AGE:  61

PROFESSION:  Ecommerce and web development

HOMETOWN:  I grew up in Granada Hills in the North Valley, but I consider myself a Santa Monica “local” as I’ve lived here for over 35 years!

COLLEGE:  UCLA (Go Bruins!)

FAVORITE FOOD:  Slow cooked lamb shawarma 

FAVORITE PLACE VISITED:  I’m actually a member of the “century” club, having visited over 100 countries!  My favorite places to visit so far have been Istanbul, Buenos Aires, and the jungles of Malaysian Borneo (I was actually chased by a wild elephant – True story!)

PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT:  South Africa / New Zealand

FAVORITE MOVIE:  Godfather Part 2

FAVORITE SINGER:  Frank Sinatra (I’m an old-school “Ratpack” fan)

HOBBIES:  Hiking, biking, camping, water skiing, and jazz trombone.

BACKGROUND:  Over 12 years ago when I first joined Sonki Fitness (and dinosaurs roamed the earth), I was a portly 220 and could barely bend over to tie my tennies, no less perform push-ups or jog. Now, over a decade later, I’m a “svelte” 195 pounds and while hardly an Olympic sprinter, I can make it up and down the 10-story high Santa Monica beach steps without having to call a paramedic. (Additionally, my 20-something nephews are jaw-droppingly amazed when their “old” uncle routinely bests them in push-up contests!) In short, before Sonki fitness, I was weaker, fatter and meaner – and now I’m Stronger, Faster and Leaner!!!

What is your current exercise routine?  I do Sonki Fitness three times a week.  On my non-Sonki workout days, I go on extended beach walks, ride the bike path, and hike the Temescal Canyon trail.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  I just love how energized I feel when I’m fit and in shape. I’ve seen what happens when folks in my age demographic begin to let themselves go a bit, and that’s not for me!

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  It was Jack LaLanne who said, “Nutrition is King, Exercise is Queen, put them together and you have a kingdom!  Well, I’m only halfway to my kingdom because I LOVE to eat! 🙂

What is your key to success?  I subscribe to philosophy that “80% of success in life is just showing up.” I think this is the key to my fitness advancement. I make a point of trying to regularly attend every Sonki Fitness Boot Camp session. My personal workout mantra has always been “progress, not perfection.” But you can’t make any progress if you’re not present!

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  Beyond the great friends I’ve made at Sonki Fitness, the program has done wonders for my self-esteem and self-discipline. When you take on seemingly impossible physical tasks and succeed, when you look and feel your best, you bring a positive mental attitude to all of life’s daily challenges.

What advice would you give to others about fitness? A Chinese philosopher observed, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” My advice would be to let Sonki help you take that first step towards fitness; before you know it, you’ll realize the “journey” is as much fun as reaching your destination!