About Sonya
Motivate, Inspire and Educate
I was born and raised in Colorado. At the age of three I started riding horses, began competing at age six and continued throughout high school. I traveled around the country, showing Morgan Horses. I chose to home school in junior high and high school so that I could balance both my passion and education. I was also an avid athlete, playing both volleyball and basketball throughout my school years.
In the midst of all these activities and sports, I struggled with a severe eating disorder called Anorexia; it began at the age of twelve. I spent five years in and out of numerous treatment facilities and hospitals around the states seeking help. It was at the age of seventeen, when I nearly lost my life that I decided I wanted to truly get better and choose the path of recovery and freedom from such a dark, lonely and scary disorder. I knew that if I wanted to truly be free I could do it. It is never too late to change and grab hold of your own life. With the help of my family and friends, doctors, and psychologists, I found the key to unlock the door to a beautiful life.
Shortly after I was released from my last treatment facility, I moved to California to attend college; I majored in Communication and Business. During those four years of school, I grew tremendously as a person. I excelled in school, made new friends, and began new hobbies! The hobby I enjoyed most was running track. Unfortunately, after only a year I was diagnosed with stress fractures in both my tibias and running was no longer an option. It was time to find a challenging non-impact activity. It was at this point that I discovered my love of weight training and the necessity of a balanced nutrition plan.
I went abroad and spent a semester studying Health Science in Australia and when I returned to California I knew that my passion, experiences, and studies in this field must be combined! I became a certified personal trainer and started working at 24 Hour Fitness training and counseling people in nutrition. I enjoyed every minute of it! I truly found my passion…helping people live a healthy lifestyle both inside and out. It brings me pure joy to see my client’s work so hard and achieve so much – it’s amazing.
After graduating college in May 2008, I returned to my home town Golden, Colorado. I started my own personal training business and set personal fitness goals. One of those goals was to compete in a fitness competition by the end of the year. In October 2008, I was on stage competing in a model search. The experience was incredible. I was blessed with a victory! This event opened other doors for me in the health and fitness industry. In June 2009, I turned Professional in the NPC Bikini Division and am currently a full time Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor, Fitness Model, and ISS Research / OhYeah! Nutrition sponsored athlete.
I am thankful for my family, friends, trainers, and everyone who supports me. Their encouragement, guidance and love mean so much to me. Most of all, thank you to my Lord Jesus Christ.
Life is short…live happy, laugh often, love much!
Accomplishments
- 2008 Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta Model Search- 1st Place
- 2009 NPC Pittsburgh Bikini Short Class-2nd Place
- 2009 Jr. Nationals Bikini Short Class- 1st Place and won IFBB Bikini Pro Card
