Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandi Griffin.
Hi Sandi, 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?
I’m a professional fitness coach and former IFBB International Women’s Physique athlete. I’m married to an amazing husband and the proud mom of three incredible grown kids. I love outdoor adventures and mountain biking and I’ve even had the opportunity to fly a plane! I LOVE coffee, leggings and I’m a little bit silly. But there’s more to me than you might think…..or at least there used to be.
The Air Force moved our family to Germany in early 2002. I wasn’t quite prepared for all the challenges I would face and gained 30 pounds within the first year.
The weight gain continued and my health deteriorated to a point I feared a stroke or heart attack would be in my very near future. At the age of 33, I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure among other severe health issues, all due to my unhealthy sedentary lifestyle. Lacking any self-esteem, I felt completely defeated.
2007 was my turning point. My family deserved a healthy mom and wife. I knew I was headed down a dangerous path and I was afraid of dying at a young age. A skiing accident that resulted in a traumatic knee injury ended up being a blessing in disguise. Physical therapy introduced me to the gym.
In early 2008, I began to make better nutrition choices and starting training with my husband. In a matter of months, I had lost a substantial amount of weight and discovered how strong I was becoming. Later that year, at the age of 35, I entered my first bodybuilding competition. I told my husband, “You created this monster!”
As my training continued, the strength and confidence I gained was invaluable. I felt like I could conquer anything. It’s amazing to think that I barely knew the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell when I first began. Now there’s no exercise, no challenge or any obstacle that I know I can’t overcome.
Little did I know that my own personal journey and transformation would inspire others and lead me to my career as a professional fitness coach.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been without lots of challenges and obstacles. Living overseas for 17 years was absolutely amazing and challenging at the same time. Starting a business in a foreign country came with lots of learning and growing opportunities. As a new business owner, navigating American and German tax laws and all the intricacies was sometimes frustrating as well as frightening – German tax authorities could suspend your passport for tax violations! In addition, marketing to a multinational/multilingual community was something I never imagined having to accomplish.
Another unique challenge was the ever-changing military community that we lived in. Military families overseas typically move every 2-3 years. Learning how to effectively reach a brand new community each year was absolutely unique compared to most businesses.
Fast forward to 2019, when we had to move back to the United States after 17 years. This was by far the most challenging and rewarding venture. So many new opportunities were available that is was seriously overwhelming. Coming ‘home’ meant reintegrating to a completely different culture. Networking, marketing, advertising in our new community took a bit of time to understand and do effectively, and I spent lots of money and countless days that yielded zero return before feeling like I had a solid foundation to build on.
Nine months after relocating to Colorado, I felt like I was finally having some success in getting established. Then in March 2020, the world was introduced to COVID-19. Like most businesses, big and small, we all had a lot of learning, pivoting, redirecting to do. I feel like my willingness to try even if I fail, learn valuable lessons through those experiences, and staying disciplined in finding creative ways to move forward has enabled me to be incredibly successful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I always tell people, “I have the BEST job in the world!” I have over 15 years of experience as a Certified Professional Fitness Coach. My extensive experience with strength training, weight loss, injury prevention/recovery, and competition preparation cultivated my outstanding reputation as a fitness professional, making me a sought-after consultant with Olympic and World Champion Athletes, U.S. Military Special Forces members, Medical Professionals as well as Corporate Businesses.
I am an accomplished IFBB International Women’s Physique athlete, bodybuilding coach, speaker and mentor. My own personal fitness journey many years ago fueled an unrelenting desire to empower others, helping them discover the beauty and strength they have to achieve things they never imagined possible. I mentor with passion, guiding my clients to effectively achieve their fitness goals and elevate their fitness and wellness to new heights.
In my 15 years as a professional coach, I have grown to understand that most people reach a moment in their life where they need help. This is almost always a result of an emotional or physical trauma (example: abuse, car accident, etc.), past and/or present. Having compassion, patience and being able to truly listen to a person will go far beyond any meal plan or training program in helping them achieve true health, wellness and success in their life. I may only be the start or just one small piece of their journey, but I am committed to making every moment count.
My brand and my mission have always been – and always will be – centered around building a stronger, healthier, more empowered community, one person, one relationship at a time.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The list is long!! If I had to choose just three characteristics or qualities that are important to my success, it would be these:
Integrity: I am committed to being authentic in all my relationships, practices and endeavors. I adhere to delivering on promises made with the utmost sincerity and genuineness. This trait, above all others, is central to my beliefs and being. I hold integrity in the highest regard, for without integrity, all other traits are meaningless. I am transparent about my shortcomings and strive daily to seek opportunities of growth, both personally and professionally.
Connectedness: I diligently practice being an active listener and connecting with people beyond the surface. I understand the power of real and true connection and the effect it can have on one’s life, therefore I approach each situation as an opportunity to make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact. I seek out relationships that are rooted in compassion, respect and a desire to learn and understand, even in the midst of diversity. Demonstrating humility, humor, understanding and empathy can begin to break down even the strongest of walls.
Excellence: I take pride in ensuring the services I provide exceed the highest standards. The passion for the work I perform is demonstrated by the highest quality customer service experience. My commitment to continuing education and discovery for personal and professional growth is a priority to ensure I am ever moving forward as an individual, professional and leader.
Pricing:
- Fitness App Virtual Coaching + Nutrition $250/mo
- Professional Fitness Coaching (in-person, all levels) $60/hr
- Workshops (nutrition, bodybuilding, etc) $75/person (6 person min)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sandigriffin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandi.griffin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandigriffinfitness
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/griffin_sandi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sandigriffinfitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandi-griffin-fitness-colorado-springs
