Life & Work with Sara Banerjee of Los Angeles, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Banerjee.

Sara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path has never been linear, but it has always been rooted in a desire to understand people and to help them feel more connected to themselves. While many people first came to know me through my acting work, fitness has been an equally meaningful part of my life. I initially turned to training because it offered the flexibility I needed while auditioning, and it helped me stay physically prepared for the demands of my roles.

A major turning point came when I fractured my hip a while back. What could have been a setback became a catalyst. The recovery process introduced me to the restorative and healing side of movement. Fitness shifted from something focused on aesthetics to something far more internal. It became a way to return to my body with patience and curiosity.

My upbringing in an Indian household, along with my background in psychology and acting, shaped the foundation of my work. I began to recognize that many of the challenges people experience with movement are not purely physical. They often stem from emotional patterns or protective responses shaped by past experiences. Because of my training and acting work, I understood how to meet clients where they were and guide them forward with empathy.

Over time, my professional life naturally toggled between acting and training. When the entertainment industry slowed during the pandemic, I focused on building a virtual coaching practice . When acting began to accelerate again, I paused my doctorate program to embrace that momentum. Today, both chapters inform each other in a meaningful way. The process I use to build a character mirrors the process I use to build a program: it begins with listening, understanding, and creating from a place of depth.

I have had the privilege of supporting a wide range of clients, including Miss Universe and Miss America contestants, Maxim Top 100 finalists, Olympic athletes, older adults, and people simply looking to feel stronger in their everyday lives. No matter who I am working with, the core of my approach remains the same. Movement is emotional. Embodiment is emotional. Acting taught me that truth, and training has allowed me to share it with others in a tangible, lasting way.

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?
Balancing two careers that both require presence and emotional energy has often meant choosing where to focus and learning to be at peace with the ebb and flow.

I have also had to confront the challenge of taking care of myself while caring for others. It is easy to pour into clients and forget to apply the same practices to my own well being. Finding that balance has been ongoing work.

The fitness world can feel like a boys club, and early on I felt pressure to prove myself in ways that were exhausting. However, it’s pushed me to ground myself in my purpose rather than comparison. Acting asks for vulnerability. Training asks for leadership. Both have taught me different forms of resilience.

The challenges have shaped a steadier, more intentional version of my work and the way I show up in both spaces.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My fitness career and my artistry as an actress are deeply connected. No artist is just one thing, and I’ve found that the most successful creatives often wear many hats, including that of a healer. I see training as an art form, one that requires the same level of curiosity, listening, and collaboration as acting.

Working with clients feels much like getting into character. In acting we are taught the art of listening to our scene partner, and I approach training the same way. My client becomes my scene partner, and just like in any scene there is an objective. In this case it is their fitness goal. I tune in not only to what they say they want, but also to what their bodies and minds are communicating. That ongoing dialogue shapes how I craft each personalized program. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. I collaborate with nutritionists, doctors, and other specialists to build a holistic plan that honors the whole person. What works for one client may not be right for another.

Above all, the quality of the relationship matters far more than the number of clients or bookings. Much of my work comes through word of mouth because people share what genuinely supports them. I am grateful to work with a wide range of clients, and that diversity often inspires my acting work as well. Whether I’m on set or coaching, connection and trust are the true foundations of transformation.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Trust your gut completely. No one can believe in your path more than you. At the same time, build a support system of people who believe in you and your vision. This is essential. Asking for help is not a weakness. In fact, learning to do so with honesty and openness will benefit you throughout your journey.

If you’re balancing multiple passions, know that it won’t always be 50/50. My grandma taught me the importance of this. Life has seasons. Some chapters lean more creative, others more practical. Don’t pressure yourself to make it all work at once. Follow where your energy is strongest and enjoy the process.

Pricing:

• I offer personalized one-on-one coaching programs tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. Each plan is designed to support sustainable, balanced progress that fits their lifestyle. If you want to build strength, resilience, and presence in a way that fits your life, please reach out. I’d love to connect and see how we can work together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara_banerjee/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Mariah Dremel @losingsteam
Misaq Kazimi @the.la.aesthetic