How/Why I Do What I Do: Becoming a Fitness Coach

I used to think I’d be a writer. That was my plan when I moved to Missoula in 1989. I got a degree to be a writer but my path led to fitness.

Words are always milling around in my head so I thought I’d share a little who I am and how I got to Erin Sabin Fitness & Wellness. 

I grew up outside and moving, part of a family that considered physical activity, especially outside, a core value.  I felt like I was on the fringe of fitting in wherever I was, and my athletic abilities became what opened doors to belonging.

I learned running cleared my head and my body was a simple vehicle for adventuring.  I learned that I could push myself through pain, fear, discomfort and adversity (shitty weather, bad partners, messed up nutrition, gear fails to name a few).  I learned my physical strength gave me confidence and independence.  I learned moving my body gave me peace and I learned that if I quit moving my body there would come a time when my body wouldn’t move me.

Through physical activity I made friends, I saw amazing places and I was "gifted" literal and figurative crash courses in resiliency*.

*these keep coming, fyi

I've struggled with body dysmorphia and disordered eating behaviors*.

*still filters in here and there, I pay attention to triggers, habits, how my head is feeling.

I was praised by coaches when my menstrual cycles stopped (too thin, ultra low body fat, too much exercise) and I went through menopause so long ago I can't remember when.  I have measured my food to the gram, tried intermittent fasting, gone vegetarian, paleo, keto and considered a raw diet, but that felt “too extreme.”  I have tracked my weight, my body fat, my heart rate and my exercise.

Somewhere in all that, people started asking me questions; how to fuel for a long run, why their knees hurt, how to prep for ski season, whatever they thought I knew for some reason.  Turns out I did have answers and I realized I was a good coach.  I earned certifications as a personal trainer; health, life, and nutrition coach; in Olympic weightlifting, kettlebells, TRX, and so many more.

I trained clients and filmed workout videos in storage units, borrowed spaces and outside.  I worked in local health clubs, built programs and taught group fitness classes.  In 2021 the opportunity to open my own gym fell in my lap and Erin Sabin Fitness & Wellness became a thing.

Coming up on 5 years and I’m proud of the space I’ve (we’ve) created; it’s a community, it’s real, it’s safe (emotionally & physically), it’s fun, and when women come through my door they walk out stronger.

Build strength and confidence, connect with community, push limits, have fun doing what you love; this is what I work to create for and with my clients.  Curious, feel free to reach out, I’d love to show you around!

xo, erin