We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Parise recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

When I became a mom, I stepped into a role I thought I knew and always wanted. I’d watched my own mom and the women around me, do it all without a single complaint. I thought that’s just what you did. So I pushed myself to be everything for everyone, all the time.

Day after day, I dedicated every ounce of energy, every bit of patience, every single piece of me, until there was nothing left. I didn’t notice it at first. The exhaustion crept in quietly. The overwhelm became normal. My reflection felt like a stranger, physically and emotionally.

I never asked for help. In my mind, asking would mean I wasn’t strong enough, that I was somehow failing. The truth? I didn’t even realize how deeply I was drowning until I was already under.

The turning point came on a warm March day in Southern California. To everyone else, it was a perfect, sunny day. But to me, it was the darkest I had ever felt. I couldn’t keep living like this, something had to change. So I reached for what I knew. I signed up for a yoga class early the next morning, and even though I barely slept that night, I forced myself out of bed and onto my mat.

I didn’t move once during class. I just laid there, tears streaming down my face, realizing for the first time that I hadn’t cried since my daughter was born. (One of the big reasons my doctor so quickly dismissed the idea of postpartum depression.) All around me, gorgeous yogis flowed with effortless grace, their movements in perfect sync with their breath. I felt miles away from them, stuck, heavy, invisible.

When class ended, I stood to roll my mat, cheeks burning with embarrassment over how I’d spent the last hour. That’s when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. It was the instructor. She met my eyes with a steady, compassionate gaze and said softly, “I’m not sure what’s going on, but the important thing is that you showed up. Just keep showing up.”

That moment changed everything, not just in my personal life, but in my career. I knew I never wanted another mother to feel as helpless, depleted, and invisible as I once did. So I changed my entire career path to help moms create realistic, sustainable ways to care for themselves, so they can show up for their families and themselves. Today, my mission is simple: teach moms that caring for yourself isn’t selfish…it’s essential. And it only takes 2% of your day to start.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and wellness coach with more than 20 years of experience. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from student athletes and first-time 5K runners to marathoners, triathletes, and wounded veterans reclaiming their competitive spirit after losing limbs in service. Currently, I work with busy moms, helping them prioritize their own health and well-being, because I know firsthand how easy it is to lose yourself in motherhood, and I want to make sure no mom ever feels that way.

I began reclaiming my health and sense of self, not with a complete life overhaul, but by claiming just 2% of my day for me. Those small, intentional moments—moving my body, nourishing myself, simply breathing, completely transformed my energy, confidence, and outlook. Once I experienced that shift, I knew I had to help other moms do the same, so they would never feel as depleted, invisible, or overwhelmed as I once did.

Now, I provide busy moms with realistic, sustainable wellness solutions through personal training, wellness coaching, meal planning, and accountability programs. My services are designed to fit into the real lives of mothers, whether that’s a 15-minute strength workout between school drop-off and a meeting, a simple, nutritious meal plan that takes the guesswork out of eating healthy, or strategies for finding calm and balance in the chaos. I solve problems like low energy, lack of confidence, weight struggles, and the constant feeling of being “last on the list.”

What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the season of motherhood, because I’m living it! I don’t believe in perfection, quick fixes, or unrealistic routines. I believe in small, powerful changes that add up to big results. My work is grounded in empathy, honesty, and a holistic approach that supports the mind, body, and heart.

What I’m most proud of is watching my clients transform, not just physically, but in the way they carry themselves, set boundaries, and show up for their lives. I’ve seen moms go from feeling drained and disconnected to feeling strong, vibrant, and present with their families. And those transformations have a ripple effect, healthy moms create healthy families.

The main thing I want people to know about my work is this: you don’t have to put yourself last to be a good mom. You don’t have to choose between caring for your family and caring for yourself. You can start with just 2% of your day, and from there, everything can change. It’s never too late to start having more great days!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what really helped me build my reputation was showing up consistently and authentically for the moms I work with. I focus on practical, realistic strategies, that actually work in real life. One of my clients even coined a phrase a few years ago: “Weight loss becomes a pleasant side effect.” The results we see go way beyond the scale! They’re about energy, confidence, and consistency. For example, Stephanie learned to listen to her body and rest when she needed it, which led her to feel stronger and more in control. Alex made small, sustainable changes to how her family ate, and she noticed a huge behavioral shift in both her kids. Moments like these and seeing moms transform not only their own lives but their families’ as well, are what really build trust and credibility.

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

Absolutely! I would choose this path again in a heartbeat. Every struggle I went through as a mom, every late night, every moment of doubt, taught me exactly how to help other moms feel seen, supported, and empowered. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching women reclaim their energy, confidence, and joy! Knowing I get to be a part of that transformation is why I do this every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://greatdaysbysarah.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatdaysbysarah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/timeoutformoms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahparise/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greatdaysbysarah

Image Credits

Kelly Hudgins & Cara Finkenaur