My Story

I'm Theresa Hessler Sauter, a wife and a proud mother of two young girls. My journey into health and fitness began in Baltimore, Maryland, where I embraced sports from a young age, relishing every opportunity to play. Even as a high school freshman on the varsity track team, my interest in fitness was ignited when a friend introduced me to weight training. From then on, I was hooked. 

Discovering Muscle & Fitness Magazine during my teenage years opened my eyes to the world of competitive fitness events. Inspired by the incredible bodies I saw on stage, I decided to give it a try—and it turned out to be immensely fulfilling.

Over the following decade, I competed professionally, securing three coveted pro titles. I competed in the fitness category of the International Federation of Bodybuilding, achieving significant success.  

Alongside my competitive journey, I contributed to fitness publications like Muscle & Fitness and Oxygen Magazine, even gracing their covers.  My articles and co-authorships in prominent fitness publications reflect my commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring others in their fitness journeys. Health and fitness aren't just interests for me—they're lifelong passions that drive me to continually explore new avenues for growth and fulfillment. 

My competitive experience propelled me to become a certified fitness professional, a role I've embraced for the past 30 years. My passion lies in helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals while making the journey enjoyable and innovative. I've received consistent feedback from clients, not only appreciating the results but also acknowledging my unwavering dedication to their specific needs.

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Functional training is one of my specialties. As we progress through life, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize functional movements. This entails focusing on exercises that enhance everyday activities. For instance, incorporating squatting exercises can aid in sitting and standing, while engaging in push-ups can bolster the strength required for rising from the floor or maneuvering doors. Regardless of the objective, functional strength training underscores exercises that engage multiple joints (referred to as compound exercises) and target specific movements, rather than isolating individual muscles.

In daily life, our bodies typically adhere to five fundamental movement patterns: hinge (or bending and lifting), lunge (or single-leg movements), push, pull, and rotate (or twisting). Whether the aim is to effortlessly rise from a chair, enhance deadlift performance, or prevent sports-related injuries, practicing these foundational movement patterns proves more beneficial than isolating specific muscle groups. By honing these movement patterns essential for activities like walking, getting out of bed, and dressing, functional strength training facilitates maintaining an active and independent lifestyle as we age.