Name: Sarah Pullano
Age: 24
Location: Millersville, MD
What does being a Girl Gone Strong mean to you?
I initially thought that to be a “GGS” you had to demonstrate a certain level of physical strength. I now know and believe that being a GGS is so much more than that. It’s about being proud of who you are and loving all of your qualities and traits.
It took me a very long time to accept the fact that physique changes do not happen over night. Over the course of a year, I went back and forth with different types of nutrition plans and training programs trying to figure out what gave me the best aesthetic results.
Present day, I still play around with different diet and lifting programs. However, rather than solely thinking "What will make me look good?" I aim for what my body and mind like best and what keeps them feeling happiest. I’ve learned to love and appreciate my body, and am proud of the strength and changes that have developed through this journey.
Girls Gone Strong are those who inspire others, whether it’s inside or outside of the gym. To do that, you must first be confident and loving of yourself.
How long have you been training?
About a year and a half.
Favorite lift:
Military press. There’s a feeling of strength and power that comes over me when I have a solid hold of a weighted bar overhead.
Most memorable PR:
Back squat with the big plates! 135 pounds!
Top 5 songs on your training playlist:
I played soccer for Goucher College, and these songs were always on my winter and pre-season training playlists. No matter what mood I was in, they put me in the “it’s time to train” mentality.
Top 3 things you must have with you at the gym/in your gym bag:
Foam roller, stop watch, iPod.
Most hilarious pick-up line you’ve heard at the gym:
“Why don’t you let me help you lift that plate? (wink)” It was only a 5 pound plate I was using to warm up with!
Favorite post workout meal:
Nothing better than a good shake. My favorite right now consists of chocolate protein powder, spinach, a banana, and peanut butter.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
A hot yoga class or having breakfast for dinner at a local diner with my husband. Omelets are one of my favorite foods. Period.
Favorite quote:
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. ― Mark Twain
Favorite book:
I honestly don’t have one. It just has to be a good mystery book to keep me interested.
What inspires and motivates you?
Seeing others’ work ethic and accomplishments. When I see someone training hard, whether male or female, it motivates me to work and push myself that much harder. A favorite training quote, “Train hard, because somewhere out there there’s someone warming up with your max.”
What’s the coolest “side effect” you’ve noticed from lifting heavy?
My love for my upper body muscles and lifts. I always train in tank tops because I’m reminded of the progress I’ve made and strength I’ve built.
Next training goal:
To be able to back squat 200 pounds.
If you had to choose 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be?
Passionate, dedicated, a kid at heart. Nothing makes me happier than Disney and Pixar movies. It’s the simple things in life that matter.
What do you want to say to other women who might be nervous to start lifting heavy?
I used to be one of those women. I, never in a million years, thought I would consider myself a weight lifter. I grew up as a dancer, and later a collegiate soccer player.
When I first started training with Alli McKee, I said I wanted to gain strength and improve my physique, but I didn’t want to bulk up. I wanted to maintain lean, strong muscles. She assured me that, “bulking up” is a common misconception for females who lift, and a year and half later I can fully attest to the truth of that statement. I feel stronger and healthier that I ever have before, including when I was a college athlete.
The more I experiment with and try different types of lifts, the more I learn about myself. I have learned how far I can push myself, both mentally and physically. I discovered what my physical weaknesses and strengths are, and I can now recognize the pride I have for myself and the love I have for lifting. I have no feeling of intimidation when I walk into a weight room full of only males.
All in all, you’ll never know the impact something can have on you and your life until you give it a chance.
You can connect with Sarah on Twitter!
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