Sonya D. is a Celebrity Trainer, Author, Host, Model, Fitness Enthusiast, and Inspirational Speaker who enlightens people to live a successful and healthy life. Since leaving the hardwood floors of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association), she has taken the fitness world by storm as owner and operator of her co-ed fitness studio for over 25 years. Sonya has dedicated her career to helping people from all walks of life build enthusiasm and motivation to live their ‘AB’solute BEST life in the body of their dreams.
FWM: You have trained prominent figures including: Grammy-nominated + winning Recording Artists to Professional Athletes and major corporations such as: Fantasia Barrino Taylor (Multi-Grammy Award Winner), Calvin Richardson (Multi-Grammy Award Nominated), and Rudy Currence (Grammy Award Winner). Tell us about Total YOU.
Being able to bring out the very best in each client before they even see it! Because most clients just don’t need to be fixed physically! It’s a lot deeper than physical appearance. So I get a high off of coaching each client into a ‘better YOU’.
My business is based on two simple facts: a. Healthy individuals are more productive than chronically ill individuals. b. It cost less to prevent injuries or illnesses than to treat them after they occur. At Total YOU, I stand firm in knowing I am your RESULT coach. I have such an unparalleled connection with the many lives I touch every day. I enlighten and empower people to live a successful and healthy life and I take each step with them, helping them live their ‘AB’solute BEST in the body of their dreams. Every client knows and feels, I Love Them 2 Health. The Total YOU by Sonya D. LLC. mission is to provide state of the art holistic approach to health and wellness services of the highest quality, empowering clients to become avid health consumers responsible for their well being of the mind, body and spirit. I am here to provide a very ‘YOU’nique environment in which everyone can be comfortable. Your experience will be challenging, lasting, rewarding, and educational as I set out to build the “Total YOU”. I do not kisskiss your butt, but XPOSE you to understanding that “All Trainers are NOT Created Equal”.
FWM: Share a pivotal moment in your life.
I’ve had several pivotal points/moments as an entrepreneur but presently, I’m fighting breast cancer and being diagnosed and truly in the fight of my life has changed my entire perspective on myself, family, clients, business affiliations, relationships, etc. CANcer has made me truly focus on becoming my authentic self. I want and deserve the love that I give out everyday of my life!!! For so many years, I put so much energy and time into the world … now it’s time to reciprocate!!! FOR REAL!!! I want to truly LIVE. This disease has destroyed me in so many ways but I’m coming back wiser and stronger. Thanks CANcer. CANcer is smaller than me!!! I take a moment every day to be grateful!
FWM: How do you stay fit emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
Mental and emotional health is an essential part of your overall health and well-being. I can identify my strengths, weaknesses and boundaries in all 3 areas. Wow!!! Of course the physical part has always been very easy for me but now with cancer that shifted. But for me, bringing as much balance is Key! I am a life coach but I have a spiritual coach that really keeps me grounded. Plus, I’m a true believer in God and His promises. I also have a mental fitness coach and I handle the physical by myself!!! I mediate a lot now. I pray a lot more now. I ask for help when I feel overwhelmed. I get fresh air and exposure to sunlight. I take great care of myself in all areas! I spend time with people whose company I enjoy. I pursue hobbies or new activities. And I manage my stress. I Practice gratitude and express myself.
FWM: Tell us about your Boot Camps.
My Boot Camps are very intense! They are team-oriented set up to really test each individual. There are no quitters!!! I’m a Fembot period!
FWM: What is your key to success?
Success is so many things. But simply put: Opening myself to new challenges that enables me to grow and develop mentally, spiritually, and professionally.
Truly a beautiful lady and a courageous fighter.