How To Lose The Baby Fat (Feat. Sarah Gimbel) Interview

1. How did you get started?

To be completely honest, my dad and mom always told me I was the strongest fastest girl they knew and I believed them. I remember being in elementary school and being so determined to run faster than all the boys and do more pull-ups and push-ups then them during P.E class, and lets just say the P.E coach was always in shock. I remember one time my dad made me carry in a gallon of milk and laundry soap jug from the car to the kitchen. I was probably 6-7 years old and struggled but he cheered me on and I did it. Something so small and silly at the time, actually instilled something in me. But that drive to become stronger and faster stuck with me through high school and continues now in my late 20’s. I always want to be a better, stronger Me as months and years go on.

2. Where does your motivation come from?

My motivations comes from wanting to feel amazing every single day and looking good never hurt anyone, lol. When you work out you relieve stress, clear the mind, get blood flowing. And when my body is happy I’m happy. Being a Mama is a major motivation- I want to make sure I can chase after my 3 year old son and try instilling in him, how important physical activity is for the mind and body and see it as something fun not a chore. I always tell myself - If I do it now, my future body will thank me. Side not: I love looking up quotes for motivation and writing them out and or saying them out loud daily helps too.

3. What was your biggest challenge losing your baby fat?

After I gave birth I still ate 2500-3000 Calories a day but with zero physical activity. I was a new mom and my main focus was my baby so I really didn’t care. But I noticed my body losing muscle and that was a major wake up call- Time to get back at it! My biggest challenge was finding that drive again since all my time, energy and focus was dedicated to my new born son. And also getting back on track with my calorie intake and cutting out all pregnancy craving foods.

4. What workout routine has worked best for you? (Please list out a typical week)

Im pretty sporadic when it comes to routines. I get bored easily and I can tell my body does too if i don’t switch it up. With that said, every work-out day is different. I typically work out 4-6 days a week depending on time and energy , hehe.
heres an example:

Mon: HIIT cardio and abs 20 minutes non stop. By 15 minutes I’m a sweaty mess and love it! But 20 min is all i have.
Tues: Booty and leg day- Every single type of squat on squat rack, lunges, deadlifts, plus arms/ back in between sets with 10-20 lb weights. and I usually lift for about 1 hour.
Weds: Yoga/ Meditation day AKA Sarah’s “rest day”. I usually do 20-40 minute Yoga video followed with a 15-20 minute meditation which helps keep my mind and body grounded and push through the rest of the week. =)
Thurs: 10-15 minutes cardio of any kind- what ever gets my heart pumping and pouring sweat.- Weight lifting for arms, back, shoulders, and forearms, follwed by different ab workouts ( crunches, sit-ups, planks, russian twist). I like to end in cardio for 5-10 minutes. This work-out usually last 45-60 minutes.
Fri: same as Tues but with lifting max weight- 45-60 minutes
Sat: A little cardio followed with 30-35 minute yoga.
Sun: Rest day- not cheat day, just rest day!

This is a prime example of a great week for me!

5. What are your inspirations?

One big inspiration is being the best mama to my son. I want to be healthy and strong so that I can play and be active with him as well as be a role model and someone he hopefully looks up to. My parents were very physically active and that definitley helped shape me into the person i am today. Another inspiration is my passion I have to help others get inspired to be more active and eat better, and how it not only affects them physically but mentally as well.

6. What is your diet like? (Please list out a typical day)

The question I get asked daily!! Lol! People are probably not going to like this answer but it’s what works for me so feel free to alter it to your personal liking. I usually always eat the same 3 things for breakfast, the same 5 things for lunch and the same 5 things for dinner. And switch it up weekly so I don’t get too bored. Yes, I do have cheat days but I don’t like to call them that because I fit everything into my daily calorie counter and balance things out accordingly- most of the time;).
Here’s what a typical days looks like:

Breakfast: 2 packets oatmeal topped with banana, peanut butter, flax seeds, granola ,
snack: Protein powder shake with water or almond milk- ( I use Orgain Chocolate protein powder and Garden of life Chocolate protein powder. Both are vegan friendly)
Lunch: Green juice made with my nutribullet: kale, spinach, banana, orange, blueberries, strawberries, celery and parsley with 16 oz. of water blended. served with a bowl of chickpeas or black beens and romain salad topped with lemon tahini dressing.and what ever little things i can throw on top- onions, pumpkin seeds,diced bell pepper , cucumber - you get the idea.
Snack: sliced apple with 2 Tbsp Peanut butter- sometimes I forge to add the apple.
Dinner: 2 cups quinoa, topped with seasoned roasted carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, bell peppers with 2 sides of hummus.
dessert: dairy free coconut yogurt with watermelon,peaches or strawberries. Whats in season usually.

I have to confess something: I recently transitioned to a plant based diet. I still occasionally eat eggs and cheese, but rarely. And I’ll eat meat once a month if that. So far its been about 3 months, and I’m happy and maintaining muscle which is my goal. I don’t know how long ill practice a vegan diet but so far its been great for my body and how I feel.

7. Do you do cardio? If so, what type?

Yes, I do cardio. Do I like it, thats another question. Lol. But yes, I have a treadmill in my home gym and use that 90% of the time. When I get the chance I love running up and down bleachers or wide stairs at local parks and high school track fields. Heres a list of my favorites cardio work outs.

Treadmill inclined at 12 (my max incline),walking speed 4 (power walking speed fit to your body). 10-20 minutes.
Tabata cardio workouts are my favorite. As I mentioned before I get bored quickly so Tabatas are my Jam! This can be done so many different ways- treadmill, jumping jacks, sprints, the list goes on.
Jump roping is always fun and can be more intense then I remember as a kid.
Dancing is another one I love. I think is great to let lose and just dance around for 30-60 minutes. My son joins in on this one every time. =)
Lastly, call me old fashioned but I enjoy getting outdoors and playing soccer, basketball and tennis.

8. What is your supplementation like?

The only thing I take is plant based protein powder. 1-2 shakes daily, containing 20-22 grams of protein per serving. And as a treat I eat Lenny&Larry’s vegan protein cookies, which are 16 grams of protein per cookie.
Thats pretty much it, nothing crazy.

9. Favorite fitness people you look up to?

My two favorites girls right now are:
Massy Arias aka MankoFit
Bianca Taylor Fitness

10. Favorite Quote

You must act as if it is impossible to fail.- Ashanti Proverb

11. Website/YouTube/Instagram others can reach you at?

Instagram @gimbel and @_gimbel

Louis Ha

Bring The Shreds was founded by Louis Ha.

Louis is an online fitness coach and entrepreneur based in the Bay Area.