Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Welch

Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

Nearly 12 years ago, I made the decision to quit drinking—a single choice that set off a journey of reclaiming my life, bit by bit. What began as an effort to feel present and whole again led me to movement as an outlet, eventually guiding me to endurance sports and adventures I once could only dream of. From triathlons to marathons, each challenge gave me strength and purpose, pushing me to explore my limits. With that same drive, I pursued a career in fitness, and after over three years as a personal trainer, I co-founded Resolve Fitness with my business partner, Kate. Today, my mission is to help others find their strength, build resilience, and discover the athlete within, no matter where they are in life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Early on, I used to run from obstacles, but I’ve learned to face them head-on. Real growth, I’ve found, happens in discomfort—those moments that push us past what’s familiar.
My biggest obstacle, however, has always been myself. Overcoming self-doubt and the urge to take the easy way out has taken more discipline and grit than I ever imagined. But I’ve learned that we don’t have to face it all alone. Asking for help was my first step toward sobriety, and it’s what allowed me to invest in myself and finally break past my own limits.

Just recently, Resolve moved into a larger space. It would have been easier to stay where we were, but this move reflects our commitment to building a true space where people feel supported. With help from friends and family, we handled the transition ourselves, which reinforced both the support around us and our vision for something bigger.

Challenges like this remind me of a recent 200-mile bike ride I completed over two days. The first 70 miles were in torrential rain—freezing, uncomfortable, and nearly impossible to see ahead. Quitting would have been easy, but I was surrounded by hundreds of cyclists pushing through the same conditions. Along the way, shared moments of support—like coffee and hot dogs at a rest stop—reminded me of the power of connection.

We all have things we’re dealing with, and knowing we don’t have to face them alone can make all the difference. When we tackle challenges together, we don’t just grow stronger individually—we build resilience that carries us forward.

We’ve been impressed with Resolve Fitness , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

At Resolve Fitness Ballard, we’re more than just a personal training studio; we’re a place where grit, growth, and resilience meet purpose. Founded by Kate and me in the heart of Ballard, Seattle, we’ve built Resolve as a sanctuary for people ready to reclaim their health, energy, and confidence. Together, we’ve created a place where we support clients in their fitness journey through evidence-based practices, focusing on lasting results rather than quick fixes. We believe that fitness is about building a foundation strong enough to handle whatever life throws your way.

Our specialty lies in guiding women in midlife who are navigating the changes brought on by perimenopause and menopause. This period of life is often accompanied by body composition changes, energy fluctuations, and physical discomforts that other programs overlook or attempt to “fix” with temporary solutions. We approach these challenges with science-backed methods, helping women increase lean muscle mass, support bone density, and achieve balanced health, all without the gimmicks that flood today’s fitness market.

What sets us apart is our holistic, client-centered approach to training. At Resolve, each person’s journey is unique, and we take the time to align their goals with realistic expectations, building strength and resilience through consistency and intention. We’re not a gym chasing quick transformations. Instead, we focus on sustainable, life-changing results that empower our clients to move better, feel better, and live better. I’m most proud that we foster a community built on trust, empowerment, and real results—clients know they have a space where their well-being is the priority.

We offer one-on-one coaching, partner sessions, and hybrid coaching—a blend of in-person and guided virtual sessions—to support our clients both inside and outside the studio. Our programs are designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy and a return to doing what they love, whether that’s playing with grandkids, hiking, or moving through life pain-free.

What I want readers to know about Resolve is that we’re here to nurture the athlete in everyone. We define an athlete as anyone trained or skilled in physical activities, from sports to life’s daily demands. Every movement is an opportunity to build strength and confidence, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way, making sure you feel capable, empowered, and ready to embrace life head-on.

What were you like growing up?

Growing up, I was a curious, observant kid with a love for activity and exploration. I was drawn to the outdoors and sports, anything that kept me moving and engaged. Summers were spent at the Beach Club, running on logs, jumping off 30-foot towers, and swimming for hours. I loved bike rides and camping trips with my dad and brothers, where we’d fish, look for snakes and lizards, and make memories around the campfire. I was a bit of a tomboy, always wanting to fit in with my brothers, but I also loved helping my mom in the kitchen, cooking up meals together.

I had a creative side, too—choreographing gymnastics routines or dances with friends, fully in my element. But I also put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed. I stressed over grades, getting caught up in the details and often missing the big picture. My mom would remind me, “It’s only a test” or, “Take one question at a time,” but I’d often end up feeling anxious and exhausted from trying to do it all.

As I got older, social anxiety and performance pressures became more challenging, and I turned to alcohol to cope. What I thought would help me feel confident and connected only distanced me from who I was. Sobriety has let me reconnect with that curious, adventurous kid who found joy in the simple things—from bike rides to cooking to exploring the outdoors. Now, I embrace my quirks and imperfections and try to bring that openness to my clients, creating a space where they can truly feel like themselves. My journey has taught me to show up as my authentic self, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.resolvefitnessballard.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griz206/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/resolvefitnessballard/