AGE:  38

PROFESSION:  TV Executive

BACKGROUND:  I had never been much of an athlete (in fact couch potato was more like it), but I thought I could do more than I was doing when I found Sonki Fitness Boot Camp. I challenged myself to take one 5-week session. I figured if I couldn’t keep up I would do whatever I could. Plus it was only five weeks long. I was not in very good shape and at my initial fitness assessment could only do 25 push-ups (modified) in a minute, 27 sit-ups in two minutes, and the mile run in 10:14. I found the first 5-week session challenging, but I surprised myself. I realized I could do it! When we conducted the final fitness assessment, I really surprised myself. I had improved over 100% in both push-ups and sit-ups and had taken almost a minute off my mile time. But the biggest change was in my attitude toward exercise. I had always thought that “I couldn’t do it” or “just wasn’t built that way,” but the class proved me wrong. I may never be an Olympic athlete, but now I have the self-confidence to know that I can do almost anything. On my recent fitness assessment, I did 50 push-ups (regular military style), 86 sit-ups, and ran the mile in 8:40, which feels great and empowering.

What is your current exercise routine?  Sonki Fitness Boot Camp on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s, and a lighter 30-minute routine on Tuesday and Thursday’s. On the weekends I usually go on a hike or on a really long walk (8 or 9 miles).

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  I like the way being strong and fit feels.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  I love food (all kinds) and am kind of lazy. Getting to workouts is 90% of the battle for me.

What is your key to success?  My key to success is finding a plan that fits into my lifestyle. I know I will never consistently work out after work due to long work hours and frequent work functions.

Also, I may have mentioned I am kind of lazy, and if I have all day to come up with excuses not to exercise I won’t. Therefore, having the workouts early in the morning works best for me. I can get out of bed right into my workout clothes (no time for excuses), get a great workout, and still have plenty of time to get ready for work.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  Just over a year. This last 5-week session was my anniversary session.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  I like the fact that the classes are held outside. Even though I live near the beach, it seems the only time I get there is when I’m at boot camp. I also like the variety of the exercises and the fact that there are people of all different levels and ages. Initially, I was a bit intimidated to take the first class, but the environment is so positive and supportive that I don’t feel like I am competing with anyone but myself. I just try and improve a little bit every time.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?
1) Find a routine that fits into your lifestyle and offers a lot of variety.
2) Know that some days are going to be better than others, so don’t ever let a bad day discourage you or give up.
3) Don’t feel you have to achieve everything in one class. That can cause you to burn out or give up. Slow and steady progress is best.