AGE: 52
PROFESSION: Attorney
HOMETOWN: Visalia, CA
COLLEGE: UC Berkeley – Go Bears!
FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza
FAVORITE PLACE VISITED: Hong Kong
PLACE YOU WANT TO VISIT: I want to go whitewater rafting down the Futaleufu River in the Patagonia region of Chile.
FAVORITE MOVIE: Depends on my mood, but it mainly cycles between the original Terminator, All About Eve, and Trading Places.
FAVORITE SINGER: Queen
HOBBIES: Travel, sports and games, and watching TV/movies.
BACKGROUND: I was lucky to have grown up in a family that recognized the importance of staying active and exercising regularly. During elementary school, I remember going to the local community college with my parents every evening after their work day ended to run on the track or swim laps at the pool. They encouraged me to play sports and even ran me through volleyball and tennis drills to get ready for team tryouts. This was especially unusual for Chinese immigrant parents of that generation, but I recognize how much I benefited from that. (And my parents are now in their late 80s and still work out every day!) As a result, we emphasize the importance of being fit with our daughter and she has been regularly participating in our Sonki Fitness workouts since she was 10 years old.
What is your current exercise routine? I lift weights at the gym a couple of times a week, take an aerial silks class, and workout regularly with my husband and daughter through Sonki Fitness.
What is your motivation to stay in shape? I’m motivated partly by vanity, but mainly to live a long, healthy, and happy life.
What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape? Aging, finding time and motivation to exercise, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
What is your key to success? Still trying to figure this out, but finding consistent times in my schedule to fit in exercise and making it convenient has been key. Also working out with people I enjoy being around helps too.
What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it affected your life? I hate cardio. As someone who grew up playing sports, I associated “taking a lap” as punishment when we did something wrong. I prefer to lift weights or find other ways to be active. But Sonki Fitness has made cardio workouts bearable (and even fun). It has been a great complement to my weight training routine at the gym. I’ve noticed improvement in my overall strength and cardio fitness.
What advice would you give to others about fitness? I believe there is a direct correlation between fitness and happiness. For example, it makes me happy to know I can join in active pursuits with those younger than me, and I don’t feel guilty when I indulge myself with junk food every now and then because I am working out regularly. Finding ways to incorporate fitness into your routine will have lifelong benefits.