AGE:  34

PROFESSION:  Personal Assistant and Finance

BACKGROUND:  At 34 years old, I feel that I am in the best shape of my life and my body is stronger than ever! I am originally from Brazil but have been living in the US for about seven years.

When you move to a new country, you face different challenges especially when you do not speak the language. You totally lose your identity and personality, and it takes time to build it back. My first priority was to learn the culture and the language, which consumed most of my time. As a result, I did not have much energy or motivation to workout. It wasn’t until three and a half years after my move to the US that I was ready to focus on myself. I heard about Sonki Fitness through a friend and decided to give it a shot even though I thought it would be impossible for me to do it. My initial fitness assessment (given the first week) was very traumatic because I saw how out of shape I was. Yet after just five weeks of training, the results of the final fitness assessment (given the last week) were so rewarding that I realized how much my body could improve. And once and for all I said to myself…I can do it!!!

How long have you been working out?  Avid sports fan, I grew up playing volleyball. There were phases in my life when I didn’t have the time and/or motivation to workout. However, I am a person who needs to be active, so I always find something that puts me back on track. Sonki Fitness Boot Camp disciplines my workout routine and makes working out fun for me, so I’m very thankful I found it.

What is your current exercise routine?  I attend Sonki Fitness Boot Camp 3 to 4 times a week.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  Staying in overall good health. I am aware that I am not getting any younger, and therefore to have a long healthy life I must maintain a regular exercise regimen.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  My biggest challenge is controlling my carb intake. I have a love-hate relationship with carbs.

What is your key to success?  I try not to let my mind get in the way of my physical abilities. As Sonki always says, “that extra repetition at the end of the exercise makes all the difference.” The results you get from pushing just a little harder than you think you can will blow your mind and prove that you are capable of accomplishing much more than you could ever imagine.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  It’s been about three and a half years (yes, I’m a veteran!). Sonki’s Boot Camp really fits my lifestyle.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  Sonki Fitness Boot Camp really changed my workout routine. The diversity of exercises, the challenge, the people, and being outdoors are all very motivating. I am a very social person, and therefore working out with people of different fitness levels is very inspiring.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  Nothing is impossible. We mentally set our own limits which is very hard to overcome. Give yourself a chance to challenge your body to the fullest. You will be amazed at what your body is capable of achieving.

Any other comments?  Last year I ran a 5K for the first time in my life. My goal was just to cross the finish line, and I did it!! Currently, I am training for a 10k and hoping for the same success. What is my motivation? It’s knowing that I am capable of accomplishing any goal that I set for myself and most importantly telling my mind that I can.