Tastemaker: Sonia Jhas

Certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist Sonia Jhas has been featured on Huffington Post Canada and Glow Magazine, thanks to what she refers to as “The Sonia Jhas Approach” to health and fitness. Jhas is also co-owner of FitSanity, a women’s-only fitness studio specializing in spin, fitness, and yoga classes right here in Toronto. Let’s learn more…

Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
Professionally, I’m a personal trainer and nutrition specialist who loves all things health and wellness. Personally, I’m a Toronto-based girl who enjoys spending time with friends, watching Netflix, and exploring the city’s extensive restaurant scene.

How did you get into your field?
It’s a rather long story, but in a nutshell I quit my corporate career in 2011 to become a full-time personal trainer and nutrition specialist. I had always been passionate about health and wellness, but never thought to pursue it as a career because I was too busy following the “conventional path” to success. It wasn’t until I had achieved my MBA and was working as a sales executive in the technology sector that I realized that I was on a career path that left me feeling stressed, unhappy, and unfulfilled. At first, I decided to pursue fitness as a hobby, thinking that I’d stay in the corporate world and simply train a few clients on the side for fun. However, once I jumped in, I quickly realized that coaching people made me feel alive, authentic, and fulfilled, and so I quit my job and decided to pursue my passion.

What are the benefits and challenges of what you do?
Working with my clients, whether it’s through one-on-one sessions, online coaching, or classes at my fitness studio, is the most enjoyable part of what I do. I love watching my clients push their limits, achieve goals they once thought were out-of-reach, and become the best versions of themselves. However, that’s just one area of focus, and juggling all of my other roles can be a bit of a challenge. I also have to manage my fitness studio, create content for my online platform, continue future business planning, and find time to workout. I love what I do, it’s just a struggle to achieve a sustainable balance. At this point, it’s a work-in-progress!

Do you have any advice for people who want to get fit?
Focus on becoming a healthier version of yourself, instead of focusing on becoming thin. If you take the time to workout out and pay attention to the quality of food you’re eating, your weight will take care of itself. People are always looking for quick fixes, but, sadly, those methods aren’t sustainable. Forget about doing things fast. Forget about being skinny. It’s all about eating a healthy diet and doing the right amount of exercise for you. Everyone is different – some people need more, some people need less. Take the time to research and experiment with what works for you so that you don’t run yourself in circles!

How would you describe your personal style?
I’d say my style is: structured and polished, with a splash of intense colour!

Most inspiring trip you’ve ever taken and why?
In 2011 my husband and I went to Peru and did a five-day trek to Machu Picchu. Everything about that trip was inspiring for me. The beauty, the solitude, the intense physical activity… all of it! I’ve always been terrible at relaxing when on vacation, but this trip was the first time that I felt truly disconnected from day-to-day life, and truly connected with myself. It was shortly after this trip that I decided to quit my job and pursue my passion.

What are three things you can’t live without?
My husband, my phone, and Quest bars.

What’s always in your beauty bag?
Without fail – eyeliner! Everything else I can live without.

What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
Fresh Restaurant. Their food is delicious, nutritious, and doesn’t come with any guilt! It’s great for brunch, lunch, or dinner… and their desserts are to die for!

Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Join the “healthy dialogue” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.