Inspired By Her Mother, SLP Businesswoman Opens a Gym

It’s not uncommon for people to say their parents are role models, but for one St. Louis Park businesswoman, her mother’s influence stretched well beyond the norm.

Sandy Fielder is the youngest of three in a motivated family. She chose to become a physician, a profession that instantly made her mom, Ina Lang, proud.

“I called and told her I was accepted into med school and she said in an excited tone ‘No you didn’t!’” Fielder recalled. “She was really supportive.”

As years passed, Fielder decided to jump into the pharmaceutical industry.

“I was climbing the ladder and things were good,” she said.

While her professional life was on track, her personal life suffered a blow when her mother was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Fielder says her mom’s weight contributed to a series of health problems, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Her mother had open-heart surgery and had stents put in, but eventually fell victim to the disease about 10 years ago.

“She died before her prime,” Fielder said. “My grandmother suffered from heart disease too and I thought no woman should have to go down that path.”

That thought would stick in Fielder’s head. As she continued work in the pharmaceutical world, she started to dislike the corporate structure.

“I was unhappy,” she said. “Frankly, I didn’t like working like a dog for someone else.”

Fielder started looking at other options. “I really had a passion to help women battle heart disease,” she said. “That’s when I found , a franchise that helps women stay healthy, and I felt like it just fit.”

About a year ago, Fielder opened her gym in the area. 

“We focus on small group exercise for women,” she said while a group of three worked out behind her. “The idea is to create a comfortable environment where women can focus on their health.”

While her mother is not around to see Fielder’s business grow, she knows her mom would be just as proud as the day she was accepted to medical school.

“I think she would be happy that I am trying to prevent something she struggled with,” Fielder said.

To further promote heart health, Fielder is inviting all of her members to bring a friend to the gym this month for free, and hopes to open another franchise in the future to help even more women stay active and healthy.