Sammi Gaudreau, a stay-at-home mom, found herself at a peak weight of 226 pounds, and decided to start an exercise program. She took up cycling which she says, “I immediately fell in love with. I liked the ‘happy’ endorphins that exercise produces.” She enjoyed the mental and physical benefits so much that she decided to teach group fitness classes and has now been doing it for 20 years.
These days, Sammi live streams her classes to clients all over the world, including Brazil, Italy, and Canada, as well as many locations throughout the U.S. Operating her boutique online exercise classes, known as Yes I Can Fitness, from her studio in the El Dorado community outside of Santa Fe, Sammi offers a variety of exercise programs, Including yoga sculpting, cardio and strength training.
Sammi told us, “I started my live streaming classes the week before the pandemic lockdown, so I got busy quickly. People still wanted their workout but were uncomfortable going to a bricks and mortar gym.”
As gyms have re-opened, Sammi found that a lot of clients still liked the remote aspect of her live streaming. “A lot of gyms are crowded. Sometimes you can’t get on a particular piece of equipment, or you can’t get a good spot for group exercise. Surprisingly, many clients find the online classes more intimate because we are allowing each other into our personal living spaces, and we have conversations before and after instruction. Many of us have become good friends without ever meeting face-to-face. It brings people together.”
Sammi tells us that, “Exercising just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference. It helps you mentally with the production of endorphins. It affects your mood, reduces blood pressure, improves muscle tone, and strengthens your heart.”
Being a self-described “big girl” has never hindered her ability to develop a loyal following. She says, “I’m not a perfect shape and that helps me as a fitness coach. I’m more relatable than a 'size two' instructor. Clients feel that there is less judgement. We’re all on the same journey.”
Sammi’s website is www.yesicanfitness.com
