AGE:  53

PROFESSION:  Retired

BACKGROUND:  Joan has had a very interesting and active career.  She has done everything from being a Vogue model to owning a restaurant/nightclub to managing a top fashion store on Rodeo Drive to teaching special education.  Now, she devotes most of her time traveling and seeking mentally and physically challenging activities.  She loves hiking, camping, the beach, parks, skiing, and summer/winter sports.  Currently in her spare time, she’s honing her piano skills and learning how to play tennis and chess.

After watching Sonki’s boot camp across the street for a couple of years, always curious, she finally decided to give boot camp a try after learning that her next door neighbor was taking it.  She joined Sonki Fitness Boot Camp in Sep of 2005, and after doing two consecutive 5-week sessions she decided she wanted Sonki’s attention all to herself and thus started personal training with him three days a week.  Since training with him, she has developed abs of steel and increased her stamina to help her hike even the toughest of trails.

How long have you been working out?  For most of my life.  I’ve always been drawn to nature (the beauty and wonders of outdoors), so I particularly enjoy physical activities like outdoor training, hiking, skiing, and beach activities.

What is your current exercise routine?  I work out with Sonki three times a week plus hikes, kayaking, tennis, and whatever strikes my fancy on other days.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  My motivation is knowing a big part of life is movement. The more life there is, the more fluid you are, the more you are alive.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  I joined Sonki Fitness Boot Camp in September, 2005, and participated until end of November.  Then, I switched to training with him one-on-one three times a week.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  For me, Sonki has had a profound impact on me beyond just fitness.  Through Sonki, I have gained the courage to throw myself into life, take risks, weather blows, and know that before I begin anything I’ll be exposed to a series of opposites – success and failure, happiness and sadness, praise and blame.  Furthermore, Sonki has encouraged me to be a responsible, concerned and committed person with everything.  These are priceless benefits far beyond losing inches or getting faster.

Any other comments?  After working out with Sonki, you feel a confidence and a joy in your own richness.  You’ll learn to deal with whatever is around you with grace, gentleness and compassion.  Sonki is a great mentor and friend to have in your life.