Inspiring Conversations with Sydney Heil of Syd Bast Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Heil

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an occupational therapist, certified functional strength coach, certified pre/postnatal trainer and a corrective exercise specialist. I am a mama to a two year old boy (and two sweet aussie pups) and have another babe on the way. I have a passion for educating and empowering other women to feel strong, capable and powerful in their bodies.

Prior to becoming pregnant, I was a strength coach for high school and college athletes, and a pediatric occupational therapist treating children and families with physical and developmental disabilities as well as feeding difficulties. Maternal care was always something I had a secret love for, I just never felt quite right diving into that space until I had firsthand experience.

Throughout my life, I have always been on the move. Whether it was dance team, gymnastics, or college volleyball, movement gave me life and brought me joy. Transitioning into motherhood forced me to redefine “effective” movement and re-learn the ins and outs of how my body moved. After having my own little guy, I transitioned into training women and mothers through all stages of life. I’ve combined my knowledge as an occupational therapist and functional strength coach to guide my maternal care practice in a way that considers the needs of the mother, the baby and the family through the precious and challenging times that come with a transition into motherhood. Sharing the lessons I’ve learned with you, for successful participation in your favorite activities is my goal in creating this space.

I launched the Syd Bast Fitness app in January of ‘23 which features prenatal and postpartum workout programs as well as a monthly membership for effective workouts throughout mom life. I now train women live in person and virtually, create custom home or gym programs for women throughout the lifespan that fit their unique needs and goals, and am accessible to all app members through the programs available.

My specialty is functional training. In other words, strengthening your body in ways that mimic the patterns of everyday life. I LOVE getting creative to modify, progress or regress exercises to fit INDIVIDUAL needs as I’m aware there is no one size fits all model to fitness. My workouts will leave you feeling energized and strong, but more importantly capable of completing your favorite activities safely and with less pain or fear of injury.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle has been balancing being a mom and running a business. Having a background in child development, I absolutely love the ages of 0-3 when the little one’s brains are rapidly developing, learning and becoming their own beings. Part of the reason I started my own business was to allow myself the flexibility to work my own hours, set my schedule the way it fit our family, and still be present for our little guy. It’s a daily grind to balance it all. When I’m with clients or working I’m often feeling torn and thinking about him and when I’m with him, I’m often worrying about my never ending to-do list.

It has definitely not been a smooth road, but it is still one I would choose again. Most days I am waking up early and staying up later than I’d like to admit to ensure all my clients needs are being met on top of making sure my family’s needs are being met throughout the day. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my husband who has been all in with me since day one.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Syd Bast Fitness?
My business is all about supporting women in creating sustainable, healthy lifestyles in all stages of life. Through 3 main categories: nutrition, exercise and stress management, I guide women both individually and through my online app in how to find a routine that feels manageable within their personal lifestyle.

With the flood of information that is available now-a-days, it can feel overwhelming for anyone to know where to start to create healthy habits, routines and rituals. Add a demanding job, a family that depends on you, or a combination of the two, and it can feel impossible to fit in time for your own well-being. That’s where I come in.

Having been a college athlete, a therapist, and now a mother and business owner, I am both familiar with what it feels like to have too much on your plate, and educated on how to manage it. I preach consistency over perfection. Choosing to carve out time for yourself a little bit each day is what my clients and app members find the most valuable. It’s doesn’t have to look like 100% effort for a 45 minute workout everyday, morning meditation everyday or perfectly clean eating amidst a packed schedule. Creating sustainable health comes from developing habits by showing up even if it’s a 10% effort, taking a deep breath before proceeding in a decision or reaction, and discovering how to eat to support your goals and your body’s needs, while still enjoying your favorite foods.

I provide education, guidance and individual support to women in everyday life, through the prenatal period, during postpartum recovery and throughout motherhood. Whether it’s working 1:1 with me or being a part of my programs or monthly membership, my clients and app members love that creating healthy habits has been simplified for them.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to those just starting out exercising would be to start small. 10-20 mins 3-4 times a week of strength training is a perfect place to start. Then slowly build on that creating a consistent routine. And outside of that, just finding more moments of casual movement throughout your day can go a long way. If you work at a desk, set a timer to stretch or walk every hour or two. Little steps can make a big difference when it comes to creating change.

My advice to those pursuing entrepreneurship or creating their own business would be to stay true to your values and your reason for dreaming up your dream. There may be others that do something similar but trying to re-create what they do often leads to losing what makes your business unique and valuable.

And lean on your support people. I would not be where I am had it not been for the support of my husband and family encouraging me when I felt frustrated or wasn’t making the progress I hoped for.

Pricing:

• In person or virtual live training- $150/hour
• Individualized coaching- $275/month
• Prenatal Strength Program- $249
• Postpartum Recovery Program- $129
• Monthly Membership- $34/month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sydbastfitness.com
• Instagram: @sydbastfitness
• Other: https://sydbastfitness.mvt.so

Image Credits
Mary Anselmo- Lyfe Photos
Viktoria Kontsedailo