SCW Spotlite: Issue 78

Interview With Sara Kooperman, JD: Visionary Leader in Fitness Education 

Who is Sara Kooperman, JD?

Interviewer: Who are you now, Sara?

Sara: I’m the CEO of SCW Fitness Education, WATERinMOTION®, and S.E.A.T. Fitness – basically, I’m in the business of making fitness education exciting and a little less intimidating. As a visionary leader (or at least that’s what they call me when I’m not running around at conventions), I’ve launched 7 MANIA® conventions, 6 Streaming Conferences, and over 40 certifications, reaching more than 100,000 fitness professionals.

I wrote the best-seller FIT FOR BUSINESS – because apparently, juggling seven conventions isn’t enough. I’m also a keynote speaker, podcast host, and industry expert, and I’ve somehow survived being the CEO of Les Mills Midwest (yes, “survivor” feels like the right term here). I sit on boards like the Gold’s Gym Think Tank, the canfitpro Advisory Panel, and the ACSM Communications and Public Information Committee – because I guess I just don’t know how to say “no” to anything fitness-related.

Oh, and I have a law degree from Washington University and studied at King’s College at Cambridge University in England – because why not throw a little legal flair into the fitness world? I’m a proud inductee of the National Fitness Hall of Fame and a serial nominee for the IDEA Leader of the Year Award – which I will probably never win. But hey, I keep applying, filling out those forms with dotted I’s and crossed T’s like it’s a sport of its own.

And yes, I’m still trying.

Plus, I’m still married to my first husband (yes, it’s possible!) with whom I have four amazing sons – testosterone abounds in my world. One’s a PhD, one’s an MBA, another’s a welder, and the last one’s a pro-hockey player. Yup, I’m the quintessential hockey mom – in fitness attire!

How My Fitness Career Began (Hint: Law School + Aerobics = Survival)

Interviewer: Where did you come from and start your journey, and what advice can you provide?

Sara: My fitness and entrepreneurship journey kicked off when I was in law school. Gaining weight was not part of the plan. So, I did what any law student desperate to avoid the first year-15 would do—I started teaching aerobics in the basement of the English Lit building next door.

Picture this: a hot, humid, cramped space with water heaters as our backdrop. It wasn’t exactly a luxury studio, but it worked. One of my students—a professor—saw potential (or maybe just pitied me) and got me a larger hall outside the science department. Suddenly, I was off and running (literally) with about 50 students per night, each paying $3. Not bad for a freelance law student hustling 3 hours a week—no taxes required. I was covering rent, pepperoni pizzas, and Long Island iced teas. Basically, I was living the law school dream.

After surviving my first year of law school, I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to own a business. My dad was an entrepreneur who sold pants with his father, and being your own boss was just part of life. My dad never underestimated my ambition—he knew I had a knack for finding people who believed in me. (Pro tip: Marry one of those people. I did. My boyfriend from law school is still my husband 42 years later.)

Here’s the thing: you have to choose your supporters wisely. Pick the voices that lift you up. My mom? Let’s just say she was a basket case—obese, emotionally erratic, and a bit of a downer. I decided to block her out and listen to my dad instead. He was funny, creative, and had the soul of a jazz musician, despite being stuck as a store-to-store pants distributor. Lazy? A bit. But his advice? Priceless.

Moral of the story: Surround yourself with people who get you, challenge you, and don’t hold you back. Whether you’re teaching aerobics in a dungeon or starting a business after law school, the right support makes all the difference.

Be the Only Woman in the Room—and Own It!

Interviewer: What are some of the obstacles that you’ve encountered over the years, and what can other women do to address these challenges?

Sara: I’m almost always the only woman in the room. Recently, I attended a Women in Business Panel at a big convention, and one of the panelists said what might be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard a woman say.

The moderator asked, “What should women do about panels and sessions made up entirely of men?” The panelist’s answer. “Don’t go.”

Wait, what? Don’t go? Seriously? That’s when I almost fell out of my chair. Don’t go? That’s literally the last thing we should do. If a panel is all men, that’s when we absolutely, positively MUST GO. We must show up. Be present. Be heard. If you’re the only woman in the room, you’re exactly where you need to be.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to events, disagreed with a man, and been made to feel like I was stupid, small, or just plain wrong. I once got yelled at for 45 minutes straight by a male colleague just because I did something differently. Apparently, thinking outside the box is grounds for a one-person rage seminar.

But here’s the thing: Doing something different is how you make an impact. It’s how you lead, change the game, and shatter the norms. You’re not leading if you’re always playing it safe or going with the flow. Leadership means standing tall, stepping in front, and helping people follow you—even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s about taking a chance, risking failure, and being willing to stand alone—because that’s how you make real change. Next time you’re the only woman in the room, own it. Make them notice. Make them listen. And whatever you do, don’t back down.

The Power of Choosing Your Mentors

Interviewer: Who are some of the mentors who have supported and guided you along the way?

Sara: The people who shape my growth aren’t the ones I was “supposed” to follow—they’re the ones I actively chose. I didn’t just wait for mentors to show up; I went out and found them.

One of my favorite mentors is my husband. He’s strong, funny, patient, and brutally honest. He never tells me what I want to hear—he tells me what I need to hear. And let me be clear: I am not patient—or as he would probably put it, I am never patient. I move, I jump, I react. Sometimes, I’m more like an over-tired toddler than a rational adult—impulsive, loud, and ready to take on the world (or throw a tantrum). My husband? He’s the calm after my storm. His steady, straightforward advice reminds me to breathe, think, and occasionally just chill.

Then there’s my amazing girlfriend, who has mastered the art of boundaries. She’s smart—simply smart—and has this magical ability to step back and see the big picture while I’m busy obsessing over the tiny, annoying details. She’s taught me to pause, gain perspective, and, most importantly, stop sweating the small stuff.

And finally, I’ve got a coworker who does something truly revolutionary: he says no to me. He boldly goes where no other man would dare to travel and just says, “No.” I hate “yes-people.” Seriously, what’s the point of having someone around who just nods and agrees? I want honest feedback, not a cheerleader. My coworker keeps me in check, challenges me, and tells me when I’m way off base, which I absolutely love (even when it’s a little frustrating).

Bottom line: The best mentors aren’t just the ones who support you—they’re the ones who challenge you, ground you, and sometimes flat-out disagree with you. Find people who make you better, not just people who tell you what you want to hear.

Boldly Go ….

Interviewer: What would you advise the next generation of women leaders?

Sara: The path to leadership isn’t easy, but it’s worth every step. Ask for help. Seek advice. Choose your mentors wisely. Don’t just accept what’s in front of you—push your boundaries, take risks, and embrace discomfort. If you want to be on a panel of leading experts, don’t wait for an invitation—introduce yourself to the experts, ask smart questions, and connect with the decision makers who choose panelists. Make yourself known and show your value.

Remember, success rarely happens on the first try. It’s a journey filled with effort, mistakes, and growth. Fail forward, keep moving, and never stop pursuing your vision. Leadership is earned through persistence and courage—so go out there, make an impact, and never settle