Sonki Fitness Bootcamp
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
This quote reminds me of Sonki, owner of Sonki Fitness. In his class, everyone matters, and everyones progress matters. So every class, he expects not only you show to up, your physical self, but your mental self too!
Never have I ever been so thrilled about taking a fitness class at 6:30am, with a group of people showing up smiling about getting their fitness on…! Talking, smiling isn’t my usual m.o. before beginning an intense one hour, challenging workout!
First day I showed up, yawning and groggy, but I showed up not quite expecting the journey I had!
Here are some take aways I will treasure and continue to implement in my life!
1. Improvement In Fitness
Class started, and the only expectation I had was that maybe I would get a little sweat on but nothing too serious! I went in armed with questions for class members who have taken this class on repeat and been loyal followers, wondering why they chose this fitness class over all the others and continued to sign up.
What a class! At one point, I was bent over, hands on knees attempting to catch my breath. Suddenly, I’m being asked how many sessions I’ve taken from Sonki? Very humbled by the entire experience, I forced myself to talk through the huffing/puffing of my breath, “well, I’ve seen the class working out, and wanted to try it.” Really, I had a much longer answer but I was beat and gave the most abbreviated answer I could get out!
The class pushed and challenged me much more than I anticipated, I was hooked!! The overall benefits were pretty immediate.
By the 6th class I was finding my rhythm with sprints and distance runs! Of course the adrenaline buzz those workouts gave me lasted throughout the entire day and reflected positively on my attitude no matter what happened!
Yes, I also was losing fat, eating the same quantity food and same diet ( keto mostly).
2.Improvement In Focus
Having to get out of bed by 5am for class also made my day extra productive, finishing my workout by 7:30am and using the rest of the time to finish stuff with a pump of focus!
Sonki expects nothing less than your full attention for that 1 hour. Our purpose was clear: for one hour, we would do our best to work hard and push our limits-Sonki expects nothing less! One exercise after another everyone did their best to be their best! If he suspects less than 100% effort ( his 3rd eye knows all), he’ll politely call you on it! Like I said, great leader, knowing when and when not to watch.
In return, he gets to know you and brings his best to class! Thanks Sonki!
3.Improvement In Attitude
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever. “
Amy Poehler
Sonki and class members always use encouragement to motivate!
As we’re holding a position, Sonki is politely speaking to various members of the group on a variety of topics including weekend plans, restaurants, local news. Still he keeps a watchful eye on every member.
As soon as you hear Sonki’s voice ‘up an inch, down an inch, hold’ you know this is the home stretch! Thank you Sonki for helping us push pass those mental limits and barriers that creep into our daily lives and hold us back from progress!
Typically, the running exercises can be pretty brutal. Sonki is always positive, willing members to push past what they think they can do. But when you have the other members of the class telling you ‘great job, you can do it’ trust, will and camaraderie blossom! No one is running that last set of stairs for you, but a group belief that you will finish makes you want to finish!
What Members Are Saying
For some members, working out with Sonki is as familiar as their morning cup of Joe! “This class has become my best habit” Mark Stoeckinger thoughtfully remarks about the bootcamp he’s attended for several years now.
In the middle of doing sit-ups, Tracy Hunt offers up that she likes it for the “Community, fun and results!” Another member who’s been active in this fitness bootcamp for several years and most vocally encouraging member!
The “Beautiful setting and the great workout to help me stay in shape” keeps Lara Schwede coming back session after session and at times leading us! (Thanks Lara!)
“What makes it unique and special is that the program uses a positive and fun approach to inspire clients to get in top shape in beautiful outdoor settings. “
Sonki Hong
They’ve developed real relationships with him and one another. Personally, I have taken many fitness classes in various discplines, but the value placed on every person was definitely one of the more unique qualities I will cherish! (Yes! Cherish.) And if you’re going to stay disciplined in your workouts, having a dependable group of people who bring their best attitude every session, makes your most challenging days much more tolerable!
4. All Are Welcome
The students run the gamut from foodies, couples and individuals needing that extra bit of push to get their morning exercise in, routinely.
You can make it before work! The class is one hour of blood, sweat and tears! Well, you know- sweating and breathing hard! It’s also one hour of Sonki and others in the class voicing their support that you did a great job! What a way to begin the day!
“…the program [is] based on his experience working with people from all walks of life, so it really is designed for ALL ages and levels. Regardless of what kind of shape you’re in, you get to push at your own pace within your limitations, so you learn to push your own boundaries without feeling judged nor pressured to keep up with others.”
Sonki Hong
In closing, whether you realize it or not, this attitude is infectious! I find myself saying great job for the rest of the day to folks in my own community! It makes me look good- though more importantly, I feel like I’m living!
If you want to give Sonki’s bootcamp a try, I say go for it! What do you have to lose other than a few pounds!