Meet Sara DiPardo | Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara DiPardo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Authenticity and being genuine. Let’s face it there are plenty of personal trainers and group fitness instructors out there. But there’s only one me. I work hard at keeping any and all things connected to my “brand” relevant and true. I have a story and I share it along with my struggles including all the highs and lows. That way I can gain a trust and true connection to my followers and clients based on them trusting my expertise through watching my experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If the world could know one thing about my story it’s that “If I can, you can”. I mean that in TWO ways. One, Before moving into Health & Fitness full time I was a music teacher for 14 years. If you dream or are thinking of changing careers, you can do it. If I can create my own brand and business from nothing, so can you. Don’t wait. Don’t let the golden handcuffs of a consistent paycheck keep you imprisoned. Break Free. We tell children all the time to chase their dreams and do what they’re passionate about. So what if it changes later in life as an adult, chase those dreams. Take the leap.

The second way I mean “If I can, you can” is with losing weight, gaining muscle, energy and feeling better overall. I lost 125lbs working on my nutrition and exercise. No crazy diets, no depriving, no weightloss pills or surgery. Going from a size 22/24 to a 4/6. I’ve learned SO much. Focusing on the scale is only going to deter your progress. Focus on building strength, fueling your body, moving your body and a positive mindset. You Can do this.

Both of these paths take perseverance and Grit no doubt, but “If I can, you can”.

I even have a devotional “Faithful finish lines” and a 30 day mindset journal “The Courage to Change” for anyone not just 1:1 clients to use as one of the many tools to help them be successful. I love group fitness and what it provides too. My favorite classes to teach are strength small circuit classes at TBLB, POUND (Cardio Drumming), SPENGA and my own creation which is digital as well as in person called “Peach Core” stressing glute and core work to help with balance, toning and tightening all set to the beat of music.

Professionally I love helping women build a better relationship with food and fitness. Sustainable nutrition and not feeling guilt or shame for having a treat. Understanding that fitness is a way to show your body love and show yourself how truly capable you are. We all start somewhere but to see the growth in strength and energy is astounding. It gets me all in the feels when I get to see an elderly client sit and stand without having to use her hands, a mom telling me she kept up with her kids in a theme park and still had energy at the end of the day, a woman telling me she had cake at a party and enjoyed it then got right back on track is EVERYTHING and what I’m here for.

But with me it’s never the same workout, never the same format and it’s always going to be fun! Making fitness fun is the gym slogan and one I easily get behind. I also work hard to provide more support privately with nutrition and mindset for my clients including community support by providing monthly get togethers with a different goal or challenge each time. After covid it’s more important now than ever to build culture and a sense of belonging. Leaving my imprint with people and helping to make this world a better and healthier place is all I can hope for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This town albeit considered “small” has a lot to do. First and foremost nothing beats a great workout, so hitting TBLB Fitness and Boxing to get a good old fashioned butt kicking or train some of my amazing clients. Building each other up so you leave feeling accomplished and 100% in beast mode. Another great spot is Big shots to hit some balls, eat and drink. Going to Heatons at Vero Beach Hotel or Sailfish Brewery for food and drinks is also a favorite. If my girls and I or the gym crew are going out that means bopping around and not staying in one place too long. From Sol Mar to Riverside to The Boiler to Filthy’s or checking out a new spot in town are many of the stops we might make. But if it’s day time, Breakfast at Baci or Michael’s on 7th! Another favorite of mine especially with my boys is hitting Humiston Beach and stopping at Salt for a sesh, lunch at Nino’s and ice cream at Kilwin’s. Massages at White Orchid or Costa d’este’s spa followed by lunch and drinks by the pool are all wins here. Taking friends to share about their business or to have fun at Planet Vero recording podcasts and my show Grit & Grace supporting women and families in our sweet town is a must. Paddle boarding with my bestie or my boys at round island, boating on the river and soaking in the sun any way I can. But ultimately in a small town, nothing beats a house party with everyone’s families together floating in the pool, home made slip and slides, grilling out and playing card games. The laughter and memories made in the water and sun are life to me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success isn’t just due to Motivation. It’s because of my family number 1. Without their help with my crazy schedule, helping with my boys, plus supporting and investing in my ideas I wouldn’t be where I am today. They have sacrificed right alongside me. From my dad, mom, kids, sister, aunt, uncle to my husband. It truly takes a village and my love for them runs deep.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how I wouldn’t be successful without the support of my friends too. They are in my corner cheering me on every single step of the way. Dusting me off, fixing my crown and reminding me what an amazing person I am. They support each idea and let me use them as guinea pigs often. Having a girl gang that has your best interest at heart, doesn’t judge and truly want to see you win has been one of the best parts of creating my business. To see how we show up for each other is sublime.

Success can’t happen either without inspiration and mentorship. I’m so eternally grateful to be part of the team at TBLB Fitness & Boxing with Sam and Travis I know I can bounce ideas off them and they’ll give me ways of looking at it I never thought of. On top of being amazing trainers and instructors themselves they are always learning and growing too. I really feel I have done nothing but flourish since being part of the crew. Going from 4 clients to over 40 in less than a year. I am forever grateful for the chance they took on a brand new trainer.

Website: www.healthyandfitwithsara.com

Instagram: @sara_dipardo

Facebook: Sara Gover DiPardo

Image Credits
Christina Kingler at Colab, Samantha Simigran & Travis Bass, Cathy Morrison, Kelly Claytor, Erika Wright, Mike, Declan & Connor DiPardo.