AGE:  29

PROFESSION:  Store manager

BACKGROUND:  Since starting Sonki Fitness Boot Camp in 2006, I have gotten stronger, faster, and leaner, just like the Sonki Fitness motto says.  I’ve just about doubled my upper body strength and shaved off over a minute and a half off my mile run time.  When I first started Sonki Fitness, I could only do 25 “modified” push-ups in one minute (on my knees), but now I can do 30 “regular” push-ups (military standards) in a minute.   I’m so glad I found Sonki Fitness because I was in a rut for several years and really needed something like this to get me re-focused and motivated toward working out regularly.  I’ve always been an athlete (played volleyball throughout school) but after graduating from college and then getting into a relationship, working out became my last priority.  As a result, I started gaining weight, so I knew I had to do something about it.  Luckily, I came across Sonki Fitness through a friend and was able to join with my sister.  Within the first session I saw a difference in my body, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What is your current exercise routine?  My routine these days is working out with Sonki Fitness three days a week and walking on other days.  I also enjoy hiking and playing tennis on weekends.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  My main motivation to stay in shape is to maintain an overall good health.  I don’t ever want to get sick and want to stay as healthy as I can for a long time, and I know exercise is the key.  Also, I am getting married June 21st of this year and would like to look my best for the wedding.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  My greatest challenge to staying in shape is my diet and an occasional lack of motivation.  I love to eat “bad” food, so it takes an effort to eat healthy most of the time.  I believe eating unhealthy leads to a lack of motivation to exercise and vice versa.  When I eat healthy I’m more motivated to exercise, and when I exercise I’m more inclined to eat healthy.

What is your key to success?  My key to success is having friends who enjoy working out as much as I do and my supportive fiancé.  I’m lucky to have my sister and friends at boot camp with me. There is nothing better than having your friend calling you early in the morning to get out of bed for boot camp.  I don’t believe I would be where I am today if I didn’t have the support system of my sister and friends by my side.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  I have been doing Sonki Fitness for over two years now.  I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.  Going to the gym just doesn’t work for me anymore after having discovered Sonki Fitness.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  I love the positive environment of the class and positive attitude of my fellow boot camp warriors.  People are there because they want to be there, even at 6:30 in the morning and 50-degree weather, and in class everyone encourages each other to push a little harder.  Through Sonki Fitness, I have made new friends and have come across old ones.  Also, I love the way I feel after boot camp.  It gives me the energy I need for the whole day.  I really feel it has made me a more positive person.  Oh, and I can’t forget about the fact that I now have biceps and can finally see my abs, which gives me hope.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  There really is no excuse for not working out.  I think good health should be everyone’s top priority.  It really helps to have a workout partner or a great group of people, like Sonki Fitness, to exercise with.

Any other comments?  I would like to thank Sonki for always having a smile on his face and continually motivating me to come to class and push harder.  It has been a great experience and I look forward to many years to come.  Thank You!