“You are an athlete.”
Quote from KC Bruch Doctor of Physical Therapy
I still remember the moment I heard the words that altered the course of my life. I was 49 years old, deep in a toxic lifestyle of poor diet, lacking the right mix of exercises, and no fundamental awareness of how to live healthily. Facing multiple serious health issues, a doctor told me that weight loss surgery was the only option I had to turn my life around and achieve a healthy weight. But I decided to take a different path.
I started educating myself. By discovering movements and routines that fit my body, lifestyle, and interests, I transformed my health, becoming healthier, happier, and stronger than ever before. Through this investment in myself, and in collaboration with the individuals who supported me along the way, I managed to lose a significant amount of excess body weight and build the powerful muscle mass I needed to feel strong and capable.
Now healthy, happy, and medication-free — without surgery — I hope my personal story will offer hope that no matter where you are, you CAN accomplish challenging things and reclaim your health!
As an ACE-certified personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in hospital-based healthcare, supporting patients as a perfusionist and nurse anesthetist in heart surgery, I’ve shifted from repairing the body to preparing it to thrive.
To me, it’s the journey we take and the companions we choose that make the difference. Who I am and how I guide those who join Sweet Pace Fitness is deeply influenced by the natural world, and I’d like to share a bit about that with you.
Imagine a curious critter in the wild; alert, nimble, instinctual, always exploring! That’s the kind of spirit I bring to my coaching and daily life. Energetic, playful, and focused on discovery.
I spend as much time outdoors as I can, learning and immersing myself in the sights, sounds, and inspirational power of nature. Movement in the fresh air brings clarity. Observing wildlife, plants, and ecosystems keeps me connected to the rhythms of life.
Boundless curiosity leads me to test what’s new, how far I can go, how high I can jump, and see what’s out there beyond the next horizon. Our Sweet Pace is a continuum of constant discovery, evolving like the natural world.
Just like nature’s critters who thrive in their unique ways, we each have rhythms and environments where we flourish. As your coach, I’ll help you identify the natural movements that help you feel confident and authentically you. Together, we’ll develop your physical strength and inner self-love.
Sweet Pace Fitness is the culmination of years spent learning, training, and realizing my goals, as well as an ever-growing drive to help others find their sweet pace on their journey. It’s built on the beliefs that collaboration supports us better than competition, and that we grow stronger as we learn to love ourselves. Together, we will experience the joy of saying “I can”.
Imagine a playful fox darting through the woods, or a wise owl gliding through the air. Movement should be joyful and natural. Uniquely yours.
I am deeply grateful to have found my own Sweet Pace, the one that feels right for me and my body, and I am honored to help others do the same.
– Ute M.
Much Gratitude and Heartfelt Thanks
I would not have been able to progress and launch Sweet Pace Fitness without the support and encouragement of these amazing people and businesses:
- VT Womenpreneurs
Mieko Ozeki - Mercy Connections Business Launch Pad
Claire Wheeler - Champlain Design Company
Kalei Harris - The Winfield Creative
Brittany Winfield - Arosecreative
Amanda Anderson - Burlington Physiotherapy
KC Bruch, Doctor of Physical Therapy - Erik, my husband
- Many more who have supported me along the way