Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandra Glagla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Early in my career as a trainer, I was incredibly driven—I wanted to change every single person I worked with. I believed that if I had the knowledge, the strategy, and the right plan, there was no reason why someone couldn’t succeed. If they had goals, I wanted to push them toward those goals at full speed.

But I quickly learned that not everyone is ready or willing to go all the way. No matter how much I wanted it for them, some people just weren’t mentally or emotionally in the place to commit at the level I expected. At first, that was frustrating. I took it personally, as if I had failed them. I would analyze what I could have done differently, trying to figure out how to push harder or inspire more.

Then, over time, I realized something crucial: My job isn’t to force change—it’s to meet people where they are. I can give them the best tools, the best guidance, and all my energy, but at the end of the day, they have to be the ones to take that final step. Some clients will be ready to push beyond their limits, while others need a gentler, more gradual approach. And that’s okay.

Now, I focus on doing the absolute best I can for each client, based on where they are in their journey. I still challenge them, but I don’t let their progress—or lack of it—define my success. Instead of frustration, I feel fulfillment knowing that even small changes can have a big impact. Some of my clients may take longer to reach their goals, but the fact that they’re showing up and making an effort means I’m doing my job right.

That shift in mindset has not only made me a better trainer but has also helped me build stronger relationships with my clients. When they feel understood and supported, they’re more likely to stick with it—and in the long run, that’s where the real transformation happens.

Sandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Let me introduce myself:
My name is Sandra Glagla, and I am an elite trainer and certified nutritionist based in Los Angeles. My journey into fitness wasn’t just a career choice—it was a passion that turned into a mission. I’ve always been fascinated by the science of strength training, body transformation, and nutrition, but what truly drives me is helping people unlock their potential and guiding them through change.

When I first started, I was eager, driven, and determined to help every client achieve their absolute best. Over time, I learned that true success isn’t just about following the “perfect” workout or meal plan; it’s about understanding the individual, meeting them where they are, and guiding them at the right pace. That mindset has shaped how I train today.

What I Offer:
I provide fitness & nutrition events, personal training, and online coaching, with programs customized to fit each client’s needs.

My services include:
Private gym sessions designed for fat loss, muscle gain, body sculpting, and corrective exercise. I create workouts based on each client’s abilities and goals. While most sessions take place in my private Hollywood gym, I occasionally train clients at their own gyms depending on availability.

Online Training Programs – Personalized monthly workout plans with progress tracking. Clients can choose between a standalone program or a fully supported plan that includes nutrition and weekly check-ins.

Customized Nutrition Coaching – I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all diets. I educate my clients and create realistic knowledge, to help my clients learn how to manage sustainable nutrition plans on their own that align with each client’s lifestyle, whether they want to lose fat, gain muscle, or optimize performance.

Self-Myofascial Release & Recovery Guidance – Many people struggle with mobility, soreness, and injury prevention. I educate my clients on proper recovery techniques to keep them moving pain-free.

What Problems Do I Solve?
Many people come to me because they feel stuck. They’ve tried every diet, and every workout program, and still aren’t seeing results. My job is to cut through the confusion and give them a structured, effective plan that’s actually sustainable. Whether someone struggles with consistency, nutrition, or simply not knowing what works for their body, I provide the education and accountability they need to succeed.

I also work with clients who have corrective exercise needs, whether they’re dealing with past injuries, muscle imbalances, or movement restrictions. Many people don’t realize how much their posture, mobility, and movement patterns affect their workouts. I help them fix those foundational issues so they can train pain-free and get better results.

What Sets Me Apart?
A Science-Backed Approach with a Personal Touch – I don’t just throw random workouts at my clients; every program I design is based on their biomechanics, experience level, and specific goals.

Realistic, No-Nonsense Nutrition – I don’t believe in extreme diets or cutting out entire food groups. I focus on bringing food back into the diet in a way that fuels the body and supports long-term success.

Accountability & Support – Whether in-person or online, I stay engaged with my clients. I check in, adjust plans as needed, and make sure they’re progressing. My goal is to build confidence so they don’t just train hard for a few months—they develop habits that last a lifetime.

Private, Focused Training Environment – Unlike a crowded commercial gym, my Hollywood location offers a private space where clients can train without distractions. It’s a controlled environment where we can focus 100% on results but in some cases, I offer to meet them at their gym, it all depends on availability.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m proud of the transformations my clients have achieved—not just physically, but mentally. Seeing someone gain confidence, overcome self-doubt, and develop a stronger relationship with their body is the most rewarding part of what I do.

I’ve worked with clients who came in feeling completely lost in their fitness journey, and within months, they’re lifting heavier, feeling stronger, and realizing they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. That’s what fuels me every day.

Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares about your progress and doesn’t believe in shortcuts or quick fixes, I’d love to help you. My approach is real, effective, and built for long-term success—not just short-term results.

Whether you want to train with me in person or online, I’ll give you the tools, education, and support to reach your goals.

Let’s get to work!

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond Training & Knowledge: The Key to Succeeding in Fitness Coaching

Beyond having the right certifications, knowledge, and experience, one of the biggest challenges in the fitness industry is getting people to know you exist. You could be the best trainer in the world, but if no one knows about you, your business won’t grow.

I learned early on that self-promotion and marketing are just as important as training expertise. The fitness industry is crowded and competitive, and if you don’t find a way to stand out, you’ll get lost in the noise.
Finding the Right Channels Without Overspending

The biggest mistake I see trainers make is throwing money at ads without a clear strategy. It’s easy to overspend on social media ads, fancy websites, or paid directories without actually getting clients. Marketing without strategy is just wasted money.

Instead, I found that the most effective way to grow is through:

✅ Word of Mouth & Client Referrals – Happy clients are your best marketing tool. If you overdeliver and give them real results, they’ll talk about you. Encouraging referrals (maybe with a small incentive) can go a long way.

✅ Social Media Presence – Instead of just posting workouts, I focus on valuable, relatable content. Teaching people something and showing personality helps create trust and credibility. People don’t just buy a program—they buy into a trainer they connect with.

✅ Local Networking & Partnerships – Connecting with other local businesses (gyms, wellness centers, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.) can lead to referrals and opportunities that social media ads can’t provide.

✅ Email Lists & Personal Follow-Ups – A good email list is free marketing. Keeping in touch with past clients and potential leads helps build relationships, and many people need multiple touchpoints before they commit to training.
Final Thoughts

In fitness coaching, you’re not just selling a workout—you’re selling a transformation and a relationship. Success comes down to getting in front of the right people, in the right way, without wasting money on the wrong strategies.

The key? Be consistent, provide value, and build relationships. The clients will come.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would start charging immediately instead of giving away so much free advice. That said, I still give out a lot of free advice (can’t help it—haha!). I’m so passionate about helping people that, in the beginning, I spent a lot of time offering guidance without fully realizing the value of my expertise. Experience has taught me that people value what they invest in, and setting boundaries from the start is crucial for building a sustainable business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakperformance_la/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeakPerformanceLA/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraglagla/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peak-performance-la-west-hollywood
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Isaac