Sonia Janis

CrossFit Level 2  Trainer | CrossFit Weightlifting Level 1 Trainer | The Gymnastics Course Level 1 Trainer | Burgener Level 1 Weightlifting Trainer

Year Started CrossFit: 2015
Favorite Lift: Overhead Squat
Favorite Gymnastics: Toes to Ring
Favorite Benchmark WOD: Grace
How did you get into CrossFit?

• I joined CrossFit because a friend convinced me that I might like to add some weightlifting to my all-cardio workouts. It took me 6 months to understand the concept - and understand how it was transforming my fitness. Haven't looked back since.

What motivates your passion for fitness and healthy living?

• I think that we need to be our best own advocates for our health. If we aren't caring for ourselves, no one else will do it for us. Not the fitness industry, and certainly not our health care industry. I also believe that the more we care for our bodies - we are also caring for our hearts and minds. With that, we are better able to contribute to society in ways that advance ourselves and one another.

What are some of the benefits you have seen from doing CrossFit?

• Not only did I get into the best shape of my life in my late 30s, but I also was able to identify ways that my cardiovascular system was shutting down. Things that an echocardiogram and MRI could not see. When my aorta dissected, I knew that I needed to go to the ER to have open heart surgery (February 2019). In a sense, CrossFit gave me the information I needed to save my own life from highly fatal injury to my aorta.

Why do you coach, and what motivates you to teach?

• I am unendingly grateful for the information about my own body and fitness level that CrossFit has provided. I am motivated to share with others the value in knowing how to move your body effectively, to feel stronger, happier and healthier, and to do so in community with others.

What is your favorite food?

• Toss up between pizza, tacos, sushi.

What are some things you like to do outside of CrossFit?

• Hang with my doggie Regina, solve the world's problems in conversations with friends, and sip on wine.