Living with a chronic condition comes with its own set of challenges. But Yolanda Sarrabo’s, CPT, BCS, experience with multiple myeloma catalyzed transformation. She founded Chronic Fitness, a virtual platform designed to empower those navigating life with chronic conditions. Yolanda is reshaping what wellness means for herself and her clients through fitness, nutrition, and a holistic approach to health. 
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BHM: What motivated you to start Chronic Fitness and focus on helping individuals with chronic conditions?
Yolanda Sarrabo: I am also part of the community I serve. I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma many moons ago. During treatment and everything that came with it, I wanted to continue exercising.
After interviewing a few personal trainers, I realized it just wasn’t a good fit. Even though there are trainers who target specific communities, I felt my needs weren’t being met. So, I thought about it, prayed on it, and realized there was a niche for special populations. From there, I decided to start my own initiative, Chronic Fitness was born to fill the gap for people like me.
BHM: How does fitness help individuals living with chronic conditions improve their physical and mental health?
Yolanda Sarrabo: Fitness, along with proper nutrition, is essential for making lifestyle changes. Treatment, including medications, can alter one’s daily life, and people often forget about the nutritional and physical aspects.
Nowadays, you might hear doctors recommending exercise alongside treatment. For something like hypertension, a good doctor will include exercise in the plan, not just medication. Years ago, it was all about the meds, but now it’s more holistic, with physical, mental, and nutritional health all working together.
BHM: What are the biggest challenges people face when starting or maintaining a wellness routine?
Yolanda Sarrabo: One major barrier is financial concern. People often ask, “Can I afford this?” You might think, “I can’t afford a trainer, so I won’t exercise,” but you don’t need a trainer to stay active. You can walk, follow exercise videos on YouTube, or try activities like Zumba or cardio. There are countless ways to move your body that don’t require spending a lot of money.
BHM: You’ve spoken about advocating for one’s health. Can you elaborate on what patients should do to take control, particularly in the Black community?
Yolanda Sarrabo: I really push this concept of participatory medicine. It’s about having transparent conversations with your doctor. If you’re diagnosed with something, whether it’s cancer, hypertension, or diabetes, don’t stop at the diagnosis.
At your next visit, ask questions such as, “What does this mean? How does it change my daily life? Should I adjust my diet or exercise routine?”
This is a partnership; you’re not just a passive patient. You’re an active participant. If your doctor isn’t answering your questions, that’s your sign to seek a second opinion.
In the Black community, trust in the healthcare system can be tricky, especially for older generations who’ve faced bad experiences. But you need to have open conversations with your healthcare provider and collaborate on your survivorship.
BHM: How can people set realistic fitness goals and maintain discipline when they’re feeling overwhelmed or impatient with results?
Yolanda Sarrabo: Write it down; seeing your goals on paper makes a huge difference. Keep a food diary and track your body measurements. This helps you understand where changes need to be made and whether your habits align with your goals. Start small, like losing 2 to 5 pounds instead of aiming for 30 in two months. Gradual progress builds consistency, and as you grow stronger, you’ll naturally push for more challenges.
BHM: If you had one piece of advice for someone feeling overwhelmed by their health challenges, what would it be?
Yolanda Sarrabo: Embrace your new normalcy. Things are different now, whether good or bad, and you need to embrace where you are while staying open to change. Many people feel they’re not healthy because of their condition, and that mindset can block progress. But there’s room to make changes.
Life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis; there’s always room for improvement. Even I had hypertension. I did what I needed to do, took the meds, and all of that. Then, my numbers went down. I was able to get off the meds.
I think a lot of people just get stuck on how life stops. Based on what they are being told, they start to think there’s no wiggle room to make improvements, but there is. Embrace it all. This is your new normalcy, and within your new normalcy, there’s room to change.
Kickstart Your 30-Day Fitness Routine.
Yolanda recommends a simple, effective fitness plan to help you build consistency. These low-impact routines are great for all fitness levels:
Low-Impact Cardio (Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Option 1: Modified jumping jacks, windmills, bicep jabs (10 reps, two sets)
Option 2: Sumo squats, side-to-side twists, forward bends (10 reps, two sets)
Option 3: Squats, squat with overhead reach, wall push-ups (10 reps, two sets)
Upper Body Routine (Tuesday, Thursday):
Option 1: Wall push-ups, crossbody punches, wood chops (10 reps, two sets)
Option 2: Seated shoulder press, arm circles, bicep curls (10 reps, two sets; with or without weights)
Through her work with Chronic Fitness, Yolanda Sarrabo has identified a need for more motivation around exercise. Take inspiration from her example; you can take charge of your journey with small steps, consistency, and the right mindset. And don’t let chronic conditions get in the way.
Be sure to check with your HCP before beginning any exercise program.
