More Than Training: Sara Bind on Strength, Loss and Community
Every member at False Bay Fitness has a story, but some journeys stop you in your tracks. Sara Bind’s is one of quiet determination, deep connection, resilience through loss and the long-game commitment to becoming stronger physically and mentally. Her journey reminds us that fitness is never just about training; it’s about showing up, building discipline and finding support when life demands more than you think you have to give.
“We made a promise to show up no matter what. Even on the days we felt unmotivated, we got dressed and trained anyway.”
What made you decide to join False Bay Fitness?
“My husband, Mark, had been attending False Bay Fitness for about three years, so I was already very familiar with the program and what it offered. My older sister, Caroline and I made a firm decision that we were going to get into the best shape of our lives. We committed to that goal wholeheartedly and resolved to keep going, no matter what, until we achieved it.”
Tell us a little about yourself, your family and what you do for a living.
“I grew up in Cape Town and spent 13 years living and working in London, where I met Mark. In 2010, we returned to South Africa to begin a new chapter together. We married soon after and I welcomed our daughter the following year - she is now 14 years old.
Family has always been the most important part of my life, so raising my own family surrounded by loved ones has meant everything to me.
We’re a very outdoors-oriented family, usually up early on weekends and out in nature, most often at the beach swimming, stand-up paddle-boarding and enjoying the ocean. Over the years, we’ve taken part in many swimming events together as a family. Alongside this, I’m also a runner and am currently training for a marathon this month.
Professionally, I am an interior architect and design coordinator, working primarily in the high-end residential and hospitality sectors. I also design and manufacture bespoke premium furniture, supplying high-end retail stores.”
Why do you keep coming back to the gym?
“As I mentioned, I made a decision to get fit and strong. I’m 54 now, and I’ll be honest, I probably took being slim and mobile for granted in my 30s and 40s. As I moved through my mid-40s toward 50, I began to notice a real decline in both areas. Had I known how significant that shift could be, I would have started this journey much sooner. I’ve always been a runner, but I had never committed to proper strength training or high-intensity interval training with this level of discipline before.
Many of you know that my family experienced a devastating loss in June last year when my older sister, Caroline (as seen in the picture), passed away in a tragic house fire in the early hours of the morning. We are a very close family, and her passing completely blindsided us.
Two years ago, Caroline and I began our gym journey together at FBF. In the beginning, it felt incredibly intimidating, we were completely out of our comfort zones and truly starting from scratch.
For many months, we felt like we didn’t quite fit in. It was only around month ten of that first year that we began to feel stronger and more capable, and after a full year, we could really start to see and feel the benefits.
We made a promise to show up no matter what. Even on the days we felt unmotivated, we got dressed and trained anyway. Eventually, it clicked — it became a habit, and more than that, something we genuinely loved. My greatest joy was walking into a class and seeing Caroline there, ready to begin. It became our favourite time together.
After she passed, the thought of returning to the gym and continuing without her felt unbearable. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I knew she would want me to carry on, so I did — and I still think of her every time I train. The gym members and coaches were incredible during those first weeks. I felt so supported and comforted, and receiving flowers from the gym was such a thoughtful gesture.
Towards the end of last year, my younger sister Charlotte and her fiancé also joined the gym for a couple of months while preparing to move to Mozambique for work. They had previously been members at the Sports Science Institute in Newlands, but after experiencing a few sessions at FBF, they were blown away by the intensity and rigour of the training model and that was just the Pure Fit classes. They absolutely loved the workouts.
“I still think of her every time I train.” The gym members and coaches were incredible during those first weeks. I felt so supported and comforted, and receiving flowers from the gym was such a thoughtful gesture.”
Have you tried other gyms or programs before? How was this different?
“I’ve been a member of other gyms in the past, but what I really value about False Bay Fitness is its stripped-back, raw, no-frills, unpretentious approach. I love the industrial warehouse setting, it has that authentic, almost ‘home garage gym’ atmosphere that makes it feel real, focused and free of ego.”
How would you describe the atmosphere at False Bay Fitness?
“In the beginning, it did feel intimidating and a bit tough as a beginner, but the coaches were incredibly supportive and encouraging, while still pushing us when we needed it. The members were also very friendly, which made a big difference.”
You’re currently training for a marathon - tell us about that journey.
“I also rather optimistically decided to throw some longer-distance running goals into the mix — just to keep things interesting. I’ve done half and full marathons before… although that was about 10–14 years ago, so this feels like a bit of a comeback. The gym work has definitely helped my core, legs and glutes are much stronger, which I’m very grateful for when the kilometres start adding up.
I’ve entered the Peninsula Marathon this month (February) and, if all goes well and I stay injury-free, I’m on track to get myself across that finish line.
Mornè (coach) has added some running-specific strength work, focusing on all those important muscles runners tend to neglect — especially the gluteus medius (which I didn’t realise I needed quite this much until now!). My goal is five gym sessions a week and three to four runs. Yes, that does mean the occasional double-session day. At the moment, with the mileage creeping up, my legs are politely asking for a bit more recovery time, so I’m learning to balance pushing hard with listening to my body, still a work in progress!”
What achievement are you most proud of?
“I’d say my biggest achievement has been developing the discipline to show up, even on the days when training is the last thing I feel like doing. That consistency has grown me mentally just as much as physically.
What’s your favourite class or time slot to train?
“During the week, I love the 5pm PureFit classes, they’re the perfect time, as I can still get home to be with my family and cook supper. During the holidays, I really enjoy the morning sessions at 7 or 8am. Strangely enough, though, my favourite class is the 5pm Friday session. I love ending the week with a workout it leaves me feeling so good. The Saturday morning classes are also always great fun.”
Describe False Bay Fitness in three words.
“Community. Intensity. Unpretentious.”
What are you currently working towards?
“Over the next few years, I want to be in the best shape of my life, to feel truly strong in my body. I’m focused on improving and refining the areas that need attention, adding shape and tone, and working toward feeling leaner, firmer, and stronger overall.
I’ve also been doing personal training with Mornè, which has been amazing. I really enjoy the heavier weights and the slower, controlled intensity of our sessions. I sometimes send him my ‘body inspiration’ pictures and say, ‘Mornè, this is what we’re aiming for ok?!’ — which always gives us a laugh.”
What’s been harder than you expected?
“I didn’t expect the results to take quite so long. The workouts are intense, so I assumed I would see changes much sooner. But I’ve come to understand that real progress starts deep within the body first. It’s taught me just how much patience and consistency real change requires.”
What has fitness taught you about yourself?
“Fitness has taught me that most resistance isn’t external, it’s internal. The real barriers are our excuses, blame, fears, and self-doubt. Becoming aware of that is part of the process and a sign that we’re constantly growing.”
Thank you, Sara, for sharing your story with our community. Your journey is a powerful reminder of what consistency, support and showing up even on the hard days can truly create.
