Sam’s Journey: From Overcoming Injury to Empowering Others with Pilates
Meet Sam—a dedicated radiation therapist, a devoted mum of two, and an enthusiast of all things health and wellness. Her journey began as a competitive swimmer who dabbled in various sports. However, in her late teens, a back injury instilled a deep fear, hindering her ability to pursue many of her passions. Everything changed when she discovered Reformer Pilates, which became a game-changer by offering her newfound strength and freedom.
Kali (KEAN Founder): Hi Sam, I'm so excited to chat with you today! You're energy is so captivating and I can't wait for people to learn your story <3. So, let's dive in! What inspired you to pursue a career in fitness training, and how did your journey begin?
Sam (KEAN Trainer): Thank you! Pursuing a career in fitness has always been in the back of my mind. I constantly signed up for various PT/Pilates info packs but was never confident enough to go ahead with it. When I moved back to my hometown after traveling, access to a reformer studio was limited. My youngest had just turned one, and covid seemed to be the new normal. So, I signed up to train as a Mat and Reformer Pilates instructor with Breathe Education. During this time, Sisu, where I teach now, opened up, and I was offered a job. I now teach 6-10 classes a week and absolutely love it.
Kali: Balancing work, fitness, and family is challenging. How do you stay motivated and maintain your own fitness routine while managing and inspiring others?
Sam: Sometimes I don’t follow my own advice, but what really helps me is getting other people involved in my workout. I seem to be willing to let myself down and “skip” the workout, but if I am meeting someone, I will 100% be there. I’ve just started swimming again and asked others to join me in the pool, which has been great fun and keeps me accountable. Finding movement I love and that is convenient is also a must. I’m lucky to have a reformer at home, so following online classes helps keep me motivated. Ultimately, my biggest motivation is my family. I’m a nicer person to be around when I’ve done a workout, and I love that my kids see me moving my body in different ways. They see me going for a run, a swim, or to Pilates to get “strong” and “to make me feel good.” I want them to grow up with a positive attitude towards movement and how it makes their body and mind feel.
Kali: That’s so inspiring! Can you share a success story from one of your clients that particularly stands out to you?
Sam: Wow, so many come to mind. One of the biggest successes is seeing how far clients have come. I’ve had clients who hated exercising and are now (healthily) obsessed with Reformer Pilates and how it makes them feel. I've seen clients come back from injury and become much stronger, with their pain disappearing. I’ve introduced my best friends to the reformer, who became regulars at the studio and have now bought their own reformers. Although I miss teaching them, I’m grateful to have been part of their journey in finding a movement they love, which they can now do whenever they want from home.
Kali: Beautiful! What do you think are the most common mistakes people make when starting their fitness journey, and how can they avoid them?
Sam: The biggest mistake is not finding a movement they love. If you love what you’re doing, your mindset changes from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” Keep trying different forms of movement and different places until it feels right. Don’t give up; there’s something out there for you. Another common mistake is going too hard too soon with an end goal in mind, which can be unsustainable. Goals are amazing for motivation and routine, but once goals are reached, we tend to stop. Having a long-term fitness goal is key—running around and playing with the kids or grandkids, feeling strong enough for your weekly team sport, or feeling energized throughout the day. Stick to a routine that works for you and allow yourself some grace if things don’t go to plan that week.
Kali: That’s great advice. Lastly, what does a KEAN lifestyle mean or look like to you?
Sam: To me, a KEAN lifestyle incorporates all the things that are important to me:
- Always striving to do my best and going out there to achieve my goals.
- Celebrating my successes, no matter how small, as those small things are what make the big things happen.
- Focusing on the good.
- Sharing my passion with my community and creating a community with my passion.
- Starting and not giving up.
Kali: Thank you so much for sharing your story and insights, Sam. It’s been a pleasure talking with you!
Sam: Thank you, Kali! It’s been great sharing my journey with you.
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