Graduating year: BHK, 2002
Position: Owner
Organization: Live Well Exercise Clinic
Stream: Exercise Science
Website: www.livewellexerciseclinic.com
“Experience is key. Employers want to see a resume with applicable work experience. It is an equally important facet to being a successful candidate for a job.”
Sara Hodson graduated from the School of Kinesiology (formerly Human Kinetics) in 2002. With the chosen stream of Exercise Science, she quickly pursued a career in the final year of her undergrad with Fraser Health as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in the Chronic Disease Management Programs. Holding this position for ten years until 2011, she then decided to make the courageous jump and open up her own clinic, Live Well Exercise Clinic.
She now serves as the president of a successful chain of Live Well Exercise clinics across Canada and has plans to move into the US and grow her company internationally. In 2018, Sara was named by BIV (Business in Vancouver) as one of the top 40 under 40 winners. This award recognizes young entrepreneurs under 40 who have demonstrated excellence in business, judgment, leadership and community contribution. Add to this, her company was named as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in BC that year.
As an undergrad, Sara was a highly involved student, working at the BirdCoop as well as managing the Changing Aging Program each for two years. She notes how her experience in Kinesiology provided her with a strong foundation for which she could launch a successful career. “My undergrad in Kinesiology has been the foundation to my entire career. I keep my textbooks and classwork close at hand in my clinic,” says Sara, “My practicum work placement gave me the clarity and direction I needed in knowing what my professional pursuits would be.”
Shortly after graduating, Sara took her degree even further, completing a post-graduate diploma as a Clinical Exercise Specialist and Cancer Exercise Trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Sara’s diverse experience and ‘go-getter’ attitude have made her clinic a success to date. Currently operating out of White Rock, BC, Live Well Exercise Clinic provides safe, evidence-based programming to help increase the quality of health and life for those dealing with diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
Not only does Sara apply her ‘no-fear’ lively attitude to her professional life, but she also carries this through to her personal life. With four children ages 1, 3, 5 and 7, Sara defines the term ‘Super-mom’ devoting time to their extra-curricular activities as well as her family as a whole.
Sara is an active and valued alumnus of the School of Kinesiology. She is dedicated to supporting the students by presenting to them on her career journey, mentoring, and hiring students through the School’s Co-op Program.
Advice to Current Students: “Experience is key. Employers want to see a resume with applicable work experience. It is an equally important facet to being a successful candidate for a job.”
