oxygenmagAU Jan/Feb 2018 87
a specific diet as such,” she says, “meaning
I don’t eat low this or high that; I simply eat
clean, whole, organic foods.
“This creates a life of balance and no
extremes. It’s how I lost all my weight.
“Then after getting into shape, I wanted to
show others how they could get their power
back, so to speak. I wanted to show them that
fitness is a lifestyle, not a fad — and that it
can change their lives for the better.”
For other women wanting to get into
shape, Sara-Jane is a source of motivation.
Seeking to be like the people who inspired
her at a younger age, she aims to share as
much knowledge as possible.
“Women need to love their bodies right
now!” she says. “This helps the mental
process of moving forward, because they are
building their new body out of love instead
of shame.”
Self-worth and appreciation are
considered highly important contributors,
which she believes have the potential to get
women started.
“Take it day by day,” she says. “The road to
being fit comes in all shapes and sizes, and
it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I think the most
important thing women need to remember is
that they are able to work out. It’s a blessing,
not a chore.”
In discussing changes she would like to
see in the industry, Sara-Jane wants less
attention being paid to aesthetics.
“I would like to see more women
concentrating on health and strength as their
main goals,” she says.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting to
accomplish aesthetic goals, but the focus at
times can’t be all on looks. We need to give
younger girls something to look up to.
“Let’s break personal records, do pull-ups
like the boys, and encourage one another.”
Speaking of leading by example and
mixing it with the men, Sara-Jane’s
accomplishments in strongman training
show how far she’s come. This type of
strenuous exercise combines cardio and
extreme muscle working, creating a high
demand for oxygen.
Standing 155cm and weighing 47
kilograms, she blitzed the farmer’s carry
with 47 kilograms (105lb) in each hand —
carrying double her weight.
It’s a perfect snapshot that sums up her
transformation, both inside and out, from
the self-described weak, overweight woman
who ate sweets for breakfast and had no lung
power to the inspirational fit trainer who has
turned a weakness into a strength.
Sara-Jane reveals it was something she
always knew she was capable of.
“Today I feel so strong,” she says, “and, to
me, that’s the best feeling in the world.”at times because it’s normal to have low days,
Sara-Jane says regaining motivation to train
is easy, if you let it be.
“My motivation hack is simply putting
on my workout clothes and walking out the
door,” she says. “This puts my mind in a state
of motivation, and then I look forward to the
endorphin rush. Some of the best workouts
come from the days when it’s a struggle to get
out the door.”
These words may not have as much power
if they didn’t come from someone who has
known both sides, being overweight for a
time in her life, and who has had to become
educated and learn how to train and eat
for health and strength, which she passes
on to her clients. She says her past weight
battles help her to relate to others and their
struggles.
In terms of a nutrition plan, “I don’t have