Meet Sarah‑Jane
It Started in Zimbabwe
Before I could properly tie my shoes, I was already in love with movement. While other kids played house, I was racing around tracks, splashing through swimming pools, and discovering that my body could do incredible things.
Before I remember much else, I recall tearing around tracks and running through fields, relishing the effort it took to move fast and the challenge of competition.
As a young kid growing up in rural Zimbabwe, I had plenty of opportunities for athletics. Soon, the track and cross-country mix was supplemented with competitive swimming, a sport that would become central to my life years later.
As an adult, I found my passion as a provincial-level swimmer, triathlete and bike racer. I lived and breathed sport.
But here’s what really shaped me: watching my father.
The Influence That Changed Everything
My father was an amateur bodybuilder, and a strong one at that.
Day after day, I watched him transform his body through discipline and dedication. What I learned wasn’t just about muscles, it was about the power of consistency.
I was fascinated not only by strength but by how movement could be purposeful. I was drawn to endurance sports, where every part of the body worked together as one efficient system. Long before it was trendy, I was already chasing functional fitness.
Our house was littered with magazines showcasing the likes of Frank Zane, Arnold, and other greats of the day. I was captivated by displays of such incredible strength, both physical and psychological.
With my father’s influence, it was inevitable that I would one day turn my focus to weightlifting and bodybuilding.
I began to study human anatomy, scour bodybuilding manuals and dive headfirst into one of the best, most diverse sports I know. 20 years later I have explored most of what is out there, and I love it all.
When Passion Became Purpose
Twenty years ago, I made the choice that would define my life: to truly understand the human body. I studied anatomy, pored over bodybuilding manuals, and explored every sport I could find.
That’s when I discovered something powerful: fitness isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling unstoppable in your own skin.
My passion for fitness, both inside a gym and outside facing the elements, led me to a career in one of Canada’s leading outdoor recreation retail companies.
For 25 years I surrounded myself with like-minded, active people, seeking to challenge themselves physically and mentally. For 15 of those years, I was actively involved in spearheading and managing several annual fitness series and events in my role as store manager.
After 25 years immersed in the ‘sale’ of fitness and outdoor recreation, it seemed a natural move for me to sell fitness in a different and more holistic way. Owning a gym has also always been a ‘bucket list item’ for me.
Five years ago, I brought that philosophy to life by opening Beyond Fitness, and every day since, I’ve been helping people discover what their bodies are truly capable of.
What I Hear From Clients (Maybe You Can Relate)
After years of training people, I’ve noticed a pattern. Many come to me saying:
“I used to be so active, but life got in the way.”
“I don’t recognize myself anymore.”
“I want to feel strong again, but I don’t know where to start.”
“I’m tired of making excuses.”
What I’ve Learned About Real Strength
Now, as a mother of two boys in my 50s, I understand what I couldn’t in my competitive days: true fitness isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, consistently.
I’ve never felt healthier or stronger, and it’s not because I spend hours in the gym. It’s because I’ve learned:
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Fitness is a habit, not a gift.
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Success is a decision, not luck.
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Your body is designed to be strong, it just needs the right guidance.
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Age isn’t a limitation, it’s simply a new chapter in your fitness story.
Sound familiar?
Why I Do This Work
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I don’t believe in excuses because I’ve seen what happens when people stop making them.
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I’ve watched women in their 50s discover strength they didn’t know they had.
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I’ve seen mothers reclaim their energy and confidence
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And I’ve witnessed transformations that reach far beyond the physical.
“Your best years aren’t behind you. They’re the ones you decide to build now.”
What You Can Expect
At Beyond Fitness, you’ll never be left to figure it out alone. My team and I are here to guide you every step of the way, with trainers who share my philosophy:
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Your journey is unique, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
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Success is a decision, not luck.
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Small, consistent actions create lasting change.
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Excellence isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence.
Ready to Rediscover Your Strength?
If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making progress, let’s talk.
Your body has been waiting for you to remember what it’s capable of.