Kavvy, you’re involved in several new projects, can you tell us a little about them?
Greg, I’m so excited where my career is taking me, many things I have been working hard on are all starting to materialize.
My ultimate career goal all along has been to merge the fitness world with the fashion world together. No one has ever been able to accomplish this before. Being a runway model for 12 years and earning national recognition as a fitness competitor, I am confident I’m the most qualified woman to be this pioneer. So confident in fact, I relocated to the Miami South Beach area to be at the doorstep of the modeling industry. I have been welcomed back to the industry with open arms. The modeling opportunities have been endless and the feedback I am receiving has been overwhelming positive. Fitness and fashion, is a match made in heaven I think. I have grand plans Greg, and I’m getting closer to achieving this goal every day.
On a more personal note, all my life, all I ever wanted to do was to help people, be it physically, emotionally or spiritually. Finally at this stage in my life and career I am in the position to do so. I firmly believe that experience is the greatest teacher of all and believe you me I have plenty of life experience I can use to help people of all walks of life. For the past few years I have concentrated my efforts in Florida. Now I am ready to branch out on a wider basis. Through a new website I am launching in September (www.kavvyworld.com) I will be able to reach people everywhere.
Can you tell us a little bit more about kavvyworld.com?
Of course. Like I said it will be launching in September. My staff and I are putting the finishing touches on the site as we speak. It will be a place anyone come to for all kinds of help. Of course it will be fitness and fashion based, but will encompass so much more than just that. I will have generic information about nutritional programs, supplements, workout programs, spiritual programs, a crisis hotline, a blog etc. I will also have merchandise available for sale such as my calendars, my posters, autographed photos, DVDs, apparel, recipes, cookbooks, etc. A good portion of the site will be free of charge and another portion will for subscribers who want VIP access to all of me…all of my sexy my photos, specific tailored nuturition, supplement and workout programs. I need to mention that any money I earn off of the site, a portion of it will be donated to various charities of my choosing.
A crisis hot-line, how will that work exactly? Who will be fielding the calls?
We are still working out the final details. But I want men and women who feel trapped in life, feel there is no way out of whatever situation they are in, that there is a safe and discreet place they can call to have people listen or offer simple solutions. When I was trapped in an horrific situations in my life be it during my childhood in Brazil or later on in unhealthy relationships, I wish I had a place to go to, a support network of sorts.
Can you tell us about your childhood in Brazil and how it has led you to this cause?
Brazil is one of the worst places in the world for an underprivileged child to grow up. Not so poverty wise, but for children of the streets, which I was one of. I was abandoned and orphaned as an infant. I never knew my birth parents and went from one orphanage to another. I don’t need to tell you every awful detail of what went on in those places, but let’s just say I emerged from there a survivor. I ended up on the streets and did whatever I had to do to survive. I saw one of my closest friends murdered in front of my own two eyes. I held another in my arms as she took her last breath. I am going into much more detail about my life and everyone will be able to read it all in my life story I am working on with a writer. That is another thing VIP subscribers will have access to…I will be posting sneak previews of sections of the book for their eyes only. I want to help the children of the streets in San Paulo. A portion of all the money I earn will be donated to them as well as a few other charities who causes are near and dear to my heart, be it sexually exploited children, the illegal sex trade, etc.
How can someone get involved to support all your charitable work?
We will have links set up on the website that they can click directly to each charity. If a website is not available for them we will furnish anyone interested with the name and address of each.
What’s the best way for fans to communicate with you?
The best way would be through email. Kavvy@kavvyworld.com or through my toll-free number 877-KAVVY4U. I have a very very busy schedule but either myself or one of my dedicated staff will be sure to get back to you as quickly as possible.
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I have always been interested in fitness/exercise and helping people. For me it was a match made in heaven. It was a natural progression for me. I believe in being a power of example. The more and more I advanced in the fitness world, the more people started to notice me and ask me nutrition and workout questions. People were always asking to join me on a workout or give them a pointer or two. One thing led to another and I decided to get certified and started helping clients achieve their fitness goals. What a better life than to do what you love and get paid for it. For me it wasn’t the money, for me it was watching someone make positive change in their life and achieve their fitness goals.
How long have you been training clients?
It’s been over seven years now and I have loved every minute of it. I get such satisfaction helping others, I really do.
Are you still competing?
As far as I am concerned right now, yes. I still train everyday as if I am competing. It is just so hard to say right now one way or the other because of my hectic modeling schedule. But I still train and diet as if the Nationals are right around the corner. I always like keep my body 2 to 3 weeks out for a completion.
Do you have a particular exercise philosophy that you subscribe to?
Stay dedicated, do something every day. I try to set small attainable goals I can do on a daily basis, instead of trying to crash and burn at the last minute. That is why I always strive to keep myself in peak physical condition year round. I also like to make it fun and challenging so that I’m looking forward to going into that gym sometimes 3 times a day. Having a workout partner helps keep you motivated to.
How do you tailor workouts to fit your client’s needs?
I sit down and take a complete history on the person, find out what makes them tick, find out what their goals are. My main focus is to listen to what their personal needs and goals are. Not what I think is best for them. What I want out of my body and personal goals is probably not what they want for themselves.
How long should people work out for?
I recommend a balanced but challenging training session on whatever fitness level you are at. You want to keep your workouts brief so you keep the intensity up. I recommend for weight gain or weight loss around 45 minutes of intense training. Once again, I am focused when I train, I do not take time to socialize or fix my hair… lol….
Do you have any suggestions on how someone can get started on an exercise regime?
Well, be realistic of your potential and your limits. If one is a beginner, then 30 minutes of some cardio will be a lot for the first couple weeks. If you have trained before and getting back in it then usually a cardio and weight training routine is beneficial. Just be CONSISTENT and do not give up! The first couple weeks are the hardest. You will be out of breath, sore and sometimes wanting to give up… On those days, just do something and usually when you just arrive to the gym, some motivation finds you:)
Should men and women workout differently?
I do not like to base a workout program based on gender. It is about what the person’s goal is and their fitness level. Like I said we need to first find out what their fitness goals are and go from there. There is the very good chance that yes they will train the same, but if the man is training for the NFL and the woman is training for a marathon, then no. It really all depends on each individual circumstance. Some might want muscle on, some might want to sculpt etc.
What type of cardio is best? And how much cardio should someone do a day?
Anything that is fun for you! Of course cardio is not the most exciting hobby to have… so, especially in the beginning, do not force yourself on a machine that you are dreading to do all day. Once one has a higher intensity or specific fitness goal, then I base cardio on those particular goals. I also encourage everyone to enjoy nature! Try doing cardio outside. You can be very creative and it is not like you are in a prison at the gym to reach your goals! Remember, raising your heart rate is the key… and finding something that you will continue doing is the other key to unlocking your goals! As far as how much per day, once again, this is completely based on the person’s fitness goals. On that note, most of my clients do cardio for weight loss purposes. If that is the case, I recommend doing 30- 45 minutes FIRST thing in the morning on an empty stomach! It really is the secret to losing fat!
Generally, how long should someone workout for?
I think working out should be a lifestyle. I think they should do some form of physical activity for the rest of their lives. It will keep them healthy inside and out.
Do you have any interests outside of the fitness industry?
I have many interests. I love to challenge myself in every aspect of my life.. I believe that I truly feel balanced and most happy when I am emotionally, spritually and physically in shape:) I am also involved in helping our environment and trying to heal our earth that we have mis-treated for many generations!
Where will you be in 20 years?
I want to be a role model. Especially for young women! I have overcome many obstacles in my life and feel that I can be beneficial to listening and guiding people. I have a huge heart and giving to others is truly what makes me so very happy! I also want to focus on our future.. which would be our children! They are the future for us and so it is important to teach and show them what a disciplined and healthy woman really is!
Kavvy Sonhos
You can also contact me via my Fittron profile.
Gina Aliotti is one of the most recognized names in the Fitness industry. Winner of the 2008 Arnold Classic, and widely acknowledged as the “fittest” woman in the country, Gina’s credentials speak for themselves. An active entrepreneur with several new businesses launched, Gina gave us some of her valuable time to answer a few questions. Enjoy.
Without a doubt, the greatest asset of Fittron is the strength of our directory. Nowhere else on the web can you find a collection of so many qualified, accomplished, and dedicated fitness professionals. From coast to coast we have names that you will be familiar and professionals that stand on a level much different from your local gym trainer.
