Originally from Omagh, Sarah Graham has always had a deep-rooted passion for physical education. Growing up, she attended Omagh Academy, where her love for PE flourished. It was during these early years that she realised her desire to pursue a career in the world of sport and exercise.
Sarah’s enthusiasm for physical activity not only shaped her academic choices but also inspired her to explore various avenues within the sports industry. Whether it was participating in school sports teams or engaging in fitness programs, her commitment to promoting an active lifestyle has been a driving force in her life.
As Sarah continues her journey in the world of sport, she aims to inspire others to embrace the benefits of exercise and physical activity. Her story serves as a testament to how a passion nurtured in childhood can lead to a fulfilling career. With her background and dedication, Sarah Graham is poised to make a significant impact in the world of sport and exercise.
Coming from a medical family, with her mum as a nurse and her sister as a doctor, Sarah has always had a keen interest in helping people. This background instilled in her a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Speaking to UrbanABC Sarah said, “I come from a medical family, my mum is a nurse and sister a doctor so I’ve always had a keen interest in helping people. I loved Pilates as a way to improve my flexibility while I played hockey in school so I was keen to pursue training in this area once I qualified as a physiotherapist.
“Through this I began working with lots of postnatal ladies who often expressed concern around pelvic floor dysfunction and abdominal muscle appearance and weakness. This inspired me to complete further training within women’s health and become a Mummy MOT practitioner”.
“Initially, once I qualified as a physiotherapist, I was mostly interested in sport and had the exciting opportunity as part of my Master’s degree to work alongside Ulster Rugby. This was an amazing experience and taught me so much about rehabilitation,” Sarah shares.
Continuing her journey, she balanced her role as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with her passion for Pilates. “I set up Pilates classes within my previous roles in private practice and established online Pilates classes during COVID to get people moving within their own homes,” she explains.
In September 2023, Sarah took a significant step by opening her own physiotherapy clinic based in Banbridge. “I began teaching matwork Pilates classes at Banbridge Hockey Club in April 2024, and so far, I have received so much support from the local community,” she adds.
Recognising the need for specialised care, Sarah pursued further training in women’s health, particularly focusing on postnatal recovery. “I feel all new mums should have a thorough postnatal assessment after giving birth,” she emphasizes.
This dedication led her to complete the Mummy MOT practitioner training in April 2024, allowing her to offer appointments aimed at promoting optimal postnatal recovery and addressing pelvic health issues such as incontinence and diastasis rectus abdominis.
When Sarah first opened her clinic, she faced a significant hurdle: finding the right space and effectively advertising her business. Being new to the area added to the challenge, making it difficult to connect with the community.
Fortunately, Sarah met Aisling from Studio Revive Pilates, who became a vital ally in her journey. Aisling not only helped Sarah secure a suitable location for her clinic but also played a crucial role in reaching out to new mums in the community.
With Aisling’s support, Sarah has been able to establish her presence and connect with many new mothers, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. This partnership exemplifies the power of local connections and community support in overcoming business challenges.
“Ask for help from local businesses and network with other likeminded people. If you have time, get in contact with other practitioners who are at the top of their field and ask for mentorship or shadowing opportunities to gain as much experience as possible”.
Outside of office hours, Sarah is a keen hockey player who proudly represents Banbridge Ladies Hockey Club. Her commitment to the sport is evident through her regular participation in weekly training sessions and matches that take place throughout Ulster.
In addition to her dedication to hockey, Sarah also completed the Dublin Marathon in October. Her motivation for this challenging endeavour goes beyond personal achievement; raising money for The Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.
Sarah Graham’s journey from her roots in Omagh to her thriving career in sport and exercise highlights the profound impact of nurturing a passion from a young age.
Her commitment to promoting physical activity, coupled with her medical inspired background, allows her to make a positive difference in the lives of others, particularly women navigating postnatal challenges. As she continues to inspire those around her, Sarah exemplifies how dedication and a desire to help can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in the sports industry. With her unique blend of skills and compassion, she is set to leave a lasting mark on the world of health and fitness.