Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Zmay.
Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had an immediate family member who was disabled. It prevented them from doing a lot with their body, and I saw how it effected their mental and emotional world. I think from a young age I understood the power of movement, and being able to get strong and resilient through movement and exercise meant you can show up in you life the way you want to show up: with intent rather than reaction. I began practicing yoga in response to some unfortunate events in my 20’s. It really grounded me, and showed me that life was more than just being a victim of circumstance. I quickly understood the benefits, and eventually became a teacher in 2018. A year later I decided to pursue becoming a physical therapist. I was taking pre requisite classes, and then the pandemic hit in 2020. I was working restaurant jobs and also working at the school district, while going to school at the time. The lockdown helped me realize I never wanted to go back to restaurant work. So I got my personal training certification so I could start my own business while going to school. From there, Strength & Spirit Fitness was born! Functional training, stretching, athletics, prehab work, yoga, and much more! I wanted my business to reflect the training I had: bringing in the spiritual aspects of yoga into a weight loss journey, or even into a strength training journey!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a somewhat smooth road. I felt like I had already had a community of people around me who were referring me, or even hiring me to be their personal trainer. They really liked my angle of approaching fitness; more holistically, more balanced, and client centered.
I would say the only challenges I have had are the normal stresses of working for yourself: being disciplined enough to be your own boss!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a fitness professional who helps women ages 30-55 (although I have a a few clients in their 60s/70s) get stronger and more resilient. I am known for my deep understanding of the human body, my balanced approach, and holistic standpoint. I love to encourage my clients to find active hobbies to develop their sense of play again, in order to find joy in movement rather than another thing they HAVE to do as adults. I am most proud of the retreats and workshops I have hosted. Taking people on silent retreats, rock climbing and yoga retreats, calisthenics workshops, strength training workshops, senior balance workshops, women’s jiu jitsu and more! I am someone who can take you through many movement modalities rather than just one! Jiu Jitsu (I am a purple belt w/ 9 years experience), yoga, mobility training, and strength training! I am a lover of nature and gardener and I plan my group yoga classes around the seasons to help us connect to the natural rhythm of things.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup
Huberman Lab Podcast
Radio Lab Podcast
Atomic Habits- James Clear
MyFitnessPal App for my clients!
The Yamas and Niyamas – Deborah Adelle
The Beet: A Podcast for Plant Lovers
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strengthandspiritfitness.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthandspiritfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahzmayfitnessyoga
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@strengthandspiritfitness
Image Credits
Maleia Bisera
