IN the STUDIO...IN HOME...IN OFFICE...IN the GREAT OUTDOORS...ONLINE
Sarah began her involvement in the fitness industry in 1995. At the age of 17 she was working out regularly, yet
headed down a very unhealthy and potentially deadly road. Through working out, she began to see that positive changes
were much needed in her life, and fortunately she was able to overcome her struggle.
"I have always believed that our struggles make us stronger as individuals, and we have much
to learn from every experience we go through." - Sarah E. Rippel
Sarah's experience with an eating disorder and finding the strength to overcome it continues to make an impact
on her life.
"It was so amazing for me to find something so positive...such an important factor in my life...fitness.
The passion I felt for what I had found was invigorating, and I wanted to share it with everyone I knew! I
knew back then that I had found my calling and I wanted to become a Personal Trainer, so I could help other people improve
their lives as well." - Sarah E. Rippel
Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in Exercise & Sport Science/Fitness & Wellness Promotion from
Texas Tech University with a minor in Psychology. She not only has a big interest in the human body, but the mind as
well.
"I undoubtedly feel that one's mindset has a huge impact on their health, fitness, and well-being."
- Sarah E. Rippel
Over the past couple of years, Sarah set further educational goals for herself by pursuing post-graduate
studies and applying to medical school. She has volunteered and worked in chiropractic, orthopedic, and physical
therapy settings.
Sarah has trained for a handful of fitness competitions, in which competitors are judged based on their level
of conditioning. A strong, yet feminine physique is desired, along with stage presence. Competitors must posess
excellent strength, agility, and flexibility in order to perform well on a military-style obstacle course or during an onstage
fitness routine.
"When I stepped onstage at my first fitness competition back in 1996, it was a reminder of how far I
had come and how strong a person I was. My self-esteem, which had once been almost erased due to my eating disorder,
had grown stronger and I knew it could only get better! This moment was one of my proudest! After competing in
this Ms. Fitness competition, I went on to train for another in 2000, this time with the Galaxy Federation. I trained
for another Galaxy finals qualifier following the one in Florida, working harder than ever, incorporating more running and
smarter pre-contest dieting into my program and enlisting the help of John Atherton, a fitness coach from Florida. He
monitored my exercise and nutrition program via email. I decided to not compete when the show was one week away.
My heart was just not in it, and I was extremely fatigued and depleted. Six months later, I started training for another
Galaxy qualifier, this time seeing a nutritionist weekly and working as hard as ever in the gym. As hard as I worked,
the results wouldn't come. I knew something was wrong - my energy levels were low, I wasn't losing bodyfat, I was losing
hair, and I didn't feel like myself. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My decision to stop training for
the show came as a result of my realization that my health was more important than competing." - Sarah E. Rippel
Sarah continues to grow as a person and continues to expand upon her personal training abilities through completing
continuing education courses, attending workshops, and striving to learn something new every day...but one thing remains the
same...she still feels passionate about exercise and healthy living, and still strives to have a positive impact on the lives
of her clients.
"I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of individuals...of all backgrounds, lifestyles, ages, and
fitness levels. What is most important in designing a fitness program is that I take into account that person's unique
characteristics and goals. I enjoy working with different personality types and have found ways to motivate even the
most stubborn individual!"
"There is so much for each of us to learn about ourselves in this life. We are given so many opportunities
to grow and to improve our lives. Beginning an exercise program...quitting smoking...overcoming alcoholism...losing
100 pounds...these healthy goals may seem daunting to some, but I can promise you that many others have tackled them head-on
and have never looked back. Isn't it time you set a goal for yourself and saw it through?
Don't be afraid to fail. Create
a sense of urgency and get moving!" - Sarah E. Rippel
Sarah has experience in working with individuals in many different environments. Aside from training
clients in a typical fitness center, she has trained people in their homes, outdoors, and in rehab/post-rehab settings.
She has also helped clients with their fitness and nutrition programs via phone/email. If you are interested in working
with Sarah, give her a call - (225) 326-2317.
