Business Spotlight: Meet Chris Sarao, the Personal Training Manager at Life Time Bridgewater

For those who thrive in the summer weather, staying motivated and fit while exercising indoors can be difficult. At the Life Time Club in Bridgewater, you can take advantage of a variety of group classes and personal training programs. Raritan Neighbors NJ wanted to learn more about this coveted club. Having a personal trainer helps keep you accountable and motivated, making it easier to stay on track during the colder months. 

Staying active during winter boosts your immune system, helping you fend off seasonal illnesses like colds and flu. Regular exercise also improves your mood and energy levels, combating the winter blues. Furthermore, maintaining physical activity during the colder months ensures you don't lose the progress you've made throughout the year.

Raritan Neighbors NJ - Can you provide a quick intro about Life Time Bridgewater?

Chris Sarao: Life Time Bridgewater is a luxurious athletic country club with extraordinary staff and amenities. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for anything health & fitness-related while always going above and beyond for our customers and empowering them to live a happy, healthy life.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: What started you in fitness and working with clients?

Chris Sarao: I was always involved with competitive sports growing up so going to college and studying exercise science was an easy transition for me. I knew I wanted to help people reach their maximum potential, so I started training clients from an early age. While working in the corporate fitness field out of college, I learned that most people wanted to be healthy and fit but didn't know how to dedicate themselves to small changes that would make a major impact. After joining the Life Time team five years ago, I was able to take my past fitness experiences and create a common story that most clients can relate to. NJ = the busiest and most productive people in America! We work hard, we grind, we dedicate our lives to supporting our families and we take our leisure time seriously. I facilitate this and help customers realize the importance of creating healthy habits for life.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: How can you stay motivated when the weather changes?

Chris Sarao: New Jersey has the best seasons. I stay motivated by incorporating the best parts of each weather change. In the winter, I utilize the importance of indoor fitness and outdoor leisure activities. I'm a huge fan of ice fishing in extreme temperatures which keeps me active, motivated and strong all winter. In the spring, I increase my outdoor activities such as competitive running, recreational softball leagues and making sure I'm outside at least once a day doing something active. In the summer, I'm dedicated to the family life. With two small children and a successful teacher spouse, we're always on the move. We hit the NJ shore, travel to fun family destinations and make the most of our active lifestyles on a daily basis. In the fall, I'm intentional about staying healthy and watching my favorite sport: football! Most of the time we associate football with delicious foods, so I have to be proactive with my health/fitness to make sure I can enjoy myself in moderation.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: What are some of the myths about diet and fitness when the weather gets colder?

Chris Sarao: DIET = Did I Exercise Today? When the weather gets colder, we burn more calories. This is true! When your body shivers to try to stay warm you are burning calories. That's why my dedicated clients continue to run outdoors and hit the cold plunge after workouts. If we get comfortable in the colder months, our bodies can hold onto more body fat (heat insulation) so taking breaks throughout the day for large body low impact movements are of the utmost importance to avoid our winter gains.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: As a fitness instructor, how do you motivate your clients to keep going even when they don't see gains or maybe plateau?

Chis Sarao: I teach my clients and members the importance of our "destination syndrome" and teach foundational steps to be able to stop and return to fitness at any given time. Let's face it, active gym goers will only work out for about 8 months of the year. We travel, we get sick, we have to take care of family members, and we work for the majority of the day. Instructing my clients on the importance of healthier options, physical movement barriers, and doing what's important to each person, keeps them motivated during downtimes and helps them reach their micro goals during the best times. Having goals is important but understanding that this lifestyle never ends is my ultimate take-away.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: When time is a factor, what do you recommend for someone trying to stay in shape?

Chris Sarao: When time works against you then you have to start small. Start with doing something mixed into your day like healthy eating or taking small breaks at work to move. Park your car in the last spot at work or print your documents to the other side of the building. Meal prep your lunches instead of ordering something convenient that we know isn't helping us with our goals. I like to start all my clients' mornings off with a delicious protein shake. It's like a domino effect on healthy eating. If you start healthy, then the chances of having a good eating day are better. Protein is our second source of energy, and the majority of people are not eating enough nor know all the benefits of hitting our protein goals.

Raritan Neighbor NJ: What are some of the best or your favorite classes at Life Time?

Chris Sarao: I'm a big fan of our GTX (Guided Transformation Experience) classes here at Life Time. This class combines strength training and cardio fitness while performed in a small group setting with great music. I also love all of our active recovery classes at Life Time. The Pilates reformer classes teach you how to strengthen your core and flexibility in a low-impact small group setting. The Yoga classes are top notch, and the cycle classes are non-stop heart-pumping action!

Raritan Neighbors NJ: What are some of the things Life Time members enjoy that people may not know about?

Chris Sarao: Life Time features our Kids Academy which takes family fitness to the next level. Drop your children off for two hours while you get a solid workout is just the start. Infants (three months), toddlers and kids up to 11 years old love it here. They play, learn and go home with their artwork all while making lasting friendships. Parents’ "night out" is a favorite among members as well! My kids love it there and they motivate our family to do more within the club. Life Time also features an onsite Chiropractor along with dedicated Stretch Specialists to keep your body in tune. We can help anybody with any skeletal or muscular deficiencies and treat all ages. There is also a booming Pickleball club here at Life Time. With three indoor courts and instructors to help coach, America's most booming sport is taking off. The Life Time Spa features hair, body, & nails and it's my favorite spot for a customized massage. Members and Non-members can enjoy these features as well.

Raritan Neighbors NJ: Anything else you want to share about you and Life Time?

Chris Sarao: I love my job here at Life Time. It doesn't feel like a job. It's my passion to help people live their best lives. I get the ultimate resources on a daily basis to live my best life, learn from others and become a role model for many.

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