see the impact that even the smallest change can make on their lives.
Anna Payan
Hi my name is Anna, and I was born and raised in Arizona and attended Arizona State University (GO DEVILS!) I majored in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Political Science. Shortly after graduation I moved to New York City with my husband and went on to work at NBC Nightly News, as well as a syndicated talk show called “The Bill Cunningham Show” along with other television jobs. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized working in TV, was taking a hit on my mental and physical health. I was desperate to find an outlet that would help with my stress levels and was on the hunt to find a way to release this anxious energy–enter my fitness era.
When I discovered the endorphins moving my body gave me, I decided to try as many workout programs as possible to find one that motivated me enough to stick with. I got hooked on barre, a low-impact class that trains your muscles through isometric movements, and I taught as an instructor for several years. I also teach personal clients through my personal training business Unparalleled Fitness. It was while I was teaching that I realized my passion for helping others move and improve their health. I have broadened my education by becoming Pilates Certified, which allows me to bring movements focused on posture and core strength to our Steko program.
Movement is medicine, and after being in this industry I realize the impact it has both physically and mentally. I want to share movement with the world and allow everyone to see the impact that even the smallest change can make on their lives.