"Fit and Fun in the Sun with Sonki"

by Gia

Well, I am quite the adventurous type when it comes to traveling. So when a business associate who is also a dear friend of mine telephoned to inform me that she would be unavailable to work from May 1 through May 8, I inquired about her plans. She informed me that she had been searching the internet for a "fitness vacation" and found Sonki Fitness to be very appealing. I was anxious to hear more about this because it just so happened to be that I would be turning "40" on May 2nd, and I was looking to do something memorable for the occasion. I also had a baby in March of 2003 and had not lost all of the "baby fat" yet, and this was bothering me. Being married, and having two children and running two businesses keeps me pretty busy, so somehow exercising has not been a top priority. Plus, I am just one of those people who wakes up each morning and takes care of everything and everybody around me, and by the time it's all taken care of, I AM EXHAUSTED!!! Anyway, by the end of our discussion I was looking up the Sonki Fitness website and eager to join the cast and crew. I was a little apprehensive--leaving my family to tend to themselves, and leaving my business, and basically feeling a little bit guilty/selfish!!! But after visiting the website, I felt confident that this fitness vacation would jumpstart my fitness program, and that I would be able to concentrate and focus on getting into shape without interruption.

Well, I must say that the trip was a complete success. Going into this, my main agenda was to exercise and eat well. Those were all that mattered, and it would be a bonus to lose a few pounds if possible. What I encountered was nothing less that fantastic. There was a group of diversified people with various expectations--a single mom, a newlywed couple, a mother and daughter, a beautiful photographer, a registered dietitian, a few single southern belles (real southern belles), some business men, some business women, me (married with children but here alone), and two fabulous trainers/trip directors (tour guides/instructors/transportation and friends to all of us). We not only exercised daily but also engaged in interesting activities and excursions everyday which inevitably incorporated physical activity of some sort into each thing without us even realizing it right away. We exercised on beautiful beaches. Plus, we kayaked, snorkeled, hiked, walked, hula danced (well, we tried to hula dance), played flickerball, swam, jogged, relay races, sang karaoke, danced at night clubs, and shopped (which incorporated a lot of walking!!!!) Sonki and Boyd went above and beyond to accommodate the wide variety of interests of our crew, even so far as driving us to explore all of the beautiful scenery that abounds on this magnificent island. In addition to all of this, we sampled a variety of cuisine, both native and tropical. We were educated about food content and nutritional value. One of the best part of the trip was the camaraderie of the group! Everyone encouraged and befriended each other, like one big happy family.

I traveled all the way from Maryland which is on the other side of the country, and I would do it again in a Sonki minute!!! This vacation was the most structured, organized, fun filled, exciting, and interesting vacation I've ever had...I didn't once have to look for something to do, and I mean it. And, I did lose a few pounds, got a great tan, and met some super cool people. What more could a girl ask for? With affection and fitness...

Gia Marie :)