Daily Inspiration: Meet Sara Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Thomas.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I currently own 2 business in Port Huron. Fit4Women, (formally Curves) and SaraCares, in-home healthcare. Women’s health has always been a priority to me. As a graduate of Central Mi University I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on Women’s lives thru health and fitness. I chose purchasing a Curves franchise that lead to owning 4 franchises in 2 years time. I was a franchise owner for 20 years, then became an independent owner of my own SilverSneakers contracted fitness studio for Senior Women. I have owned Fit4Women for 5 years.
My second business venture came out of COVID. My fitness business was forced to close for 6 months. I then starting taking care of the husband of a former member that passed away from cancer and thus “SaraCares” was officially its own business. Currently I help 4 clients and my own Mom. My duties range from physical therapy, doing laundry, aiding with medications, meals, shopping and daily necessities. Patience, kindness and love are what all my fitness members and in-home health care clients need and I can provide that for them.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had experienced the struggle of the the 2008 market crash with many businesses and factories closing in my area. This led to membership cancellations and going from 4 Curves locations to just one. Then during COVID with the mandatory shut down of 6 months and re-opening as Fit4Women, there were masking rules and limits to the amount of ladies in the facility at one time. This lead to additional loss of members and financial loss. During COVID I lost 70% of membership. I truly stayed open for selfish reasons. I am addicted to the work out of circuit training and having no where to put my equipment to workout, I chose to keep the business open while not being able to earn an income from the business. I knew this was best with me physically and mentally which meant it was also best for my members. If I wasn’t there for them, they would go home, sit down on the couch and start losing muscle mass. Therefore, I chose to stay open and find other avenues for income.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Specializing in Women’s health and fitness has allowed me to have a one-of-kind studio that features circuit training, utilizing hydraulic resistance machines. This workout is safe for all fitness levels. It is an instructor lead business so members feel we are there to help them achieve their fitness goals. The work out strengthens your heart, lowers your blood pressure and increases bone density all in a friendly, comfortable environment. Furthermore, I am a Cleveland Clinic certified weight loss coach that utilizes individual meal plans, goal setting and accountability for faster weight loss.
Owning this business has given me the opportunity to help our community. Each month at FIt4Women we do a collection for a local charity. Giving back and providing care for our own town is something I strive to do. Thru my community service projects and changing Women’s lives in our community, I was honored with the tile of Blue Water Women Health Educator of the Year in 2019. Hearing my members success stories about being able to pick up their grandchildren or going off their blood pressure pills or no longer having diabetes are all what keep me motivated to continue to own my fitness and weight loss Studio.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Port Huron is an amazing place to live. We have beautiful beaches, the Blue water Bridge and the river featuring daily Freighter sightings. The down town offers a specialty market, quaint little stores and a homey atmosphere. In the summer we have the Blue water festival which include the Port Huron to Mackinaw sail boat races, a large parade, a carnival and street vendors, food trucks and live music. Fall time is absolutely gorgeous with all the trees changing colors. There are several parks to enjoy and walking trails to take in the views of natures transition. In the winter time we have snowmobiling on the river and stunning views of the ice floating on Lake Huron. Port Huron definitely offers so much to residents as well as visitors and is located near Detroit and Canada.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fit4WomenPortHuron