Blog Interview with Sam Stuart

Blog Interview with Sam Stuart
Pregnant and Postpartum Athleticism Coach
Trauma-informed Personal Trainer, LCSW-C

One of the best parts of working as a physical therapist and fitness coach is the opportunity to meet so many like-minded people. This week, I am interviewing Sam Stuart. Sam is a licensed mental health therapist and trauma informed personal trainer in Baltimore. Keep reading to learn more about Sam and the services she provides. You can also find Sam at Braving Wellness or in partnership with 410 Fitness.

1. What is your background in health and wellness?

I played sports throughout my life, soccer being my main sport. I knew there were mental health benefits to being active but what felt most impactful to my health and wellness was the sense of community, support, and connection I got from participating in sports. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people through movement which inspired me to become a fitness coach about 7 years ago. As I began coaching general fitness classes, I realized I didn’t have any specialized training for the pregnant and postpartum athletes that would attend my classes. With my bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work and 10+ years of experience in the mental health field, I knew this population deserved better. I believe the pregnant and postpartum journey is one of the most transformative and vulnerable life experiences you can go through. I am really passionate about creating a space for healing, embodied movement, and community for this population.

2. What inspired you to open your own business?

When the pandemic hit, I started to explore movement in a different way. I was forced to look inward and challenge patterns that no longer served me. I started to notice the messages I shared in the past as a fitness coach, the messages from trainers/coaches I trained with to “push through it”, “no excuses”, and “leave it at the door”, were doing more harm than good. These messages can overwhelm your nervous system and encourage you to disconnect from your body and increase the chance of injury. The best way to move well is to be able to focus on how your body is moving when you move it. My personal experiences with fitness and my unique skill set as a mental health therapist and fitness coach motivated me to start my own business.

3. How is mental well-being related to physical well-being?

Your mental well-being and your physical well-being function in a system that works together, not separately. There is a constant feedback loop of information and resources passed between your mind and your body. The way you feel in your body influences the way you think. We can tend to our bodies/nervous system through movement by increasing awareness of sensations and regulating our nervous system in the moment.

The gym setting has traditionally not been a safe space for all people. A culture of discipline and punishment can be a breeding ground for disordered eating and exercise. Exercise can also be triggering. The physiological effects from exercise are similar to a trauma response (i.e. increased heart rate, fast breathing, temperature changes). When we are triggered, our flight/fight/freeze/fawn response is activated. If this is regularly happening while exercising, it can create continued unhelpful patterns inside and outside of the gym.

As a trauma-informed personal trainer, I can help you engage with movement to gradually build your capacity to check-in with your body and find safety and nervous system regulation. Staying present with your feelings, thoughts, and sensations helps you know what you need, have agency, and set boundaries.

4. Who would most benefit from your services?

Individuals looking to engage in 1:1 embodied movement practice for restoration of safety and connection with the body. You do not have to identify as being traumatized or trauma survivor to benefit from embodied movement. Individuals who want to explore a more sustainable approach to exercise through practicing non-judgment, curiosity, and self-compassion will benefit from trauma-informed personal training.

In addition, I offer 1:1 training, consultations, and group classes for the pregnant and postpartum population, focusing on breathing patterns, strategies to manage intra abdominal pressure, tension, position and movement to help preserve core and pelvic floor health.