Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Iro.
Hi Sandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Back in 2009, I was told by my doctor that the benign tumors also known as uterine fibroids were getting larger.
It was the first time I’ve heard that something could possibly be attacking my body and the reason for my weight gain, depression, and why I always felt so lethargic.
As a former athlete, I knew this meant taking my power back and doing something about it. Not only did I do the procedure needed to alleviate my condition, but it was then I realized the importance of taking care of my health and fitness.
So, I committed to myself that I would train not only my body but also my mindset. It meant that after my work shift, I’d carve out time dedicated to the betterment of me.
A co-worker noticed how steadfast I was to my mission that she, too, wanted to join me. It was then that I truly discovered my passion to become a personal trainer: we would go for runs, hit the stairs, do bodyweight exercises, and resistance training.
She and I bonded during the seven months we worked out together. Nearly 50 pounds down later, she expressed that I quit and pursue personal training as a career. You know what, she was right! March 2019, I made the decision that I wanted to empower others to find the strength from within and to become their own Sheroes and Heroes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” – Brené Brown
When I ultimately made the decision to work independently as a personal trainer/fitness coach, I had NO clue that I was about to embark on this journey in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.
My husband and I quit our corporate jobs to pursue our passion of traveling. April 2019, we loaded our backpacks and explored over 10 countries in Southeast Asia for 7 months. It was a dream that we talked about on our first date and nearly 10 years later it became our reality. It was truly life-altering!
We came back and after tons of noodles, rice and everything in between I was at my heaviest. I thought, “How am I going to convince people to hire me as trainer looking like this?!” I had to show up for myself harder than I ever did.
In the midst of me losing the weight I had gained, I had to also study for my certification. In between trying to focus on what muscles are considered overactive vs underactive, waves of horrific news about a worldwide pandemic flooded my phone and TV.
It was the scariest moment for the world and here I am trying to barely get my business off the ground.
I had one client and needed to find ways to expand all while in the middle of one the deadliest times for humans. Needless to say, I had to be brave in the midst of darkness. I knew my calling meant crawling towards the light. So, I had teamed up with other Dallas trainers and realized to survive this thing meant thinking outside of the box: offering virtual training, pre-recorded workout videos, whatever it took to get this message out about Fitness Shero I did.
It took pivoting and re-pivoting to survive this especially as a novice to running my own business. I relied heavily on friends who’ve been running their business and took notes along the way.
Doubt, worry, and asking myself whether I can pull this off crept in my subconscious. Meanwhile, more devastating news came in from social media outlets, family, and friends who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic. I had to go back to 2009 and asked myself why I still needed to do this and it was then I realized the light from within myself is exactly what the world needs right now.
So, despite the struggles I knew that this was bigger than me – it always has. That mindset was the shift I needed to keep going.
We’ve been impressed with Fitness Shero, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As the owner of Fitness Shero, I have developed my own method of training my clients. I live and teach by the motto that health is a feeling from within not a look.
My background consists of multiple forms of training including weight loss, building lean muscles, low-impact exercises, and performance optimization while also integrating fun games and a sense of humor during my sessions.
As a certified personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, I’m known for fun and innovative ways to get women and men to feel empowered from within through movement.
My passion to change people’s lives in the simplest and most realistic way is personal. While struggling with depression, fluctuating weight, and fibroids for over a decade, I knew the importance of putting my mental and physical health first. This goes beyond helping individuals look their best – it’s my connection through mindset, motivation and performance are why Shereos and Heroes pick me to be part of their fitness and health journey.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can connect with me through my website www.fitnesshero.com, social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook @fitness.shero, or via email at sandy.fitnesshero@gmail.com.
I am currently offering group virtual sessions weekly on Wednesdays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 8 am CST.
Me and other empowering Sheroes and Heroes, get our sweat on virtually. There you’ll see my big personality and motivating others to keep pushing past their comfort zones.
Pricing:
- $79/month – 1hr Group Virtual Training
- $400/month – 1hr Private In-Person Training, 2x per week
- $600/month – 1hr Private In-Person Training, 3x per week
- $200/month – 1hr Private Virtual Training, 2x per week
- $300/month – 1hr Private Virtual Training, 3x per week
Contact Info:
- Email: sandy.fitnesshero@gmail.com
- Website: www.fitnessshero.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitness.shero
Image Credits
Jazzella McKeel
