Verve talks fitness, adversity and philosophies with Krista Sandford-Hill, founder of 09 Thrive, a gym with the goal to change the fitness industry.
Tell us how you ‘lead with intention’?
In 2020, I was involved in a mountain biking accident so severe I required resuscitation. My brain is my most treasured asset, helping build people better lives and enabling me to lead. It also directly relates to the level at which my body thrives. At the essence, my body is built off how much sleep, nourishment, and movement I gift it. My body’s resilience to fight off illness and fly off mountain bikes is proof that this intentional way of living works. Intention is the essence of 09 Thrive – we guarantee strength, fitness, health, and resilience. Helping develop the tools to deal with all life’s adversities.
Tell us about your work with Dr Miller?
Dr Miller, in San Diego, is one of the greatest leader developers in the world. She is right by my side as I chase mastery in the high-performance skill that is leadership. The 09 Thrive team are some of the most incredible people I have ever worked with. The energy we take into that space is what our community builds off. If my staff thrive, we all do. Dr Miller stands with me as I delve deep into the discomfort of the ‘limiting’ aspects of my psyche. This most worthy endeavour is one of the fundamental reasons I stand as I do today.
You previously spent seven years as a radiation therapist. How did this experience feed into your work now?
Because of that career, I’m striving to rewrite the fitness industry with relentless care and compassion. Take a deep look at the fitness industry’s marketing techniques and you’ll see an undercurrent of shame and blame. You take the leap, walk through gym doors and then it’s often a slippery slope to failure. So many people walk away saying, “Gyms aren’t for me.” I was this person too. Here’s to being inspired to move regularly because we love it, because it’s fun and allows us to live better lives, versus what the scales say.
How do you support people through the tough times at 09 Thrive?
One of our members, Sue, recently lifted 76kg to celebrate her 70th birthday. She also recently fell hard, off a restaurant chair. She stood, laughing, and brushed herself off as everyone stared in shock. I hold a belief that life is adversity. But not as a negative perspective.
Through adversity, we become stronger, more resilient, and primed for life. It’s a huge part of my personal ethos and is proving an incredible standing as I navigate my own life. Wiping myself off the earth and recovering from that massive traumatic brain injury while continuing to run a business, full time, during a pandemic, is just a small example of this belief in action.
What is it about 09 Thrive that has the potential to change entire lives?
Fitness is a specific science that, when applied well, creates measurable results. So, what is stopping people from getting fit and why do we have an obesity crisis? We hit snooze, eat suboptimal food, and stay up late. At 09 Thrive, we teach coping mechanisms enabling better choices – skills like de-stress techniques and re-framing thoughts. We are surrounded by likeminded people who chat, laugh, and sweat together. Building this community has been a very intentional choice. Onwards we fly. One foot in front of the other.
