AGE:  45

PROFESSION:  Treasurer, Sequoia Orange Company

BACKGROUND:  Back in high school and college I was quite athletic, having played water polo in college and run numerous road races.  I even completed the Boston Marathon.  But after college I started to gain weight…a few pounds here and there, every year, and by the time I was 40-years old I was grossly overweight.  I started to have serious health problems and felt awful.  That’s when I decided to take control of my life and do something about it.  I started exercising regularly (initially on myown and then with Sonki Fitness once I discovered it) and eating healthier (with the help of a nutritionist).  So far I have lost over 100 pounds in the last four years!

I enlisted in Sonki Fitness Boot Camp over a year ago needing to lose the last several pounds (which are the hardest to come off!) and get myself to the next level of fitness.  Since joining, I have lost over 20 pounds!  The Boot Camp has really gotten me into shape.

Before joining, I could hit some tennis balls but did not have the stamina to play much.  I had a hard time going on long hikes let alone run a mile.  The Boot Camp has gotten me to the point where I feel comfortable with almost any level of activity.  Now I can work out five or more times a week, which certainly helps in the burning of calories.  I also know that my body has leaned out significantly over the past year.  It is great!  I can now see some muscles where only a pleasant roll of flab was visible before.

How long have you been working out?  After almost 20 years of hardly exercising, I started working out regularly again with Sonki Fitness Boot Camp just over a year ago.  And I must say, it has been great for me!

What is your current exercise routine?  Currently I attend Sonki Fitness Boot Camp at least three times a week, sometimes five (when I am feeling particularly energetic).  On my off days, I try to either take a yoga class, play some tennis, hike, jog, or at the very least go for a good walk.

What is your motivation to stay in shape?  All I need for motivation is to look at that photo of myself before I lost all the weight.  It scares me right into the gym.  But beyond that, I want to be in good shape for life.  I want to be able to do what I want, when I want.  I don’t want to be limited by being out of shape. If a friend asks me to play tennis, I want to be able to say, “great, I’d love to!”  If I get the chance to go skiing, I want to know I can so without killing myself.  If the opportunity arises to travel and hike, I want to be able to do so without worrying about my fitness level.

What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?  Since I have lost the weight, I find my biggest challenge is keeping it off.  It’s not like I lost all the weight and then could say, “ok I’m done.”  Nope, it’s a daily battle to eat right and exercise.  I find exercise is crucial to my staying fit.  Obviously it burns calories and keeps my body toned, but also helps me stay in touch with my body.

What is your key to success?  Taking it one day at a time.  Each day, I tell myself that I am going to exercise and eat right today.  I’m not going to worry about tomorrow or next week nor worry about what I might have done wrong yesterday.

How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?  I took my first Sonki Fitness Boot Camp in June of 2007, so a year and four months.

What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life?  The variety of each class is excellent!  Every workout is different, so my body does not get used to the same thing.  The workouts keep my body on its toes and pushes me to get better.  And the people in Sonki’s classes are great!  Everybody is friendly and supportive.

What advice would you give to others about fitness?  Don’t try to lose weight by exercise alone.  For me what I put in my mouth is just as important as how much I work out.  And even more important is how much of it I put in there – portion control is the key.