My name is Sarah Buckley. I am coach and owner of Persist Fitness and co-owner of the Prevail Strength x Movement training facility in Cincinnati, Ohio. I get asked a lot: How did you become a trainer?
It was a circuitous route! In 2010 I graduated from the University of Dayton with a BA in Political Science and International Studies with a concentration in human rights. I wanted to help people! I wanted to advocate for them and make an impact! I was also very passionate about exercise. At UD I was a member of the Women’s Track and Field team and after graduating my training routine felt a little bit like, “what now?!” I know some of you are familiar with that feeling: I want to move, but how do I start and what do I do?
After graduating I was working for a local non-profit, Dress for Success Cincinnati and was teaching spinning classes on the side. I got my foot in the fitness door by teaching spinning and other group fitness. Personal training isn’t like other, traditional.
What’s my training style? Professional and comfortable. I like to get to know the people I’m working with.
The fitness industry can feel like the wild west. I was happy to be working as a personal trainer, getting to help people with their fitness everyday, but I didn’t feel at home. My goal for my clients is that they feel heard, are educated about how they can better themselves, and In 2018 I started Persist Fitness with the goal of creating a non-intimidating environment that meets people where they are and helps them to construct and achieve goals. I am here to provide the individuals with the chance to do things and be someone they may have never thought possible!
Currently, I hold my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credentials from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. I have my Functional Range Conditioning Movement Specialist and Internal Strength Model Coaching certifications. I am an ELDOA 1 & 2 Student.
I am married to Tim, and we have two children named Colin and Sloane. We have a dog named Karl. Additionally, I compete in powerlifting, and in my spare time, I enjoy reading and cooking.
