Mytime Active Stories - Sarah
For many of our members Sarah Elston, 44, is a familiar face who embodies the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. As the Group Exercise Manager for Bromley and parts of our Birmingham estate, Sarah oversees up to 380 classes a week and manages a database of nearly 100 instructors. She also teaches regular sessions including Aquafit and Aqua Zumba.
A firm favourite with our customers, we’re frequently told Sarah’s a shining light, who puts a smile on everyone's face and inspires those around her. Sarah says: “I’m so lucky to love what I do. My job is my passion and seeing the impact of my work is truly the best part. We are in the business of improving lives, one class at a time. Members often tell me what a difference coming to class makes to their day.”
Sarah started at Mytime Active 16 years ago as a class instructor and worked her way up to become Gym Manager at The Walnuts Leisure Centre before stepping into her current regional leadership role. Sarah explains: “Growing up, I had a passion for dance and performance; I spent my younger years performing at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. However, at the age of 23, I found myself navigating life as a single parent. Being a single mum and working part time was really tough, so to carve out some time for myself, I started coming to the leisure centre. I would book my son into the creche and join a class. As my son grew older I took him swimming, too. The leisure centre became part of our lives and coming to exercise classes gave me focus and direction.
“By the time my son started school, I really wasn’t enjoying my job in fashion and textiles; I wanted a career that had more flexibility. Because I felt so at home in the group exercise environment, and had a background in dance and performance, I decided to retrain as a fitness instructor. I’ve not looked back since.”
She goes on to say: “Once I was qualified and I’d gotten over my initial nerves, it felt like I’d finally found what I was good at. Group exercise became my stage and my customers were my audience.”
Sarah’s personal philosophy on fitness is rooted in accessibility and mental wellbeing, rather than just physical aesthetics. She is a firm believer that the hardest part of fitness is getting started. Sarah explains: “People often think fitness is purely physical, but for me it’s always been about that emotional connection. Exercise resets my mindset and restores my motivation. Once the music starts, something clicks. I’ve never regretted a workout, even if I didn’t feel like starting.”
Sarah works hard to ensure our customers, especially those new to classes, feel reassured and welcomed. She trains our instructors to do the same, too. She says: “I totally understand that starting a new class or coming to the gym for the first time can be intimidating. I always advise people to just start with what you enjoy, as you’re more likely to stick to it. I encourage new members to make themselves known to the instructor or PT, so they can keep an eye out for them, plus I remind them that everyone in the room is focused on their own journey, no one is looking at them. No one is judging. Everyone’s got their own internal struggles and challenges.
“I am dedicated to ensuring our instructors are compassionate, and always available for a quick chat before or after the class. Our instructors are a real touch point for customers, and this human side of teaching is great for member retention. I love chatting to customers; I feel it’s really important to be available to hear what our customers are saying. This immediate feedback helps me to fine tune our group exercise programme.
“During my career with Mytime Active, I’ve had the unique privilege of mentoring many instructors who started out as customers. I love spotting that spark in a regular attendee and encouraging them to take the leap into retraining. Seeing someone fall in love with a class format and supporting them as they upskill into a professional career is extremely fulfilling!”
The group exercise classes are extremely popular at Mytime Active, and a lot of this is down to the timetabling. Sarah explains: “Managing Mytime Active’s extensive timetable is a big job. We want to get the right balance of classes at the right time with the right amazing instructors. There is so much variety from indoor cycling, functional circuit training, dancing, aqua, holistic classes as well as specialist sessions designed for our Primetime members and our My Club (adult disability) classes. I’m extremely proud of our holistic offering, which is especially popular with a near 100% attendance.”
Sarah her family remain committed to trying to find a healthy balance and, in addition to her teaching schedule and managing the class programme, she still finds time to workout and go for a run. “My career in exercise was ignited when I was at a bit of a low in my life. Throughout the years, and as my life has changed, it has remained my one constant.”