Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Cox.
Sara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am currently 27 years old and started my fitness journey when I was 21. When I first started, I had no clue what I was doing. Nobody could get me to walk into a gym, and I hadn’t the first clue about nutrition. All I thought in my mind was “restriction”. With that said, I restricted myself from almost every food on the planet besides chicken, veggies, and protein bars. Considering my body was used to fried/processed foods on a daily basis, it responded accordingly. I lost around 15 lbs. in the first 3 months with no physical activity. I then hit a plateau given the fact my body was used to everything I was doing, so I used free weights and a treadmill I had at home to kick things up a notch. That being said, I lost an additional 5 lbs. over the course of 2 months; I was now down 20 lbs total (140 lbs. -120 lbs. at 4’10).
Although I had lost 20 lbs. of body fat, I had no muscle to show and wasn’t physically strong. I fluctuated this weight (about 5-10 lbs.) while in college for about 2 years. When I was 23, I met my ex-boyfriend who was into the “bodybuilding world”. He approached me one day and asked me to workout with him so he could “show me the way”. Wanting to impress him, I willingly accepted (although extremely nervous). I would go to the gym in big leggings and baggy t-shirts trying my best to give it my all. After a few months of consistent weight lifting and following a more realistic meal plan (meat, veggies, rice, potatoes, fruit, snacking mindfully) I had lost an additional 5 lbs and transitioned some fat on my body to muscle (not sure of the exact lbs.).
When my clients ask me when my pivotal point was for staying motivated, it was a day around 4 months after this consistency where I can say changed my mental state. I walked into the gym now wearing tight leggings and a tank top, noticing nothing but muscle definition in my upper body. Since that day, I have not stopped my healthy (but realistic) eating style and weight lifting regimen. I am now down 40 lbs total (averaging at about 100 lbs. – again remember I’m under 5 feet) and have more muscle definition than ever to show. I went for my personal training certification 2 years ago and now I’m a full-time trainer and online fitness/nutrition coach helping others achieve the same goals. My whole point in this story is to show that slow and steady wins the race. Quick fixes and unrealistic diets can result in fast weight loss but no progress over the long term (not to mention unhealthy). If you are willing to put in the time and effort, your progress will show.
Great, 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?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a super bumpy road, but not smooth to say the least. With anything in life, you need to put in the time and effort to reach your goals. Weight loss can be misconstrued by all of the false advertising in the media; it comes down to a mind set. What works for others may not work for you. It’s all about patience, consistency, hard work, and being smart. If you are unsure where to start in this process, my advice to you would be to hire a credible and knowledgeable trainer or coach to get you to kick started onto your journey.
Please tell us about your business.
I am currently a full-time personal trainer and online fitness coach. I offer in-person one on one private sessions/group training/online programs for people who are far away or don’t want in person training. I specialize in weight loss/muscle building for both men and women. I am most proud of my ability to help others achieve the goals they want both aesthetically and mentally. I consider myself different from others because not only do I have the knowledge and skills for you to reach your physical goals; I have the interpersonal skills to help you strengthen your mental health as well.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think women are well positioned for anything they set their mind to. Unfortunately, things like career opportunities have always been sexist; but women have the exact same ability as men to perform to their fullest and succeed at the same (if not higher) rate.
Contact Info:
- Email: sara.fitness.11@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_fit_11/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Dayne Price: https://www.instagram.com/djpproductions.nyc/?hl=en
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
