Our Spotlight Member this month is Sara! Our early morning training sessions at Breakthrough are brightened with Sara’s positive energy and dedication. In her interview she shares about the importance of making that commitment to yourself, and setting a strong example for her kids.
BREAKTHROUGH: Sara, thank you so much for chatting with me this morning. I appreciate you taking the time. I wanted to check in with you now that it has been several months that you’ve been training with us.
SARA: Since September. Yeah!
BREAKTHROUGH: Yes – time flies! That’s right it was late summer….
SARA: I was talking to you on the phone….
BREAKTHROUGH: I remember you running from a snake…
SARA: …. And I was running from a rattlesnake!
BOTH: Ha, ha!
BREAKTHROUGH: That’s right, that’s right. So, tell me a little bit about how you were feeling before you started, and what made you felt like this was something you wanted to do.
SARA: Well, I would say that we all go through life changes in different points of our lives. I was definitely feeling it. I had two kids and hadn’t really taken care of myself for a few years. I used to do home workouts all the time. But this time I wanted something more guided. I wanted people to train me. I wanted to start lifting weights because they stress how important it is later on in life. And that is how I found you guys.
BREAKTHROUGH: Yay! So now that you have been doing this since September, how are you feeling? What do you notice?
SARA: I feel great! I have more energy. I am a better mom. I wake up to train early in the morning, as much as, you know, how much I hate it!
BREAKTHROUGH: Ha, ha! We were just talking about how early morning is not our strong suit, but we do it anyway!
SARA: And I get it done and I actually look forward to it. It is like my happy place now!
BREAKTHROUGH: Yay! That is so great to hear. I know it can be so hard to start fitting training into a busy schedule, and that for many people it means just getting up and out the door first thing. But you have made the commitment to do it, and you have been so consistent every single week…
SARA: It is like my meditation.
BREAKTHROUGH: Good.
SARA: Some people like to meditate. And this for me – moving my body – is my meditation.
BREAKTHROUGH: Yeah! It is a way of connecting your mind and your body. I totally agree with that. So then, in terms of the stuff you have done here in the gym, you have done a few challenges. You did our Winter Warrior challenge; you did Power Lifting. That is pretty incredible to just jump into challenges like that. What made you want to do it?
SARA: Everyone here is really encouraging and positive. And we are our own worst critics, so it is nice having you guys cheering us on and telling us we are able to do it. And we are! If there’s anything I am learning, it’s that we have one life. Just try something new. Just do it! Right?
BREAKTHROUGH: Is there anything in your training that has surprised you? Something you didn’t think you could do that you realized that you could?
SARA: Yeah. I mean, like how heavy I am able to lift now. I never even thought I could lift a barbell.
BREAKTHROUGH: Well, you certainly can! You have proven that! We saw that in the powerlifting meet. It was pretty cool to have your kids there to cheer you on. It was such a sweet moment.
SARA: Ha, ha!I know!
BREAKTHROUGH: I always love seeing the little ones watching their parents do things that are healthy and….
SARA: We are setting an example for them.
BREAKTHROUGH: Exactly! Yeah. And to see – oh wow, look at my mom lifting! That is so cool! I loved seeing stuff like that. So, the other thing we like to ask people is what is your why? What is the thing that when it is 6:00 am and you are like I don’t want to do it, but I am going to do it… What is the thing that gets you out of bed?
SARA: I have lots of whys!
BREAKTHROUGH: Good!
SARA: Do you want to hear all of the whys?
BREAKTHROUGH: I want to hear them! I want to hear all of the whys!
SARA: I want to be there for my kids. I don’t want to grow old where they have to take care of me. We talked about how Alzheimer’s runs on my dad’s side. He has pretty bad dementia now, so I don’t want to be that kind of burden also. And just to be healthy, too, right? I want to be able to walk without a walker when I am older, carry my own groceries, just the basics, right? Live life as mobile as you can, as long as you can.
BREAKTHROUGH: I agree with that. That is a pretty big why for me too. I want to be able to do all the stuff I want to do. I don’t want to have someone else helping me. I’m stubborn like that I guess…
SARA: Stubborn and independent! Yeah!
BOTH: Ha, ha!
SARA: Another why is setting a new narrative for my daughter. Moving away from diet culture, and just taking care of our bodies and being strong.
BREAKTHROUGH: I love that! I love all of those whys, and I know a lot of people can relate to them. Anything else you want to share?
SARA: I just think you guys are awesome.
BREAKTHROUGH: You are awesome!
SARA: Honestly, I am really happy with the choice I made to be here.
BREAKTHROUGH: Me, too! Me too! I am so glad that you are a part of our Breakthrough family! We can’t imagine you not being here. Thank you, Sara!
SARA: Awe! Thank you!