Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Stafford.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Sarah Stafford, and I am the founder and owner of Sarah Stafford Training. I was adopted from Russia when I was 11 months old, and my wonderful parents brought me back to the Cleveland area where I grew up and planted my roots. At just 3 years old, I began figure skating at Winterhurst, which is where I would call home for my 14-year competitive career. Along with competitive figure skating, I was also playing soccer and softball, which I went on to play 2 years at the collegiate level. I was always surrounded by athletics and competition. That drive and determination has helped me get to where I am today. During my athletic career, I had two spectacular personal trainers who mentored me in the art of functional fitness and inspired me to devote my career to it. After years of living as a trainee, I decided to study Exercise Science and received my bachelor’s degree so that I could become the Trainer. After receiving my degree, my own personal trainer and mentor was kind enough to offer me my first position as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, so I could get my start in the field. Since then, I have taken all that I have learned as an athlete, as a student, and as a professional, and just completed my first official year in business as Sarah Stafford Training!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We always wish it was a smooth road to success, but unfortunately, it never is. I think the biggest obstacle that I faced and continue to face, is myself. In my industry, fitness professionals always seem to be picture-perfect. Somehow, they never skip a beat, like they are superhuman. Trying to live up to that expectation, and being a perfectionist with ADHD, I found myself feeling stuck at times. As I have grown in my career, I have really had to hold myself accountable, because I realized that nobody is going to do it for me. I realized I had to stop negotiating with myself, put in the time, and stay passionate. To help me stay on track, I really had to find a process that worked for me. Life is going to have ups and downs, some that make you want to, as I say, “call it a wash”. Through life’s downs, we have to be accountable, have a good attitude, and learn from our mistakes because from that we get success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Personal Trainer who specializes in functional fitness, whether that is weight loss, general fitness, injury prevention, or injury recovery. I pride myself in being able to breakdown the process and walk my clients through it step my step. We flow with their body and modify exercises to perfectly meet each of their needs. In my career, I have been lucky enough to see clients’ lives change before my eyes, and that was always my dream. I had one woman come to me and ask for help in losing about 200 lbs, and without skipping a beat I was ready to take on this challenge. We worked for about 2 years and got her down to her goal weight and addressed some of her other issues, such as knee and back pain. She is now living her life happily and with minimal pain. One of my other clients in his 30s had a full knee reconstruction and was told by doctors that he would never walk comfortably again. I told him I would do everything I can to help. We have been working for over 3 years now and he can run on the playground with his kids, he feels stronger than ever, and he can even play basketball again! Finally, I have recently started working with Cleveland Ice Storm Synchronized Skating Team, training their teams off the ice. I get to go back to my roots, where my training all started, and teach it to the next generation of skaters!
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me truly happy is watching my clients be able to do things they never thought they could do. I love being able to help my clients set new goals for themselves and reach them! I have had clients who went from barely being able to stand on one leg, to being able to balance on a Bosu ball. Clients who were told by doctors there was nothing they could do for their pain, now living day-to-day life with almost no pain at all! Working with the Cleveland Ice Storm teams as they work together and grow together. Walking with my clients on their weight loss journeys and watching my clients learn about their bodies and how to live with their bodies is incredible.
Some of my clients feel healthier and happier than they did in their 20s, some are recovering from injuries that they thought would never get better, and some are getting better at their sports! My clients are the reason I love my job, watching my clients reach new heights and achieve their goals is what makes me truly happy.
Pricing:
- Assessment (1hr @ $35.00)
- Stretching/Mobility (30min @ $45.00)
- 30min Session (30min @ $45.00)
- 1hr Session (1 hour @ $60.00)
Contact Info:
- Website: sarahstaffordtraining.com
- Instagram: @sarah_stafford_training
Image Credits
@lovenglife
