I began a lifestyle of movement and adventure at 17, and later, attended Outdoor Adventure Leadership programs at Laurentian University and Thompson Rivers University. I pursued the outdoor lifestyle in my 20’s planting trees throughout British Columbia. I also travelled to rock climb, windsurf, and backcountry ski in my free time.
I received a diploma from SAIT as a Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant, and after the birth of my first child in my 30’s I excelled in a diploma program as a Registered Massage Therapist. I have worked as an independent business owner in this small, mountain community, teaching fitness for 18 years, as an AFLCA Fitness Leader, and as an RMT for 12 years, during which I had a second child.
These days, I am a Personal Trainer certified with Canfitpro. I coach other women to incorporate weight training to fit into their lifestyle, and life stage, for improved function and life enjoyment. I am passionate about coaching others in running, and Nordic skiing, two activities that carried me through the lifestyle changes I faced as a mother.
What it is like to work with Sarah?
“Being in my late 50’s and post-menopause, I was aware that I should start weight training in order to maintain muscle mass and healthy bone density. When I first reached out to Sarah, the idea of going to the gym was uncomfortable for me, having never been an athletic or particularly coordinated sort of person. I initially went with a friend who felt the same way and Sarah began working with us at the same time. It soon became apparent that because every body has unique needs, it made more sense to train with Sarah one-on-one, which is what we did.
In the beginning I thought that I would work with Sarah just until I felt comfortable in the gym and confident in how to use the equipment. But as we worked together, Sarah encouraged me to cultivate not only an awareness of the muscle groups that I was engaging through various exercises, but to check in with my body and really pay attention to its response, and to trust what it was telling me. I realized that connecting to certain muscles with mindfulness was harder than I thought, and began to realize that this process was more than just “learning good form” - in many ways it was like being introduced to my body for the first time.
I came to the gym experience feeling very vulnerable and Sarah always made me feel that my goals were achievable, coaching me with respect, humour and professionalism. I would highly recommend Sarah for anyone looking for personal training.”