AGE:  45

PROFESSION:  Entertainment Executive

HOMETOWN:  La Quinta, CA

COLLEGE:  USC

FAVORITE FOOD:  Ice Cream and Chocolate

FAVORITE PLACE VISITED:  Italy, Spain, India

PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT:  Goa, India

FAVORITE MOVIE:  A tie between “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Sound of Music”

FAVORITE SINGER:  A variety, but currently listen to various Indian Bollywood Music soundtracks, and recently even Lady GaGa found her way on to my iPod.

HOBBIES:  Travel, reading, learning a new language, wine tasting with friends, trying new forms of exercise, Boot Camp, salsa dance, and Bollywood dance.

BACKGROUND:  In a former life I was once an aerobics instructor (that’s how long ago it was…they called it aerobics back then).  When I joined Sonki Fitness I asked myself, how did this body end up here!  After periods of inactivity I re-prioritized and put ME and health at number one.  Since joining Sonki Fitness I have lost 17 pounds, and feel stronger and revitalized.  My goal with health and fitness is to continue improvement, maintain a balance, consistency, and keep things perspective.  Since doing Sonki Fitness I appreciate a healthier approach to exercise and life.  I have more energy, sleep better, and partner nutrition and fitness together.  Oh and I have come to realize that I can run (not very fast), but who knew!

What is your current exercise routine?  I attend Sonki Fitness 4-5 days a week and occasionally add a Bollywood dance class or Hip Hop class at the gym.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  To live a healthy and fit life for as long as I’m breathing.  Exercise is something I have control over, and good health is the best gift I can give to myself.  It’s important to maintain a healthy lifetime fitness plan.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  In the past it has been lack of time.  Once I made fitness a priority and placed it back at the top of the list, it has been easier to get to workouts.  I recognize the need to dedicate the time in order to maintain good health and fitness.  It’s important to find a balance with health and fitness and other personal priorities, extended work hours, and social gatherings.  Previously this was a challenge placing exercise on the back burner.  But today I choose to focus on what works best for my health and maintain discipline so that I can make exercise a lifelong habit.

What is your key to success?  Determination, commitment, hard work, and a strong will to persevere and achieve goals to live my best life.  A healthier lifestyle through Sonki Fitness empowers me to want to work harder at each class.  By attending boot camp I know I am doing something to truly benefit me that will have a lasting impact.  I have to put in the effort if I want to see results.  Plus Sonki and Katie encourage you to want to push yourself and do your best.  I also have a wonderful support group of loving friends and family who remain a key to my success.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  What’s not to like exercising outdoors by the beach?  Sonki’s program has variety so I don’t get bored and lose interest.  There is supportive instruction (and no yelling!) from Sonki and Katie who are great trainers and motivators and have instilled a sense of confidence so I can surpass my self imposed fitness limits.  I did not think I could enjoy exercise at a boot camp.  Sonki’s well structured program changed that and has motivated me to incorporate exercise as an active part of my life. Prior to Sonki Fitness I would not have risen daily to go outdoors for a workout, rain or shine, on the beach, or anywhere else.  At the beginning I walked more than I ran, and I appreciate that Sonki’s program encourages you to go at a pace specific to your individual strengths.  As I pushed beyond my limits I have gradually advanced to see improvement and progress.  Also, the class group environment is a lot of fun.  I owe everyone a debt of gratitude for it is this support network that has been critical to my progress.  I enjoy the friendships I have made at boot camp, it is a wonderful bonus!  It takes a village, from our cheer captain, Margy who motivates me to “Run Forrest Run,” to other superstars like Hannah, Jen, Marty, Jeanne, Eric and countless others who have cheered and clapped for me as Sonki and Katie clock my finish time on the mile run fitness tests.  Each time I improve by a few seconds, and Katie flashes that beaming smile, proudly saying “go girl.”

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  Decide on what routine works best for your particular situation, make it happen and stick with it.  You will be so glad you did it, and it will make a difference.  Whatever you do, don’t give up!  Walk, run, swim, hike, bike, but whichever fitness program you choose to do, love it and live it!   I was surprised to receive this All Star nomination, and humbly accepted it.  But like any warrior I must continue to solider on as I consider myself still a work in progress.  Also, create a support network to help keep you motivated to exercise. They won’t let you slack off!  Nothing comes easy without hard work and effort.  Be consistent, and prepared to work hard for the benefits.

Any other comments?  If I could recommend a change of routine in exercise to anybody, I would suggest trying Sonki Fitness.  I have been on the exercise roller coaster longer than I can remember.  When I began Sonki Fitness, I was wary of doing exercise at a boot camp.  While observing all the different fitness levels, some of them advanced, I erroneously thought boot camp may not be for me, but I quickly learned the opposite.  The supportive group environment, the variety of the program itself, and Sonki and Katie’s encouragement to do your best make the program well worth it.  Before you know it, the 5 week session is over, and it’s time to renew!  Bring it on!