What is your current exercise routine?  I do Sonki’s 6:30 a.m. Santa Monica class on Mon, Wed and Fri.  I also try to go to one night class a week and Saturday’s class.  In between classes, I usually try to squeeze in at least one or two workouts.  My good friend Tae (who is also in Sonki's class) and I have created our own little pseudo Sonki routine that we do on the off days.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  When I originally started I wanted to lose weight for my wedding (which was last month!) but as the months went by my motivation changed to feeling fit and energetic.  The one thing that can get me out of bed in the morning is knowing how good I will feel after Sonki’s class and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean help too.  Also, seeing results has been a huge motivation for me.  I have never had definition in my arms and after doing Sonki's class I have muscles that I can see!  I think my husband is a little sick of my “which way to the beach pose” by now.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  My biggest challenge is just doing it and giving it 100%.  This is probably the only time in my life I have committed so seriously to an exercise routine.  I know that if I start slacking and not going to class, it will be so easy for me to quit.  So I just try to put my tennies on every morning and if I make it out the door, I’m good.

What is your key to success?  Commitment and seeing results.  Making sure to go everyday, even if I am tired from work or don’t feel good, I make sure to go to class and that commitment has definitely helped me get to where I am today.  The encouragement from my friends in the class has also helped tremendously.  I have the greatest support team. 

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  I started taking Sonki’s class last January.  Its been a little over a year now.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  I love Sonki’s classes because they always seem to be different and I never get bored.  Sonki always inspires me to work harder too.  He is the opposite of a ruthless drill sergeant (unless you're late to class) and he always makes you want to push yourself with positive motivation.  Sonki’s class has unquestionably changed my life.  I have more energy than I have ever had and feel better than I ever have.  When I was in junior high I remember dreading the day we had to run a mile, now I look forward to it so I can beat my last score (which incidentally is 2 minutes faster than when I was in junior high).

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  You can do it!  Everyone can succeed in Sonki’s classes – you just have to try and stay committed.  Also, set small goals throughout the session.  Anything from, just showing up three days a week, doing the bicycle (ab exercise) without stopping to rest, or just don’t stop running no matter how slow you go works.  It’s the little accomplishments that add up to the big achievement!

January 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Joanne Coghill)

December 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Justine Sieck)

April 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Joan Hanson)