Life and Work with Sarah Strong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Strong.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been a personal trainer since 2011 and have been specializing in training primarily women since 2014. I took two courses in pre&post-natal fitness, and I love helping moms find their strength in the gym. I have always believed that physical strength leads to mental and emotional strength. Through fitness, I have empowered many women to be more confident, have positive impacts on society, and encourage others.

In July 2017, my life took a big turn. I left an abusive relationship. My then husband had physically assaulted me three times in our one-year marriage. The third time, I was 5-months pregnant with our son. That was when I left and obtained a domestic violence restraining order.

Since leaving that relationship, I have been passionate about spreading awareness about domestic violence and helping other women leave abusive relationships. I speak publicly on the subject and now use my position in the fitness realm (in addition to being a personal trainer, I am also an elite powerlifter) to reach more people. I blog about domestic violence, do public speaking engagements, and have volunteered with a few DV organizations.

My goals have always been to empower others, especially women. I now get to use my business to not only help others in fitness but to help end stigmas with DV and lead victims to safety.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. I am a single mother of two. I have a 5-year-old daughter (she will be six in March) and my son is now one. Trying to balance leading a successful career and being a single mom has been tough. But at the end of the day, I still get things done. I have learned to keep to a tight schedule so that I can accomplish all of my tasks, but also to be flexible when things happen unexpectedly.

In addition, I had to work on my own healing from leaving abuse before I could truly help others. This was no easy task. I made sure to find a good therapist, to have supportive friends and family around me, and to rely on my faith.

My advice to a woman starting on a journey to help others would be to make sure you are taking care of yourself, too. It’s easy to get so caught up in helping and taking care of others that you deplete yourself. And as the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Stronghold – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am most proud of having the courage to share my story of domestic violence. I was so embarrassed at first. I thought people would judge me or see me as weak. But I have come to realize that sharing my story gives me strength. And what’s better– it gives others strength. I have received dozens of messages over the last year from strangers telling me how my story has helped them. Whether it has helped them to leave an abusive relationship, to help a friend struggling, or to navigate the tricky court system with their abuser. I refuse to be silent and I also refuse to let abuse win.

My own personal case is now in the California State Appellate Court. If my appeal goes through, it can change the law for how DV victims are treated in our courts. Regardless of what happens, I will keep fighting for justice. Not only for my family but for all of us.

Also, I am known in the fitness industry for powerlifting throughout my pregnancy and also now as a nursing mom. I help other pregnant and nursing moms in powerlifting and general fitness.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I was always a hard worker and very competitive. I grew up playing sports, and I think it gave me that mental toughness to combat the situations I have handled as an entrepreneur. I also grew up in a Christian home and believe my faith has helped me persevere through every trial.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thestrongholdforwomen.com
• Phone: 9512918594
• Email: sarahstrongfitness@gmail.com
• Instagram: @strongsarah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheStrongholdForWomen/

Image Credit:
Tiffany Thompson

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