AGE:  34

PROFESSION:  IT

BACKGROUND:  On January 1st of 2006, just as the clock struck midnight and the champagne was consumed and the cigars were smoked, I made a vow. I would turn 35 this year and I wanted to be in the best shape of my life on my birthday. I weighed in at hefty 216 pounds in January and currently weigh a sturdy 185….I’m shooting for a svelte 170.

How long have you been working out?  Off and on since my early 20’s. I have never been as consistent as I am now.

What is your current exercise routine?  I attend as many Sonki Fitness Boot Camp classes as possible and do 360 push-ups/sit-ups and 90 pull-ups every day (every 3 weeks I increase by 5). I’ve found the months I make the most progress are usually the ones were I attend the most classes. I also enjoy hoops, skating, running, biking, swimming, kayaking, and anything new that comes my way.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  I want to maintain a healthy body as I get older. It doesn’t get any easier as we age so I need to remain steadfast with my workout routines and be smart about the things I eat. There are so many benefits to keeping fit.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  Food! I’m proud of how good I have been, swapping candies/chips for fruits/greens, water/green tea have replaced sodas, and turkey and fish are my primary sources of protein.

What is your key to success?  I love the way a great work out makes me feel, puts me in a Zen state of mind. If I need to release some tension all I need to do is get the body moving.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  I joined Sonki Fitness Boot Camp in January, 2006, and have completed two full 5-week sessions and partial sessions when I could not sign up for a full 5-week course. I am currently doing my third full session and can’t wait to see the results when the smoke clears.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  Let me count the ways. The variety of exercises, the intensity that you strive to maintain, the camaraderie of your boot camp brethren, and the overall kick-ass feeling when you’ve pushed yourself to the limit. I was also fortunate enough to be a part of Team Sonki Fitness during the Relay for Life (a cancer charity event), and the ability to help others while exercising is a win-win situation.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  Variety is the spice of life. Don’t burnout your work out by doing the same routine. That’s the primary reason why I’m such a big advocate of Sonki Fitness Boot Camp. Strength, cardio, and endurance training all rolled up into one hour of pain….the good kind of pain!