Photography: Julio Carlos
Creative Direction: Ana Claudia Negri
Interviews: Jorge Arauz
Beauty: Cesar Ferrette & Rogelio Gonzalez @ Red Market Salon
Location: Gator Crossfit, @gatorcf, Hallandale Beach
Mariana Ferjan
To say that Mariana Ferjan’s schedule as a Histotechnologist II at the Pathology Department in Aventura Hospital is hectic would be a massive understatement. But she does not let anything get in the way of her wellness goals. She works out 6 days a week, resting only on Sundays. Monday through Friday she focuses on CrossFit and on Saturdays she goes for a run. “Depending on how my day goes, I work out at either 6 a.m. or 6 p.m.,” she says. “Respecting my body is as important as training so I do allow myself a break every now and then so I can come back stronger!” When it comes to fitness, she’s an advocate of the 21-Day Rule — do something new for 21 days until it becomes a habit. “Focus on what you want to achieve and before you know it, your body will start rewarding you with results and a better life,” she says. “We should all strive to be stronger than our excuses!”
Erika Boom
Arriving in Miami in 2000 to earn her Master’s at the University of Miami, FitMama Apparel fitness entrepreneur Erika Boom has been into aerobics, dance and cycling most of her life. “When you focus on fitness, you find that not only do you handle things better physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” she says. For Boom, fitness is a long-term relationship, one that she respects and honors, no matter what challenges come her way. “My husband always jokes that I never get distracted from my fitness goals — not even during pregnancy. In fact, my water broke during a spinning class!”
Guilherme & Ian Arashiro
A big life change brought Guilherme Arashiro from Brazil to Miami 16 years ago and his son, Ian, followed in his footsteps 8 years ago. Today, the father-son duo balance their real estate careers at One Sotheby’s International Realty with their dynamic physical fitness schedule. From Jiu Jitsu and Calisthenics during the week to cycling and beach workouts on the weekends. “Fitness must be part of your daily schedule, just as any other important meeting you can’t cancel,” says Guilherme. “You should aim to challenge yourself every day.” Adds Ian: “It makes me the happiest seeing those I inspired to get fit, and witnessing them looking and feeling their best,” he says. “I live by the notion that continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential.” Life balance is also very important. “In order to balance everything in your life — family, work and fitness — you have to set a time for each and stick to it,” they say. “You should never sacrifice one thing for another.”
Paula Villas-Boas
Immersed in nature from an early age, Paula Villas-Boas was always very active. “My childhood took me from the beach to the barn,” she says. “My natural energy has always been my greatest motivator!” Today, the mom of two, wife, designer, entrepreneur and head of Bikiny Society and Juggle Living considers her life a “marathon” and tries to stay as active as possible in between her daily duties. “I don’t believe you have to force yourself to exercise, follow a strict diet or go to the gym regularly in order to be fit — how you look and feel is just a consequence of the way you live!”
Adam Ibrahim
Two years ago, a new business opportunity brought Adam Ibrahim to Miami from New York. Today, the Principal of Candor Capital aims to maximize every area of his life by keeping his mind and body centered. “Money and prestige will do you little good without a healthy body and mind,” he says. “We all get busy but physical fitness is one of the last things we should be cutting out to save time.” Most recently, training 5 days a week with Alex Cure at Cure Fitness in Brickell has shifted his perspective and augmented his performance and results. “A good long-term workout plan is measured in months and years, not days or weeks,” he says. “Consistency is everything — don’t sweat the details, just show up.”
