VIP Transformation Spotlight: Sarah

Welcome to another installment of our VIP Spotlight! Sarah has been a VIP client for several months, and she has been an incredibly wonderful addition to our team!

This format is always interview-like, and we are excited for you to get to know our latest VIP Spotlight, Sarah!

Who is Sarah? / What made you want to start your fitness journey?

Oh boy, this is quite the question to start out with. I grew up playing soccer so I’ve always considered myself an athlete but here’s the most recent piece of my life that has made a significant impact.

About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, alopecia. Basically, little bald spots would appear on my head, I’d get injections in the spots on my scalp and the hair would grow back.

This process was a little inconvenient but totally manageable. But about a year and a half ago, I had my biggest flare up yet. Out of nowhere, all the hair on my head and body starting shedding.

To say this was terrifying is an understatement. Each day, I would see my hair come out by the handfuls. It only took a few weeks for me to lose everything (hair on my head, eyebrows, eyelashes and everything in between). To say the least, this hair loss came with a sense of mourning and the loss of my identity.

I know that I should be thankful that my disease has only taken my hair. There are others out there that have diseases or are in situations that are far worse than mine. During this time, I was in this low place and had been searching for something to set me on a different direction towards my “new” self.

That’s when, through the help of my supportive coworkers Shell and Jac, I found Okon Fitness. Through the last 28 weeks working with Angie, each day I wake up and I continue to make the commitment to love my body (hair or not), to continue to put my health first and to stay consistent.

Metrics: 20 Lbs. lost | 15.5" Lost in total | 29 Weeks

Yes, I do slip up, but when that happens, I make the conscious choice to stay positive and move forward to improve myself in every aspect (mind, body and soul).

How would those closest do you describe you?

Ever since I was little, people around me would say that I’m a hard worker. I tend to be a little shy at first but open up as I get to know others. I’m a good listener and am always trying to see things from a different perspective by putting myself in someone else’s shoes.

What inspires you most?

I am inspired to continue to push myself to be better person than I was the day before.

What have been the biggest obstacles getting started?

Like any major lifestyle change, it took a while for me to fully realize that these changes weren’t purely for vanity but for my overall health.

I know that if I have any hope of helping my body get back to “normal” and for my alopecia to subside, the best thing I can do is to treat my body with respect. This doesn’t just stop at consistently eating healthy/clean and working out, but also to take time for self care.

Go get a massage or facial, take weekly Epsom salt baths and listen to your favorite tunes. If you are feeling exhausted or run down, maybe the best thing you can do is take a night off from the gym and go to bed early.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good night of sleep! Listening to your body and knowing when to rest is so important to your overall health and wellbeing.

Why did you choose to work with Angie Marie/Okon Fitness as your coach?

I was first introduced to Angie Marie and Okon Fitness through my coworkers Shell and Jac. I watched them go through their programs and was inspired by their hard work, commitment and was amazed by their results.

They invited me to go to the weekend Okon Fitness Booty camp class and I immediately knew this was something that I needed to be a part of. I also love the expertise, accountability, structure and encouragement that Angie provides in her Okon Fitness VIP Program.

She has been so great about working with me to develop a meal plan that suits my goals as well as to modify things that are specific for my autoimmune condition.

I’ve done some research on the impacts of certain foods have on autoimmune diseases so Angie has developed a plan based on our research that eliminates foods that I should stay away from (i.e. gluten, dairy) and increase nutrient dense foods such as bone broth, organic meats/seafood and lots of vegetables.

We hear you just signed up for your THIRD round -- How exciting! What made you want to continue?

In my first 24 weeks, I accomplished my goals I set for myself but I just felt like there is still work left to do.

I’ve set realistic goals throughout the programs but as I’ve accomplished them, I realize that I’m setting new goals for myself that I never thought was possible. Never in my adult life have I been below 150 lbs, but with the help from the coaching program, that goal became reality.

Being a busy hard working woman, how have you managed all the things in your life?

Meal prepping on the weekend is a huge help when you are managing so much each day. Always have a snack prepared for those times you need to grab and go.

Another good tip is if you know you are going out with friends, be sure to look at the menu for healthy options ahead of time or to eat before you go out.

Have those around you been supportive?

Yes. It is so important that you have the support of those around you.

If you have people that continue to discourage you or try to get you off track for their own selfish reasons, it is time for you to evaluate the negativity you have in your life and decide if those are the people that you truly want to surround yourself with.

If you are looking for more support or advice surround your program, turn to the Okon Fitness community.

There are plenty of badass ladies who have been through the program that are so happy to encourage you and give you tips and tricks as you continue on your journey to improve your lifestyle.

Do you have any mottos or sayings that you live by everyday?

Be kind and do your best.

What is some advice you have for someone who is just getting started?

I dabbled in the Okon Fitness workouts for months before I signed up for the VIP program. I went to their booty camp, bought the Fit for $5 program (which is awesome), talked to people who were on a program and also did their 30-day summer challenge.

Okon Fitness does a great job of letting you try things before you choose to commit to a program. But if you are like me, you’ve always have always had fitness goals, have worked hard but just aren’t seeing results you want, give the program a try.

There’s no use hoping for something to change when you still have your old habits. Just commit to yourself and sign up, you won’t be sorry.

Let’s be honest, change is hard. If you have signed up for a program but are finding yourself slowly adding back in your old habits, make a list. (Yes, this is the project manager in me speaking).

Make a list of all the things you feel are obstacles that are in the way of your goals. You will come up with things like: change is hard, my current routine is comfortable, it’s time consuming to change, what if I fail, etc.

When you are done with your list, examine it. Sure, you maybe have one or two good points BUT for the most part, all of these are just excuses that your mind makes up because like I said, change is hard.

"There’s no use hoping for something to change when you still have your old habits. Just commit to yourself and sign up, you won’t be sorry."

It’s likely that each and every thing on your list is easily overcome by a simple action or by a slight change in your mindset.

All you need to do is make the choice to move forward, trust the process, be consistent and be good to your body. You are SO worth the effort!

Fun fact about you?

I learned how to ride my bike in my 20’s.

I learned to surf when I lived in Portland, OR.

Since I feel self-improvement is so important, I tend to take classes to learn new things. I’ve taken community classes in calligraphy, ice cream making, and welding.

Favorite healthy meal?

Chicken stir fry. A little basic but always delicious.

Favorite cheat?

Avocado chocolate pudding. I use this recipe here but have been using dates as a sweetener instead of the maple syrup.

Favorite body part to lift?

I would say legs or back. I feel so strong and like such a badass when I’m lifting these areas.

Favorite physical trait on you?

My freckles on my nose and smile.

Thanks for reading about our spectacular and incredible VIP, Sarah!

If you are interested in working with Okon Fitness and our team of coaches, you can learn more about and apply for our VIP Program here!

If you don't follow Okon Fitness on Instagram, you can do so here. If you don't follow me on Instagram, you can do so here!

Thanks for reading!