Growing up as a kid, I struggled with my weight, wearing a size 14 when I was 13 years old. Over the years my weight fluctuated up and down, until I hit a really tough road in my life, losing my dad suddenly to lung cancer in 2004. This is when I began eating for comfort to help deal with the stress of his loss. I would drink Starbucks Latte’s 2x a day, and eat out, almost everyday for lunch and dinner. My weight hit an all time high of 205 pounds in 2006, and a dress size of 18. At the time, I tried every kind of diet I could find, South Beach, Atkins, Jenny Craig, Iwould lose about 10 pounds, and then gain it back. I knew I needed to do more, work harder and change my life style. It wasn’t until 2009, when I decided to join LA Fitness, and enroll into a fitness program. I was very committed, working out 5X a week for about 1.5 hours, doing Spin Class, Yoga, Bootcamp, Heavy Weight Training, whatever it was going to take to get to my goal weight. Through this program I also made changes to my diet, eating healthy proteins, fresh veggies, and fruit. Replacing things like Starbucks latte’s with regular coffee, and limiting myself to eating out only 1X a week on the weekends, and choosing healthier options on the menu. Rather than obsessing about the number on the scale, I focused more on my dress size, and how I felt in my clothes. As I started to see the results, it would motivate me to work even harder. By the summer of 2010 I had lost 60 pounds dropping to 154 pounds, and fitting into a size 8. I felt great! I since have been maintaining my weight and joined Yvette’s classes in 2011 to take my workouts to the next level, working to break the plateau! I hope to lose another 20 pounds, my ultimate goal, by training with Cris, in addition to Yvette’s classes and working out on my own. Exercise is a big part of my life now, and as challenging as it might be, I always feel my best after a great workout! MESSAGE FROM YVETTE: Sophia… what can I say.. the picture says it all!!! WOW ..what a weight loss transformation. You are a huge inspiration to so many women and by sharing your story … it proves what I have always said.. when you put your mind to your goal… there is nothing you cannot achieve. You have never missed a round of classes since you started last year and I see such huge improvements in your strength with the kettlebells and the weights.. You even suprised me by signing up for kickboxing.. and you kicked *** at that too!!! I am so glad you have decided to step it up even further with the personal training!!! You are amazing!
