Helping others get healthier from the inside out is how Sara, from Strong Balanced Solutions trains.
I first met Sara nearly a decade ago while we worked together at the Utah State Department of Health. Since then she has built a thriving practice as a personal trainer, wellness coach, and exercise physiologist. I interviewed her as part of this entrepreneurial series to highlight people in our industry who inspire lasting, healthy change.
SARA: My mission at Strong Balanced Solutions is to apply positive psychology to behavior change—exercise, nutrition, and stress management—with a focus on active aging. I approach wellness from the inside out.
The Beginning:
AMY: Great to have you here, Sara. Let’s start at the beginning. Have you always been interested in health and wellness?
SARA: I have. Growing up I considered myself an athlete—competitive gymnastics shaped much of my early life and my perspective on fitness.
AMY: What led you to formal education in health and wellness?
SARA: After years of gymnastics I turned to yoga in college to address imbalances and injuries. Later, rock climbing became a passion, but frequent climbing led to tendinitis in my hands. Wanting to climb well into later life, I researched ways to train smarter and prevent injuries. I discovered that combining yoga principles with physical therapy approaches helped me progress while protecting my body.
AMY: Cross-training can be hard—runners often resist strength work even though it helps prevent injuries.
SARA: My approach for runners and athletes is to design efficient gym sessions that are effective and easy to maintain. A twice-weekly, 45-minute strength routine focused on prevention can help athletes continue their sport multiple days a week without added injury risk.
The Education:
AMY: When did you decide to become an entrepreneur and work with clients independently?
SARA: Working at the health department I only connected with people briefly and infrequently. I wanted to influence daily habits and make a greater impact. I pursued graduate study at the University of Utah, earning a master’s in exercise physiology with an emphasis in wellness coaching to better serve people across the wellness continuum—not just athletes.
AMY: A master’s in wellness coaching is impressive—how does that compare to other coaching pathways?
SARA: There are several reputable programs and certifications. The International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching lists approved programs, some at the master’s level and others as advanced certificates. Standardized certifications help create differentiation and are a step toward making coaching services billable by insurance.
Selecting a niche
AMY: What do you find critical for lasting behavior change?
SARA: People are often fixated on quick fixes like diets. I encourage clients to identify deeper motivations—values that drive sustained action. For many, that’s the ability to play with grandchildren, enjoy outdoor activities, or maintain independence as they age. Focusing on meaningful goals makes the “how” achievable. My work centers on core stability and creating programs that support active aging and balanced living.
AMY: How did you begin building your client base?
SARA: While in grad school I trained clients at the SLC Sports Complex. That experience showed me I could attract clients while building the education and systems to run my own business. Over time I developed programs that serve different needs—everything from athletes to people managing chronic pain or preparing for pregnancy—all grounded in core stability.
Where do you train?
AMY: Where do you meet clients?
SARA: I use a mix of online tools available through my website and in-person training at facilities such as the SLC Sports Complex under contract. I also offer home visits and virtual sessions via Zoom or Skype, depending on client preference.
AMY: How do gym contracts work?
SARA: Facilities sometimes contract independent trainers and split fees. In the county sports-complex model, clients pay the gym and I receive a percentage. Contracts are competitive and the facility verifies credentials. This arrangement helps keep pricing accessible while allowing trainers to operate within the facility.
AMY: Have you had success getting services covered by insurance?
SARA: Insurance reimbursement remains challenging. The coaching field is diverse—some providers lack formal qualifications—so standardized certifications are important to create credibility and billing opportunities. I’m exploring corporate wellness and hospital partnerships as pathways to more consistent coverage.
Finding Clients
AMY: How are you finding clients today?
SARA: I rely on public speaking, outreach to medical professionals, and referrals—especially from physical therapists. PTs refer patients focused on recovery, and I help with prevention and long-term maintenance. Building relationships with doctors, midwives, and allied health providers has been effective, though it can feel intimidating at first.
AMY: How do you price your services?
SARA: My rates range from $75 to $150 per hour depending on needs. I also offer a VIP package—12 sessions for $1,000. Pricing reflects the value and specialized expertise provided; adjusting rates can be difficult, but it helps clients recognize the investment in quality care. Payment options include Venmo, PayPal, Square, or paying through the gym when sessions occur there.
Success Stories
AMY: Can you share a client success story?
SARA: I worked with a woman who came to the gym repeatedly feeling pain and frustration. She had food sensitivities and chronic issues that weren’t resolved by typical workouts. We started with in-home conversations and small, sustainable habit changes. Early on she asked, “How much time will this take?” I told her the work is a way of living—choices made throughout the day matter more than minutes spent exercising.
Over two years our meetings shifted from weekly to monthly, and eventually she needed less coaching. She returned to the gym practicing tai chi, pain-free, and had lost over 100 pounds. She attributes her sustained change to the mindset shift we worked on—less self-judgment, more consistent healthy habits, and seeing health as an ongoing practice.
How to reach Sara
AMY: How can people work with you or learn more?
SARA: I train at SLC Sports Complex and Shape Pilates in Sugarhouse, and I offer home visits and virtual sessions. Call 970-231-2668 or email [email protected] to connect. You can also visit Strong Balanced Solutions at strongbalancedsolutions.com and find me on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
AMY: This has been fantastic. Sara is a valuable resource for anyone pursuing a career in health coaching or seeking support with pelvic floor, prenatal, or postnatal wellness. Thanks for sharing your work and wisdom.
