How long have you been working out? 

I have been working out since last September when I came to Sonki Fitness with my friend, Barbara. Before that, the last time I exercised was 57 years ago when I swam down the birth canal and said, "%@*# this -- someone get me a good book!!!" I inherited good genes and, when I was young, enjoyed a great relationship with gravity -- all of which I mistook for being in good shape/health. Ah, what a fool I was.

I grew up and moved from the suburbs of NY into Manhattan where I didn't even have to run for a cab due to my uncanny ability to mow down older, frail rivals and moms struggling with strollers. Then I moved to LA where some fool at the DMV actually gave me a driver's license. I realized I was a goner when I drove to the mailbox - on the corner. I did occasionally wonder who those odd people were walking about in workout clothes & carrying yoga mats, but I quickly averted my eyes and ordered another Mimosa.

Ignorance was bliss - up to a point.

What is your current exercise routine? 

These days I make my Mon/Wed/Fri 6:30AM classes with Sonki and hope soon to add a fourth day. I am hopeless without Sonki and my very fate is in his hands. No pressure there. But don't give up on me yet, I'm working on that self-motivation thing too. I can't swim or play tennis - whatever - but I hope to find something else to add to my routine and am leaning towards trapeze classes (how much fun would that be???).

What is your motivation to stay in shape? 

To get my ass another inch further from the floor.

Oh yeah - and all that other great stuff like (1) continue to improve my mental health which has perked-up considerably with exercise, (2) continue to feel better, look better and be stronger than I ever have in my life, (3) continue to flaunt my arrogance and self-righteousness in the face of my east coast friends who have been snowed in for the winter.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?

When I first started classes, I ached all over, I was sometimes queasy and my legs shook like a chihuahua on meth, but I have gotten past that and I find that rather than being a challenge to stay in shape (or continue classes), I crave the exercise and have signed-up for three 5-week sessions at once. I'm hooked. There are worse things.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life? 

Sonki and his regime work for me - his zen/positive style of teaching, the schedule, the whole program is just perfect. Sonki's class also seem to attract a really diverse group of lovely people and I so enjoy the camaraderie of my classmates who are all fun & supportive & working hard toward their own goals. I am amazed each and every morning - particularly at the beach - by the beauty of our surroundings: the ocean, the sky, the palm trees, the birds & even the occasional dolphins and seal. Does it get better than this? Are we the luckiest people on earth? Wouldn't we be crazy not to take advantage of our good fortune in the best health possible? But not to worry, I haven't turned into a tree-hugger, I still think diamonds are a girl's best friend - I just want to live long enough to get some new pals.

What advice would you give to others about fitness? 

If I can do it, anyone can. Find something that works for you. I wish I had figured it out sooner because I feel I missed out on a lot in my life and I don't plan to make that mistake next time around....I'll be back.

February 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Allie Abodeely)

December 2005 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Trina Geiss)

November 2005 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Bill Dolinsky)

October 2005 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Olin Hyde)