Welcome to my blog Sarah. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about yourself, your book ‘99 Things Women wish they knew before Getting Fit Without Hitting The Gym’, T.V. appearances, and Dancing with Parkinson’s.
Q. Tell us about your latest work—title, genre, etc. — and why you wrote it?
A. My latest book Getting fit without Hitting the Gym is part of the revolutionary 99 series. It is a practical, fun and simple guide to living a healthier life in the places where you are spending the bulk of your time without having to go to the gym. There is a health crisis with over 3 billion people suffering from obesity on our planet. One of the main reasons is that people have a lack of time and money to workout. In this very unstable economic time people are working more and more hours and can’t seem to find the time to take care of their physical and mental fitness. This book breaks down the perceived barriers to healthy fit living by giving day by day tips and tools to live a more active, mindful and satisfying life through exercise in the places people are spending the bulk of their time.
Q What draws you to your genre(s)? Why is this type of story compelling to you?
A. I have been in the fitness industry for 15 years and have seen trends come and go. The only truly sustainable way to increase your longevity and stay energized and healthy is through exercises. I empathize with the masses that it can be truly impossible to make it to the gym when we have so many obligations with work and family. It is a necessary step to start looking at our environments as our own 24 hour gyms so that we can make practical and incremental efforts to live healthier. I am very inspired and passionate about finding sustainable approaches to healthy fit living. I am not interested in quick fixes, boot camps or spending hours on end working out. I don’t believe that fitness is an all or nothing approach. Healthy living can be obtained by taking little steps each day on the path to longevity and a tight tush! Every little bit of exercise adds up and has a huge pay off for our mind body and soul.
Q. What is your writing process like? Do you map the whole thing out or do you just let it unfold?
A. Usually I brainstorm for a few days and jot down whatever comes to mind. Then I ask clients and other people what their personal challenges are on the subject. I then research answers and try to make them as simple and practical to understand. I always begin with the main chapter headings so there is a clear road that unfolds. I wrote about 5 drafts of this book. If I had more time I would still be doing re –writes!
Q. What kind of research was involved in writing your book?
A. I am a health journal junkie, read magazines, surf the web, and ask professional opinions to make sure I have the facts right. Most importantly I am writing from years of experience in implementing the tips and tools with myself and my clients. I have seen great success with those who fit little bits of exercise in all throughout the day.
Q. How much of YOU makes it into your characters?
A. 100 percent of what I write is personally applicable. Write what you know. I can be confident to say I know about the challenges of fitting it all in. We all face many demands, challenges and barriers to health. I have found ways to leap through the gates and make mindful minute by minute changes to make life easier and more enjoyable to live.
Q. How do you balance the need to have time to write with the needs of family, society, etc.?
A. When I am writing (even now as I fill out this interview) I set my alarm 2 hours before the household wakes up! I need absolute quiet! I am a single mom and have a dog and run a few businesses. Once my son and dog wake up it’s a bit of a scramble. I work best in the morning …my brain turns to mush at 7pm at night.
Q. When you are able to take time away from writing and your business what do you do for fun and relaxation?
A. I love to have dinner with my friends, get a massage or go see a movie with my son.
Q. What other projects are you currently working on or about to start?
A. I am currently developing a TV series aimed at getting people fit on the job…stay tuned.
Q. Could you share some of your marketing strategies? Which ones are the most effective in your opinion?
A. Social networking is the way to go. Also you can’t be afraid to ask, friends family and colleagues to spread the word. If you believe in what you have written about its easy to ask.
Q. What would be the top five, (or 3 or 1 or however many) things you would tell aspiring authors?
A. Looking back on published work can be disheartening…lots of I should haves pop up. Don’t be down on yourself for anything you have written. You can always improve on it in your next book!
Again, thanks Sarah for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. We appreciate you and your work.
Q. Sarah, you have a very interesting background. I understand that you are a trained Ballet Dancer and have trained at the Bolshoi Ballet School, Moscow. Could you tell us about your experience as a dancer?
A. I began dancing at 10 years old in Toronto with a professional childrens company. When I was 16 I trained in Russia and went right to Europe to begin my career. I danced classical ballet for many years then moved into musicals . I had a wonderfully lucky career as a dancer and choreograpgher that provided me with a motivation and work ethic that has helped me in every aspect of my life.
Q. What led you to design dance classes for people with Parkinson's Disease?
A. I was working as a personal trainer with a client who was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and I was researching the best way to get his body moving through exercise. I learned that dance was a good therapy from a company in NYC and I decided that would be my give back to the community by starting a weekly dance class for those with PD. Please visit our website www.dancingparkinsons.com
It is a magical class that is the highlight of my week. We now are in our 4th year operations and have 5 locations in our city.
Q. I am sure my readers would be interested to learn more about your T.V. work in New York and Toronto.
A. I am on air fitness expert for a couple of shows I Toronto and in NYC. I provide segments on every topic to improve our physical health. I always provide exercises that can be done anywhere anytime without going to the gym.
Q. Are the people you work with in keeping fit from all walks of life or mainly business women and men?
A. I train every age and ability. I have some children suffering with obesity and young adults . I train actors, bankers, musician, doctors, ….personal training isn’t just for the wealthy anymore. I think more and more people are realizing that personal traiining can really help them with a clear structure to reaching their goals.
Q. Can you share with our readers one of your most effective/favorite keep fit tips?
A. I try to make everything in my life as active as possible. I walk run or ride my bike wherever I can. I play sports with my son. I make running dates with my girlfriends . I try to incorporate fitness into every aspect of my life so I don’t resent slogging away at the gym!
Good luck with your current and future publications, T.V. show and Dancing with Parkinson's.
For more information:
Email: sarah@sarahrobichaud.com
Purchase: Amazon and 99 series website
Sarah Robichaud is an on-air fitness expert for CBC Television's Steven and Chris and CBS Early Morning Saturday in NYC.
Sarah is also the president, founder and creative director of the charitable organization Dancing with Parkinson's.
She is the Author of Getting Fit Without Hitting the Gym, and of Working on the Ball - a simple guide to office fitness. Sarah is a motivational keynote speaker for corporate events and wellness workshops.
Please go to the comments button below in white box next to the time to interact with our Author and other readers.
Please go to the comments button below in white box next to the time to interact with our Author and other readers.
Hi Sarah, Love your interview. I like to walk and understand that 10,000 steps is the minimum to be healthy. Does that have to be all at once or can it be all steps throughout the day?
ReplyDeleteThanks
This is a very interesting interview with Sarah who is someone who has a sympathetic insight into the struggles that people have with trying to be healthy and keep fit. I admire her ability to be so focussed and motivated to adapt around the difficulties that present in her everyday life in her attempt to reach others.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your kind words.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to the question your 10, 000 steps are accumulative throughout the day and do not have to be completed all in one go! Good luck and thank you for writing.
Thank you Sarah. That makes me feel better as I was finding it a struggle to get in 10,000 steps on all my walks. But seem to do an awful lot of walking in the house!
ReplyDeleteI'm now doing some of the exercises I saw on you videos...so hope to be getting really in shape.