You don’t need to wait a day longer to start a lifestyle where you’re able to put yourself first and feel good about your health and body again. Our focused approach helps you start making small changes every day to reclaim your time and wellness.
First let me introduce myself— my name is Sarah Leal, and I am a Nurse Practitioner and certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with years of experience coaching and treating real patients in the SF Bay Area.
I specialize in helping busy women in healthcare create space for themselves and get control of their health.
And if there’s one thing that’s been reinforced in my mind over the years of working with hundreds of patients is that making big life changes is difficult! There is so much information out there that it is hard to know where to start. The key to long term success is to make change that is sustainable, build a mentality and process that helps you schedule/protect your self-care time and ultimately put yourself first every day.
What inspired me to combine my knowledge of medicine, nutrition, strength and conditioning was my own struggles with self care and burnout in the medical field during COVID. The constant pressure to work long hours, charting after work and feeling physically and emotionally drained once I got home. This left little bandwidth to make decisions on what exercise to do, let alone what to eat or how else to care for myself.
For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing clients able to find time for themselves, create strong boundaries that create a space for their own wellness and help them feel healthy, strong and happy in their life and work.
Stress, poor sleep, erratic food choices and lack of exercise are all major contributors to chronic health conditions, particularly things like Type 2 Diabetes. If you’re working in healthcare, you know first hand how damaging Diabetes can be for someone’s quality of life and wellness.
But when you feel like you’re underwater and have no space for yourself, it can feel impossible to know how and where to start to get yourself out of an abnormal hemoglobin A1C.
That’s what I’m here for. I have seen this struggle firsthand through my clients and helped them find themselves again. And I can help you too.
Listen to what some of our best clients have to say:
Lori Anahata
June 27, 2025
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable, supportive personal trainer who meets you where you are, helps define your goals, and keeps you motivated, Mauricio is the one. I began working with him four months ago after a long stretch of procrastination and jumping between fitness programs without much consistency. That first step—reaching out—was the hardest, but from our very first call, I knew I had made the right decision. From our introductory conversation, I felt seen and supported. Mauricio took the time to understand my goals and motivations, fitness history, and past injuries.
As a busy mom of two with a demanding 9–5, I came to Zen Strength and Conditioning looking for accountability and simple, sustainable ways to rebuild healthy habits - and Mauricio delivered. From tracking protein and water intake (two things I identified as needing particular attention) to refining my form and understanding the "why" behind each movement, he helped me build a more holistic, informed fitness practice. Though I’m a former group fitness and yoga instructor, I gained new insights and knowledge, deeper self-awareness, and tools to maintain long-term wellness.
A few highlights: Mauricio is a great listener and a clear communicator, offering thoughtful suggestions and helpful resources to complement our training. Our sessions were a thoughtful mix of friendly check-ins, expert coaching, encouragement, and good old-fashioned hard work—always ending with a lighthearted strike of the gong to celebrate progress. :) I not only regained my fitness momentum, but also learned a great deal about strength training, wellness, exercise science and trauma-informed consent to apply to whatever movement or fitness program I might explore in the future. Even as my schedule shifted, preventing me from meeting with him as regularly, Mauricio created a training approach that was thoughtful, personalized, and sustainable.
I was lucky to train during the transition from winter into summer and got to experience both their indoor gym and the lush backyard garden gym, an inviting garden oasis that made outdoor sessions feel extra special. Training in such a peaceful, plant-filled environment added a refreshing energy to each workout.
In short, Mauricio brings the perfect mix of expertise, motivation, and genuine care to every session. Occasionally, Sarah joined our conversations, sharing valuable insights from her own extensive background in exercise science and healthcare. Together, Mauricio and Sarah make a powerhouse team: supportive, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to helping clients thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I highly recommend Zen Strength and Conditioning to anyone looking for a holistic, empowering, and sustainable approach to fitness.
Erin Everett
October 26, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When I first started with Sarah, I was five months postpartum with twins - sleep deprived and physically wrecked, but eager to regain some sense of myself. Sarah helped me start my journey towards regaining my physical strength and confidence with compassion and expertise. She always met me where I was, checking in at the beginning of our sessions to see where I was at. For example, if I hadn't slept, we'd cut back on cardio but she would assure me that I would probably still progress with lifting (I always did).
I always felt completely at ease with Sarah and at times where I felt discouraged and frustrated, she always listened with an open heart while encouraging me to keep pushing and questioning my negative thinking. Sarah taught me all the skills to safely and confidently move my body and gain strength- from squatting, deadlifting, and bench pressing to pull ups and box jumps. My physical strength has increased tremendously and, most importantly, so has my confidence. Sarah is incredible and I highly recommend working with her!
Lesley Sternin
August 24, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve been working with Sarah from Zen Strength and Conditioning for several months. I’m not exaggerating when I say working with her has changed my life. I’m 71 years old and love to be outdoors and physically active, but in the last several years injuries and pain has limited me. Working with Sarah has made me stronger and more resilient. I’m now able to lift my bike into my car and also kayak. Sarah’s approach to dealing with pain has helped me to be less scared and more resilient when I am dealing with pain. I highly recommend Sarah and wish everyone could work with her!
Payal Hathi
June 18, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Working out with Sarah has been an absolute game changer for me. I've always wanted to be more regular with exercise, but it never seemed to stick. Then, as a few life events converged - I was done having kids, witnessing my parents' struggles as they aged, and my 40th birthday was looming - I started to feel motivated to find a sustainable routine. A friend’s recommendation of Zen led me to Sarah.
From our first session, I felt a really nice connection with Sarah. Her warmth and encouragement were evident from the start, and she made me feel completely at ease. She listened to my goals and concerns, even when I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted myself. There was never any judgment about my inconsistency in showing up as I tried to find time and space and energy for exercise. Instead, Sarah guided me with patience and understanding, helping me discover how fitness could fit into my life.
Sarah started me at a manageable level, making sure I felt challenged but still capable - a testament to her incredible talent and expertise. For years, I’d heard people talk about the joy of finding an exercise groove, but it always felt out of reach for me. Now, thanks to Sarah, I’m consistently lifting and proud of my progress. For the first time, it feels like something I can stick with long-term and genuinely want to.
We’re now incorporating more cardio into my routine, and Sarah is empowering me to do these workouts independently as well. Throughout all the changes, she continues to guide me with a focus on overall health and how to keep going in a sustainable way. Sarah's knowledge in answering all of my questions and doubts (about exercise and nutrition too!), and her unwavering support have made all the difference. She is truly amazing in every way, and I can't recommend her highly enough!
Guthrie Dundas
February 5, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been working with Zen for almost three years and it has been amazing. I have never had a more consistent practice to strength training which is entirely due to their constructive and supportive approach. I initial started working with them in person a few times per week, but quickly moved to a hybrid where I see them a couple times per month and follow their personally prescribed workouts in my home gym. I am now stronger and feel better than I have in decades but am also confident to live within my body and age. I couldn't recommend them more strongly to anyone at any fitness level.
Avi Atid
February 1, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Working with Mauricio is one of the best investments I can recommend. Finding a way to get and stay in shape as we age is truly ‘priceless.
Mauricio and Sarah will help you do it.
I am not an athlete. I have never lifted any weights or followed any exercise plan until I started working out with Mauricio.
I found myself in my mid to late fifties tired a lot of the time, I was diagnosed with diabetes, and I was overweight. I needed to do something to reclaim my health. I needed to get in shape.
I joined different gyms, tried different programs, nothing stuck until I made the decision to spend the money and work one on one with Mauricio. I found Mauricio to be an experienced, patient, and observant teacher that cares a lot about his clients.
Working out with Mauricio made a huge difference in my life!
The magic of Mauricio and Sarah is that they practice what they preach. They know their stuff. They understand the psychological hurdles. They know what’s important. They understand the importance of the long game. They will help you build a consistent training practice that will become part of who you are.
It seems most of us, as we age, find it harder to workout. And if we do find some motivation to get in shape - deciding where to go, what to do and how to do it seems too daunting.
For me. I will be sixty-four next month. I have been working out regularly for over seven years now. I am very pleased with my workout program.
Sharon Crawford
January 7, 2024
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sarah and Maricio are really knowledgeable and supportive. They really help you dial in on what you want to achieve and how to get there. With just steady workouts with them I have seen a lot of progress in how my body moves and feels. I am very grateful for their guidance.
SwirlyInk
December 22, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I cannot even begin to say how great its been working with Zen Strength & Conditioning. I started about 6 months ago after getting diagnosed with PCOS and being encouraged by my therapist to pick up some kind of exercise to get more in tune with my body. I was really nervous to start, not at ALL confident with my abilities as I'd tried before to do some strength exercises and always felt like I was doing everything wrong. So for me this journey has been not only about lifting better and getting stronger, but also about confronting self consciousness, being overly critical, and sitting with a lot of uncomfortable feelings.
Sarah has been an absolute ROCK. Wherever I'm at, she's been right there with me. She's really present with you and is taking stock not only of where you are physically, but mentally as well. I've cried during our sessions out of frustration, shame, sadness, and she's always there to take a pause and help me work through whats coming up for me in that moment. It's really helped me to work through some of my mental blocks around working out because she's able to pull me out of bad head space in the moment.
Not only is she amazing moral support but as a trainer I don't think you could ever ask for better. There is no cookie cutter, no one size fits all approach. I've struggled a LOT with squats because of tight hips and poor strength/stability. When we were first trying them it just wasn't working great. Sarah reassessed, added in exercises that supported my areas of issue, and now squatting feels so much easier and stable. I've grown so much in that area alone its wild. Sarah is an absolute cheerleader and always celebrates my victories, points out how I'm improving, and gently corrects issues with form.
I seriously cannot understate how life changing it's been working with Sarah. My confidence has improved, I feel stronger, I actually WANT to exercise now, it makes me want to improve my health in other ways. She's helped with my overthinking and inner critic. She helps me organize workouts at home or other gyms. Their setup is GORGEOUS and such a comfortable working space. If you are at all hesitant of starting weightlifting or you're dealing with any of the same feelings I was at the start, please do yourself a favor and sign up with Sarah and Mauricio, it's about the kindest thing you could ever do for yourself.
Sameer Sampat
March 31, 2023
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve been working out with Zen S&C for the last year. This is by far the most consistent workout routine I’ve had. Prior to this, I did some jogging and playing basketball, but never had tried any weightlifting. I now feel comfortable doing exercises that I had seen others in the gym doing, but never really tried myself.
Sarah is a great trainer. She is willing to meet you where you are, and give you just enough to push you but not too far. Given my hectic schedule with young children at home and a job that requires a lot of travel, I appreciate how Sarah customizes workouts (and food recommendations!) for me based on the other things going on in my life.
I’ve briefly tried other workout classes that were all about pushing past your max with no regard to form - Sarah is the different, working with you to get your fundamentals strong so that the gains you make compound over time.
Working out with Zen S&C and Sarah feel like a very worthy investment in my health and well-being.
Rebecca Boskovic
November 17, 2022
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My story with Zen Strength & Conditioning began six years ago when I met Mauricio at a gym owners conference. In a room of hundreds of athletic coaches, Mauricio and I managed to connect. His kind spirit and skilled listening are what stood out the most.
Fast forward to the spring of 2021 when I realized I needed a coach. My motivation had been waning since Covid and I knew (based on my own experience as a personal trainer) that accountability was the answer. I reached out to him and never looked back.
Over the past year and a half, Mauricio has become so much more than my fitness coach. His skill as an active and caring listener coupled with an integrated life philosophy that encompasses everything from marriage dynamics and communication skills to client care and coaching strategies, have set him up as a key advisor in my life.
I appreciate Mauricio as a friend and a peer. I respect him as a fitness coach and as someone to bounce ideas off. But above all, I value my time with Mauricio as he helps me remain true to my authentic voice … in my family and business.
Thank YOU for being true to your vision for Zen S&C. The world is a better with you in it.
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Watch Lauren’s Story: UCSF Nurse Discovers Her Strength
Information overload is what we deal with on a daily basis in medicine and that’s why I want to make things simple for you:
I’ve created this free 7-day Jump Start to help you get moving towards a healthier you, today.
For 7 straight days, I have self guided content, activities and tracker that I promise will get you on the path to improving your health and wellness.
All the activities are sent to you and you can do them all on your own time, and you will be able to reach out to me with any questions or comments or concerns you may have.
You will notice improvement after each session, but most important of all is this: after the 7 day jump start is done, you will have a newfound sense of confidence that not only are you capable, but you have the tools necessary to keep going indefinitely and completely squash the notion of being helpless to control your health, even after 7 day jump start is finished.
With that being said, I hope to see you in the course! To join, simply tap the button below, fill out your name and email in the form, and your journey will begin!
