A few years ago, I was 300+ pounds, uncomfortable in my own skin, and living a life that didn’t feel like mine. I wasn’t just out of shape — I felt stuck, isolated, and invisible. But one day, something clicked. I didn’t want to survive anymore — I wanted to live. That decision changed everything.
Fast forward to today: I’ve lost over 150 pounds, run marathons, and built a life — and business — that I’m proud of. I’m now a certified personal trainer, lifestyle coach, and the founder of Kate L. Toms Fit, a space built to empower others to take control of their lives — not through shame or quick fixes, but through confidence, consistency, and community.
I coach real people who want real change — from brand-new gym-goers to everyday warriors getting back on track. Whether it’s through my bootcamps, online programs, or one-on-one coaching, I make it my mission to meet people where they’re at and help them become the strongest, healthiest version of themselves — physically and mentally.
This isn’t just about fitness — it’s about freedom. I know what it’s like to feel like you’ll never be enough. That’s why I do this. Because if I can do it? You can too.
Sarah Beirness is the newest addition to the Kate L. Toms Fit Team - though chances are, if you’re a KTF member, you’ve already seen her at the gym, breaking a sweat and sharing a few self-deprecating laughs.
A bit about Sarah’s journey…
Just shy of her 39th birthday, Sarah became a mother to her son, Myles.
After gaining over 60 pounds during pregnancy, she was determined to lose the weight and turned back to familiar habits - high-intensity cardio and restrictive dieting. While these methods delivered quick results, they weren’t sustainable.
In addition to becoming a new mom, Sarah also made the difficult decision to step away from her long, successful career in post-secondary education - choosing to focus on motherhood and take on the role of Managing Partner for the real estate corporation her husband, Shaun Pearce, founded.
By 42, the demands of motherhood, a significant career shift, and the relentless cycle of restrictive dieting and intense cardio had taken their toll.
Sarah was burned out, overwhelmed, and no longer felt like herself.
Then came a chance encounter at a Pickleball tournament, where she met personal trainer Kate Toms. A casual invitation from Kate to try her bootcamp, with further encouragement from her friend (and KTF member) Alannah, led Sarah to a major turning point.
That first KTF bootcamp properly introduced Sarah to strength training. It was hard, but she was hooked.
With consistency, discipline, and the support of Kate Toms and the KTF community, Sarah began to rebuild her energy and strength. As her confidence grew, so did her commitment, and strength training became an essential part of her lifestyle.
In conjunction with her commitment to training, Sarah also began researching food and nutrition. She moved away from fad diets and adopted a science-backed, sustainable approach to nutrition - one that fuels her performance and still satisfies her love of food.
Sarah’s weight and body composition improved significantly, and, for the first time, the changes stuck.
Once her son Myles started school and her business was running smoothly, Sarah saw an opportunity to combine her passion for helping others with her background in adult education and her personal health journey. She began her Certified Personal Trainer education and immersed herself in the science of strength, conditioning, and nutrition.
Today, as a Certified Personal Trainer, Sarah brings that expertise - and lived experience - to every client she works with. She embodies the core values of Kate Tom Fit: no gimmicks, no fads - just consistent, foundational strength and conditioning paired with sustainable nutrition strategies that work long term.
With a soft spot for those starting, or restarting, their fitness journey later in life, Sarah is a coach who leads with empathy, honesty, and real-life understanding.
I’m a fitness enthusiast, multi-sport athlete, and dedicated mental health professional. In January 2024, I underwent major bowel surgery — an experience that reshaped my understanding of resilience, recovery, and the mind-body connection. Refusing to let this setback define me, I committed to a structured rehabilitation process and was proud to complete my first triathlon just eight months later, in August 2024.
An athlete at heart, I’ve always embraced an active lifestyle. I play basketball regularly, guard the crease as a hockey goalie, and enjoy time on the baseball diamond. These sports not only fuel my physical well-being but also strengthen my mental grit and sense of community.
Professionally, I bring that same passion to my role as a mental health social worker. After earning my nursing degree from Trent University in 2015, I dedicated my career to supporting individuals through their most challenging times. I believe deeply that physical activity and mental health are intrinsically linked — and I strive to promote this balance in both my personal journey and professional practice.
Outside of my day job, you’ll often find me behind the scenes at Kate L Toms Fit, where I help manage our apps and take care of gym maintenance. Supporting this vibrant fitness community keeps me connected and motivated — and reminds me every day that health is a lifelong, evolving journey.
Whether training for the next event, suiting up for game day, or helping clients build resilience, I’m driven by the simple belief that with consistency and heart, we can overcome more than we ever imagined.
Our private fitness Studio is located at 724 Erskine Ave Unit 1 in Peterborough Ontario
With over 1000 Square feet, this studio is equipped with state of the art fitness equipment to meet anyone's needs
This studio is for everyone, the seasoned gym experts, the underdogs and everyone in between
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