Sarah Ballinger

Growing up I loved watching all kinds of sports with my dad which lead me to fall in the love with game of soccer. After years of playing, I coached girl’s soccer throughout my college years. Once I became a mom, I was eager to find myself again both physically and mentally. I began my journey teaching Pure Barre. With certifications in four format under that fitness brand, I have taught 4,000+ group fitness classes. During my time teaching, I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease which had been slowly destroying my body for my 13 years undiagnosed and untreated. Having a chronic illness means there are days, I am not Sarah- in spirit, body or mind, but I discovered that building up my muscle base, strengthening my core and increasing my stamina helps prevent those debilitating symptoms more than anything I have tried to date. We all have things that pull on us behind closed doors, but we do not have to give into them. We wanted to bring Sweat Project to our community, so people would have a safe and welcoming space to get healthier, stronger and that toned body of their dreams.

When I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme, it was April 2020. I was at my lowest point in my life. I felt like everything I built was crumbling away- my body was failing me. I felt like each day waking with more pain should be my last. My diagnosis gave me freedom to fight for another day. As I entered treatment and got stronger, my mindset changed regarding my body and life. Each moment is precious, and I want to enjoy this life to fullest and into very old age. My body did not fail me- in fact it fought hard every day and it deserves to feel strong and healthy. It is easy to push our workouts to the side- there’s literally always something and no one has the time, but my life changed and continues to get better with each workout. Not only do I get stronger physically but mentally as I build these habits that show I am stronger than anything being thrown my way. And you are too!