Dynamic Duo returns to T-Town to spread the fitness message, 'Big Time'
By: Jeanne Hanigan
With their toned physiques and stunning looks, this couple could definitely turn heads on the red carpet. But, they seem most comfortable on green turf, clad in athletic gear rather than evening wear. This man and woman are the Dream Team, or Dynamic Duo. They are the fresh faces of fitness in the Puget Sound area.
Sarah Burns and Ben Hannula are no strangers to the local area. Burns graduated from Curtis High School in 2004, and has returned there to coach Track and Field. Hannula graduated from crosstown rival, Bellarmine Prep, the same year as Burns, and will coach football at his alma mater this fall.
Their intellect and athleticism took them temporarily away from University Place and Tacoma. Star athletes at both high schools, they went on to compete at the university level, Burns at Washington State University, and Hannula at University of San Diego. At the college level, they excelled even more, with Burns deemed captain of her Track and Field team, and Hannula named 2nd team All American honors for both offense and defense.
Armed with a double major in Kinestheology and Psychology, Burns began helping others achieve fitness, even those not blessed with her natural athletic ability. She established the company, Get FIT with Sarah B, and continues to work with people of all ages.
Post-college, Hannula successfully pursued football at the NFL practice team level for the New York Giants and, most recently, the San Francisco 49ers. In addition, he enjoyed a successful stint playing for the now defunct Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. His career goal is now directed at earning an advanced degree in Physical Therapy, combining his love of competing with this passion for healing.
These two, equipped with the knowledge and experience of what it takes to take one's fitness journey to the elite level, have teamed up to share their wealth with others, particularly the younger athlete.
On Mondays and Thursdays starting at 5 p.m., Hannula leads a varied group of young people through speed and conditioning drills. The vast range of his own personal training (Olympic lifting, CrossFit, Pyrometrics, etc.) comes from college and professional coaches, including strength/conditioning experts from both Stanford and the University of Washington.
Hannula is a natural instructor, uttering words of direction and encouragement. "Big time!" "Way to compete!" "I see you." "Not bad." "YES!" "Get your mind right." "You can accomplish anything if you are willing to make the sacrifice."
What the owners of RedZoneSports, the facility where this training occurs, appreciate is that he doesn't offer false praise to the clients. They have to earn it. "He holds them accountable," said co-owner Jim Hanigan.
"Don't cheat the drill," Hannula will call out if a participant gets sloppy with his/her technique during one of the varied activities. And what is fascinating is that the athletes respond, and quickly.
When Burns arrives shortly after running her own track practice, she is equally as challenging and encouraging. She teaches movement efficiency and technicality in order to gain serious speed. The athletes, sometimes ranging from 10 years old to nearly 17, take their trainers' advice seriously. For example, both of these hyperfit role models swear off fast food and sodas. Burns insists that "educating about food is everything," especially if these athletes want to take their sport to the next level.
As one mother commented, "My son comes home from training and wants only healthy food. Ben and Sarah are religious about nutrition. I have had to step up my game with meals. And that's not a bad thing."
Luke Weller, a 6th grader from St. Charles Borromeo, appreciates these trainers' intensity and matches it with his own. "I like to put in all the hard work so when football season comes, I am ready."
Lighthouse Christian 7th grader Christian Brown has been training with Burns and Hannula for a few weeks, too. A three-sport athlete, he appreciates these trainers' techniques and passion. "The words Ben uses are very motivating. I feel relief after a workout, but I know it helps me toward my goal of getting faster."
Brown, like Weller, is already preparing for the fall. "I want to become big and buff for football," says Brown, smiling. Both these junior high athletes are well on their way toward their goals, especially under the philosophy and tutelage of their trainers.
While Burns and Hannula enjoy the green turf down at the University Place training facility, they will soon have to trade out their athletic wear for more formal attire. But, not for the red carpet. Rather, they will walk down the aisle this year. These two, the Dynamic Duo Dream Team, create the perfect balance for training, and, in the future, the perfect pair for marriage.
For more information about these two coaches/trainers and their nutrition and training sessions, visit Facebook: Get FIT with Sarah and/or RedZoneSports, LLC.