Fitness Files: Laura Sachs
Laura D. Sachs has been actively involved in the fitness and health fields for over twenty years. She is the creator of E-MOTION® Mind/Body Yoga Walk and Relaxation Audio(s) and Mind/Body Fitness Video Program. From wellness coaching to Yoga, Laura knows the importance of the mind and body working together as one. Continue reading her Fitness Files interview below to learn more about her background and love for fitness.
NMF: Has fitness always been a major part of your life or was there a catalyst/point in your life when you made it more of a focus and priority?
Laura Sachs (LS): I have always been active, ballet, synchronized swimming and “song leading” when I was in high school. *Song leaders were not cheerleaders. We did aerobic dance movements and cartwheel splits.
After college, I began doing yoga by following Richard Hittleman’s book, “28 day Yoga Program". Found though, when I was a young mother there was no time to workout. I practiced yoga on my own. When the boys went to grammar school I carved time out and then got into teaching movement/aerobics because it was a passion for me.
NMF: What are a few of your go-to healthy snacks/drinks that help keep you on the straight and narrow?
LS: An apple sliced, sometimes with peanut butter. It is clean, sweet and refreshing. Tea, Republic of Tea green tea with brown rice. It is smooth and mellow. Some green teas are too much. Raw pecans and almonds are another go-to for me. I keep some in the car in a small baggy if need a boost.
NMF: How do you train your mind and stay motivated?
LS: I have mantras: “I am fit”, “I am healthy”, “I am loving", "I am loved” I use to keep in positive mode and on track. As Todd Durkin says, “Get your mind straight!!” It is true. I went to a Jack Canfield workshop in August. He recommends the same thing. What is your self-talk? What do you want to create in your life? Get these two in sync. I use gratitude statements as well, “I am so happy and grateful that…”
I have an inner critic that is hard on me. I realized I need also to give myself kudos every night for all that I have accomplished each day. Not just, “I am fit…” these do keep my attitude on track, but also sincerely acknowledging myself for how I show up every day. I tell my classes and clients to be grateful for how they show up in their life and the lives of their family and others. Can we let that sink in and truly appreciate our contribution?
NMF: How do you change your body? What are your fitness favorites?
LS: I talk to my college students at University of San Francisco about the Sheldon Somatotypes. We all inherited a certain body type. Even though none of us are a pure mesomorph, ectomorph or endomorph, we own the strengths and characteristics of our prominent type(s). I am a meso/endo combo. I have strong thighs and will never have 501 jean legs. I have a waist and a bust. So there you go! I do several types of workouts. Cardio with weights, barre, yoga, reformer, and cycling. I love to move and moving equates keeping my energy up. For me, it is not the scale that matters. How I feel in my body matters. I may need to look at my activities and habits to ascertain where to trim diet/habits or where to increase activity. I am very active. I also listen to guided meditations to recharge and stay productive. I have created 5 5-minute meditations that are meant to be done seated. Before an appointment, I can sit in my parked car and listen. Even listening for 5 minutes, becoming aware of the present moment and your breath can shift one's energy and recharges one. Check out my website: laurasachs.com I practice what I teach.
For more information on Laura find her on Instagram @lsachs4 and Facebook @FitFoody