| TESTIMONIALS |
Monique has been my personal trainer for several months. She is a great trainer and is caring, smart and a true professional in her
field. It is her passion and it brings her joy to train one individual or groups. She wants to help people be and feel their best.
Monique has brought back happiness to my life because I now feel better about the way I look and I have regained confidence. My
passion is dancing and I am now able to wear my dance outfits and go out and dance the night away.
Her training area is ideal. For me, she plays Salsa music which is perfect during my training because it gives me a great pick up.
When I am training with Monique, I feel very special because she is completely focused on me. She provides perfect instructions and
demonstrations. She gives me a great workout. I have almost reached my ideal weigh, but most important, Monique has reshaped my
body. I looked toned , stronger, healthier and the best in some 2 years.
Monique keeps records about my training and is always prepared to train me in various/different areas as needed.
Monique is special because she is not only concerned about my physical training but also my well being and happiness.
Mary Castilla -61
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I was inspired by Monique Pena Johnson before I met her. As a teacher at her children’s elementary school, I saw her daily as she
arrived to pick them up after school. I was in awe of her vitality and of her physically strong and athletic body. I would say to myself,
“I want to look like that.” Several years later, I had the privilege of teaching both of Monique’s children and got to know her on a
personal level. Her beauty comes from the inside and just enhances her physical attributes. When she decided to open Caribbean
Fitness, naturally, I became one of her first clients. Three years later, I must admit, I really don’t look like her, but I am in very good
shape and in excellent health. With her help & encouragement I view myself differently, and approach most tasks with a new found
confidence. At 56, and as a grandmother, I want to be as healthy as possible so that I might enjoy my grandchildren. Recently, I had
a physical, and since there is a history of osteoporosis in my family, the doctor suggested a bone density scan, The technician was in
awe of the condition of my hips and spine. I was off the chart for women my age in the spinal area and in the high normal range in my
hips. She was further amazed that this was accomplished without a calcium supplement. I told her about Monique, and she asked for
her business card! Monique's talents are becoming known throughout the community because of the success of her clients.
Debbie Vescovo-Johnson
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Training with Monique has made me want to work hard at becoming a healthy person. In my mind I had to get rid of my weight demons
from the past, and focus on my health. Once I focused on my health, my attitude towards my weight changed. Monique has kept me
motivated and always understands my limitations to what I can and can't do. She is judgment free and never pressures me to do
anything I'm not able to do. This is a great quality in a trainer, having the ability to understand the many issues that come with a big
woman trying to slim down. It can't be done overnight, and getting started is difficult for someone who has a lot of weight to let go of.
Monique is a blessing in my life and I thank her for being with me and helping me through my difficult journey. Changing the way I see
myself and readjusting my attitude has been easier said than done. We are all beautiful in our own way but discovering what makes you
beautiful is the kicker.
Maribel Tostado - 34
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique has been an inspiration in my weight training these past six months. I think I've experience the most changes in my life when I
started workingout with Monique. I changed jobs, I was going to school at night, and I even put my home on the market. But I woke up
every Wednesday morning because I knew my time with Monique was also my time for myself. Despite my life challenges Monique was
there to motivate me and keep me going. I truly believe my workouts with Monique, along with the salsa classes, has been good for my
health, both physically and mentally. I'm greatful to Monique for her caring heart and dedication to my life goal of being fit for life.
Thank you Monique!
Laura Cortez - 30
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Getting involved with Monique Pena really came through my wife. At first I thought, "oh, this is nothing more than another of Gloria's
adventures." I've tried every diet Gloria has put me through, eaten at cafeteria's until I exploded, and walked streets keeping up with
her never ending quest to reduce the waist line. Poor old husbands...This time, it was another in Gloria's great experiments with life.
"It'll probably last about a month," I secretly thought to myself. "So why not encourage her." One day, I looked downstairs from the
office to see her barely being able to get out of the car. Every muscle in her body was apparently sore from her initial encounter with
this Phanton Dominican. Gloria spoke about her all the time. Five six, 125 pounds of muscle and gristle...What could any husband hope
for in his wife if it was not for his wife to look like this Carribean explosion. So I finally went to see her. She made me take off my
polo, exposing my flab all over the place. She pinched here and there to my social embarrassment. I growled under my breath, but
decided to go through with this ridiculous experiment. Finally, the day came for my first exercise. When I drove up to the office, I
too could barely get my 6'4" frame out of the car. This time it was Gloria's time to laugh. A year and a half later, my doctor called
to tell me the results of my annual blood work. "What are you doing," he asked inquisitively. Concerned over the test results and
thinking that two evenings before I had gorged down three delicious enchiladas, I was ready for the bad news. You're blood work is
nothing like I have never seen before. "You are in fantastic shape and all of your results are beyond good," he continued. "They are
excellent." I was all smiles, almost giddy. Quickly, I called my two sons in Austin, followed by a quick call to Argentina and then my
delighted wife. O.K, so it was this phantom friend of my wife who apparently gets up at 4am every morning. So she did wonders for my
health. And what is my response. Complete and utter gratefulness not only to my good friend Monique Pena who puts with my cussing
and screaming when she adds weight to the bar bells, but to my gorgeous wife who encouraged me to go to Carribbean Fitness. As a guy
over sixty, I;m her oldest pupil...but also a healthy guy who will stand on top of the mountain and ask any guy like me who wants to feel
good and look good to give Carribbean Fitness a whirl...Just try it, you may even learn to like it...
Ernesto Nieto - 67
*************************************************************************************************************************************
When i was interested in a personal trainer I still had my doubts I felt she would be extra hard on me since it was one on one.
When i started with Monique 3 years ago She explained to me how important it is to exercise and eat right not just to lose weight but
most important to keep your heart healthy to prevent heart disease.
My anxiety about personal trainers is gone. Monique's training has brought me confidence, trust and friendship to my life. I feel great
about myself physically and mentally.
Monique has allowed me to reach my goal weight and look great. I enjoy very much our personal training together and the aerobics with
the other ladies is so much fun and I made many friends.
Training out of her house has also gave me a comfortable feeling. I would recommend every woman of every age to train with her. It is
never to late to take care of your body and mind.
Monique is one awesome lady and personal trainer and especially has become a good friend of mine.
Susan Torres
Age 45
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique, when I first came to train with you at Caribbean Fitness, I was so weak I literally could not lift more than 5 pounds. You have
taught me endurance and I feel stronger than ever. I have never taken weight training seriously because I didn't have the discipline.
Working with you one on one makes all the difference in the world. My daughter keeps trying to get me to go with her to one of those
"other" fitness centers but I tell her that I like the "TLC" from the Dominican Republic. mil gracias "Monin".
Guadalupe Sanchez-Smith - 55
***************************************************************************************************************************************
ESTOY SUPER BENDECIDA CON MONIN Y SUS MARAVILLOSAS CLASES DE BAILE. AL HACER SUS AEROBICOS ES COMO
DESCUBRIR OTRO YO Y ESO LO APRENDI DE ESTA GRAN MUJER. LOS CAMBIOS POSITIVOS POR SEGURO SON LA
ALIMENTACION, MONIN DICE QUE LA BELLEZA ENTRA POR LA BOCA..
YO HE APRENDIDO DE LA DESTREZA DE ESTA MUJER. SU CARINO Y SUS MUCHAS GANAS DE SEGUIR ADELANTE. ELLA ME
IMPULSA A HACER MUCHAS COSAS EN LA VIDA, SOY MAS DISCIPLINADA. EN UNA PALABRA ELLA NO SABE EL IMPACTO DE
CAMBIOS QUE HAY EN MI VIDA DESDE QUE LLEGO A LA IGLESIA EL SHADDAI CON SU GRABADORA EN MANO Y SU TRAJE
DE COLOR NARANJA WOW.....
ES UN DELEITE PARA MI SER PARTE DE CARIBBEAN FITNNES. LA PASO MUY BIEN
LA ENERGIA ES EXITANTE CADA VEZ QUE VOY ALAS SESIONES DE BAILE Y HE LLEGADO
A LAS METAS DE REBAJAR 23 LIBRAS, GRACIAS A MONIN!
MUCHAS GRACIAS, EXITO Y BENDICIONES!
MARIA TELLO - 34
***************************************************************************************************************************************
The way you touch my life was by living me hope that I can do little things every day at my pace, that I don’t have to run a marathon
but stay focus and be consistent. You are a wonderful role model to follow and a great inspiration for women our age. I still think I can
look as gorgeous as you do if I do a little more every day.
Wilmia Perez
field. It is her passion and it brings her joy to train one individual or groups. She wants to help people be and feel their best.
Monique has brought back happiness to my life because I now feel better about the way I look and I have regained confidence. My
passion is dancing and I am now able to wear my dance outfits and go out and dance the night away.
Her training area is ideal. For me, she plays Salsa music which is perfect during my training because it gives me a great pick up.
When I am training with Monique, I feel very special because she is completely focused on me. She provides perfect instructions and
demonstrations. She gives me a great workout. I have almost reached my ideal weigh, but most important, Monique has reshaped my
body. I looked toned , stronger, healthier and the best in some 2 years.
Monique keeps records about my training and is always prepared to train me in various/different areas as needed.
Monique is special because she is not only concerned about my physical training but also my well being and happiness.
Mary Castilla -61
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I was inspired by Monique Pena Johnson before I met her. As a teacher at her children’s elementary school, I saw her daily as she
arrived to pick them up after school. I was in awe of her vitality and of her physically strong and athletic body. I would say to myself,
“I want to look like that.” Several years later, I had the privilege of teaching both of Monique’s children and got to know her on a
personal level. Her beauty comes from the inside and just enhances her physical attributes. When she decided to open Caribbean
Fitness, naturally, I became one of her first clients. Three years later, I must admit, I really don’t look like her, but I am in very good
shape and in excellent health. With her help & encouragement I view myself differently, and approach most tasks with a new found
confidence. At 56, and as a grandmother, I want to be as healthy as possible so that I might enjoy my grandchildren. Recently, I had
a physical, and since there is a history of osteoporosis in my family, the doctor suggested a bone density scan, The technician was in
awe of the condition of my hips and spine. I was off the chart for women my age in the spinal area and in the high normal range in my
hips. She was further amazed that this was accomplished without a calcium supplement. I told her about Monique, and she asked for
her business card! Monique's talents are becoming known throughout the community because of the success of her clients.
Debbie Vescovo-Johnson
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Training with Monique has made me want to work hard at becoming a healthy person. In my mind I had to get rid of my weight demons
from the past, and focus on my health. Once I focused on my health, my attitude towards my weight changed. Monique has kept me
motivated and always understands my limitations to what I can and can't do. She is judgment free and never pressures me to do
anything I'm not able to do. This is a great quality in a trainer, having the ability to understand the many issues that come with a big
woman trying to slim down. It can't be done overnight, and getting started is difficult for someone who has a lot of weight to let go of.
Monique is a blessing in my life and I thank her for being with me and helping me through my difficult journey. Changing the way I see
myself and readjusting my attitude has been easier said than done. We are all beautiful in our own way but discovering what makes you
beautiful is the kicker.
Maribel Tostado - 34
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique has been an inspiration in my weight training these past six months. I think I've experience the most changes in my life when I
started workingout with Monique. I changed jobs, I was going to school at night, and I even put my home on the market. But I woke up
every Wednesday morning because I knew my time with Monique was also my time for myself. Despite my life challenges Monique was
there to motivate me and keep me going. I truly believe my workouts with Monique, along with the salsa classes, has been good for my
health, both physically and mentally. I'm greatful to Monique for her caring heart and dedication to my life goal of being fit for life.
Thank you Monique!
Laura Cortez - 30
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Getting involved with Monique Pena really came through my wife. At first I thought, "oh, this is nothing more than another of Gloria's
adventures." I've tried every diet Gloria has put me through, eaten at cafeteria's until I exploded, and walked streets keeping up with
her never ending quest to reduce the waist line. Poor old husbands...This time, it was another in Gloria's great experiments with life.
"It'll probably last about a month," I secretly thought to myself. "So why not encourage her." One day, I looked downstairs from the
office to see her barely being able to get out of the car. Every muscle in her body was apparently sore from her initial encounter with
this Phanton Dominican. Gloria spoke about her all the time. Five six, 125 pounds of muscle and gristle...What could any husband hope
for in his wife if it was not for his wife to look like this Carribean explosion. So I finally went to see her. She made me take off my
polo, exposing my flab all over the place. She pinched here and there to my social embarrassment. I growled under my breath, but
decided to go through with this ridiculous experiment. Finally, the day came for my first exercise. When I drove up to the office, I
too could barely get my 6'4" frame out of the car. This time it was Gloria's time to laugh. A year and a half later, my doctor called
to tell me the results of my annual blood work. "What are you doing," he asked inquisitively. Concerned over the test results and
thinking that two evenings before I had gorged down three delicious enchiladas, I was ready for the bad news. You're blood work is
nothing like I have never seen before. "You are in fantastic shape and all of your results are beyond good," he continued. "They are
excellent." I was all smiles, almost giddy. Quickly, I called my two sons in Austin, followed by a quick call to Argentina and then my
delighted wife. O.K, so it was this phantom friend of my wife who apparently gets up at 4am every morning. So she did wonders for my
health. And what is my response. Complete and utter gratefulness not only to my good friend Monique Pena who puts with my cussing
and screaming when she adds weight to the bar bells, but to my gorgeous wife who encouraged me to go to Carribbean Fitness. As a guy
over sixty, I;m her oldest pupil...but also a healthy guy who will stand on top of the mountain and ask any guy like me who wants to feel
good and look good to give Carribbean Fitness a whirl...Just try it, you may even learn to like it...
Ernesto Nieto - 67
*************************************************************************************************************************************
When i was interested in a personal trainer I still had my doubts I felt she would be extra hard on me since it was one on one.
When i started with Monique 3 years ago She explained to me how important it is to exercise and eat right not just to lose weight but
most important to keep your heart healthy to prevent heart disease.
My anxiety about personal trainers is gone. Monique's training has brought me confidence, trust and friendship to my life. I feel great
about myself physically and mentally.
Monique has allowed me to reach my goal weight and look great. I enjoy very much our personal training together and the aerobics with
the other ladies is so much fun and I made many friends.
Training out of her house has also gave me a comfortable feeling. I would recommend every woman of every age to train with her. It is
never to late to take care of your body and mind.
Monique is one awesome lady and personal trainer and especially has become a good friend of mine.
Susan Torres
Age 45
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique, when I first came to train with you at Caribbean Fitness, I was so weak I literally could not lift more than 5 pounds. You have
taught me endurance and I feel stronger than ever. I have never taken weight training seriously because I didn't have the discipline.
Working with you one on one makes all the difference in the world. My daughter keeps trying to get me to go with her to one of those
"other" fitness centers but I tell her that I like the "TLC" from the Dominican Republic. mil gracias "Monin".
Guadalupe Sanchez-Smith - 55
***************************************************************************************************************************************
ESTOY SUPER BENDECIDA CON MONIN Y SUS MARAVILLOSAS CLASES DE BAILE. AL HACER SUS AEROBICOS ES COMO
DESCUBRIR OTRO YO Y ESO LO APRENDI DE ESTA GRAN MUJER. LOS CAMBIOS POSITIVOS POR SEGURO SON LA
ALIMENTACION, MONIN DICE QUE LA BELLEZA ENTRA POR LA BOCA..
YO HE APRENDIDO DE LA DESTREZA DE ESTA MUJER. SU CARINO Y SUS MUCHAS GANAS DE SEGUIR ADELANTE. ELLA ME
IMPULSA A HACER MUCHAS COSAS EN LA VIDA, SOY MAS DISCIPLINADA. EN UNA PALABRA ELLA NO SABE EL IMPACTO DE
CAMBIOS QUE HAY EN MI VIDA DESDE QUE LLEGO A LA IGLESIA EL SHADDAI CON SU GRABADORA EN MANO Y SU TRAJE
DE COLOR NARANJA WOW.....
ES UN DELEITE PARA MI SER PARTE DE CARIBBEAN FITNNES. LA PASO MUY BIEN
LA ENERGIA ES EXITANTE CADA VEZ QUE VOY ALAS SESIONES DE BAILE Y HE LLEGADO
A LAS METAS DE REBAJAR 23 LIBRAS, GRACIAS A MONIN!
MUCHAS GRACIAS, EXITO Y BENDICIONES!
MARIA TELLO - 34
***************************************************************************************************************************************
The way you touch my life was by living me hope that I can do little things every day at my pace, that I don’t have to run a marathon
but stay focus and be consistent. You are a wonderful role model to follow and a great inspiration for women our age. I still think I can
look as gorgeous as you do if I do a little more every day.
Wilmia Perez
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Monique helped me realize that working out is something I do for me....because I am worth it! She is uplifting, motivating and inspires
me to be the best that I can be!
WWMD? I ask myself that all the time? What Would Monique Do? She has amazing discipline and has made such an impact in my
life, that when I find myself wanting to eat improperly or skip a work out, I simply ask myself.................WWMD?
I am so blessed to have found such a caring and knowledgeable Trainer! She truly cares about each and every one of her clients, taking
time to really get to know them. My workouts with Monique have become a way of life for me............that I cannot imagine doing
without!
Dina D. Rodriquez - 51
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique has been a great influence when it comes to fitness. She has motivated me and encouraged me to not give up and to continue a
healthy life style by at least walking if I do not come to her weight training or Merenque-Salsa aerobics and to eat healthy.
Moniques' priorities are in order as well when she talks about nutrition.
I thank Monique for being such a great role model. I admire her abilities in all that she does for Latinas when it comes to fitness and
in living a healthy life. She is a positive lady. She wants to reach and help a lot of Latinas. Monique means a lot to me because she is
a sincere friend, she is fun to be with, she is positive, she has goals. Monique you are a dear friend of mine and I am not afraid to
tell you that I love you.
Rosaura Gomez -50
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I came to Caribbean Fitness to prepare for my daughter's sweet sixteen. I was a size 12 after having a baby and I desperately
wanted to be a size 5-6. Which seemed near impossible, I would have given up had it not been for Monique's constant encouragement
during weight training classes. I always left with a poitive motivated feeling. I also found that the Merengue-Salsa aerobic class was
a huge help because I could watch you (Monique) in the hopes of being as HOT as you.
I am now proud to say, "Everywhere I go I am confident in the way I look, my sex life has improved and I am a very happy size 4!"
All thanks to Carribean Fitness.
Elena Martinez - 35
***************************************************************************************************************************************
me to be the best that I can be!
WWMD? I ask myself that all the time? What Would Monique Do? She has amazing discipline and has made such an impact in my
life, that when I find myself wanting to eat improperly or skip a work out, I simply ask myself.................WWMD?
I am so blessed to have found such a caring and knowledgeable Trainer! She truly cares about each and every one of her clients, taking
time to really get to know them. My workouts with Monique have become a way of life for me............that I cannot imagine doing
without!
Dina D. Rodriquez - 51
***************************************************************************************************************************************
Monique has been a great influence when it comes to fitness. She has motivated me and encouraged me to not give up and to continue a
healthy life style by at least walking if I do not come to her weight training or Merenque-Salsa aerobics and to eat healthy.
Moniques' priorities are in order as well when she talks about nutrition.
I thank Monique for being such a great role model. I admire her abilities in all that she does for Latinas when it comes to fitness and
in living a healthy life. She is a positive lady. She wants to reach and help a lot of Latinas. Monique means a lot to me because she is
a sincere friend, she is fun to be with, she is positive, she has goals. Monique you are a dear friend of mine and I am not afraid to
tell you that I love you.
Rosaura Gomez -50
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I came to Caribbean Fitness to prepare for my daughter's sweet sixteen. I was a size 12 after having a baby and I desperately
wanted to be a size 5-6. Which seemed near impossible, I would have given up had it not been for Monique's constant encouragement
during weight training classes. I always left with a poitive motivated feeling. I also found that the Merengue-Salsa aerobic class was
a huge help because I could watch you (Monique) in the hopes of being as HOT as you.
I am now proud to say, "Everywhere I go I am confident in the way I look, my sex life has improved and I am a very happy size 4!"
All thanks to Carribean Fitness.
Elena Martinez - 35
***************************************************************************************************************************************
I first signed up to train with Monique because I needed to drop some weight for my upcoming wedding. I was overweight, smoking, very
inactive and very self conscious of how I looked. I gained 70 pounds when I had my daughter 10 years ago and still I had almost all if
it... all 70 pounds. My upcoming wedding was perfect for me to get motivated and take some of that weight off. I trained with Monique
twice a week at her studio and went to her salsa-merengue classes twice a week. While I normally hated working out, Monique was just
so motivating and so much fun to be around that I actually began to enjoy working out. The time just goes by so fast because I have so
much fun. She also gave me so much advice on eating right and really encouraged me to quit smoking.
With Monique's help and eating right, I lost over 20 pounds for my wedding and felt so confident that day! I also quit smoking! I am still
working out with Monique and plan on losing more weight.
Thanks Monique for being so motivating and supportive! You have inspired me to live a healthy lifestyle! You are a great friend!
Angelica Aguilar - 28
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
inactive and very self conscious of how I looked. I gained 70 pounds when I had my daughter 10 years ago and still I had almost all if
it... all 70 pounds. My upcoming wedding was perfect for me to get motivated and take some of that weight off. I trained with Monique
twice a week at her studio and went to her salsa-merengue classes twice a week. While I normally hated working out, Monique was just
so motivating and so much fun to be around that I actually began to enjoy working out. The time just goes by so fast because I have so
much fun. She also gave me so much advice on eating right and really encouraged me to quit smoking.
With Monique's help and eating right, I lost over 20 pounds for my wedding and felt so confident that day! I also quit smoking! I am still
working out with Monique and plan on losing more weight.
Thanks Monique for being so motivating and supportive! You have inspired me to live a healthy lifestyle! You are a great friend!
Angelica Aguilar - 28
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
January 30, 2008
I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me this past year. February will complete a year since I have started taking
your class and I feel great! I use to be able to run and keep in shape when I wasn’t a mom, but after giving birth to two beautiful twin
boys I really truly thought my body would never been the same or at least I didn’t think I would ever feel the same. By taking your
class and the motivation you have given me has change all those negative thoughts I use to have. Now I feel healthy and feel great
about myself. You have motivated me to stay in shape and eat healthy. You have also taught me how to keep my family healthy as well
by providing them with the right foods and educating them on how important it is to exercise. Me and my family couldn’t thank you
enough.
What a great inspiration you have been…keep up the good work and I look forward to having more years of great work outs and staying
healthy.
Elizabeth Roque
I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me this past year. February will complete a year since I have started taking
your class and I feel great! I use to be able to run and keep in shape when I wasn’t a mom, but after giving birth to two beautiful twin
boys I really truly thought my body would never been the same or at least I didn’t think I would ever feel the same. By taking your
class and the motivation you have given me has change all those negative thoughts I use to have. Now I feel healthy and feel great
about myself. You have motivated me to stay in shape and eat healthy. You have also taught me how to keep my family healthy as well
by providing them with the right foods and educating them on how important it is to exercise. Me and my family couldn’t thank you
enough.
What a great inspiration you have been…keep up the good work and I look forward to having more years of great work outs and staying
healthy.
Elizabeth Roque
February 4, 2008
Monique:
You might not remember but when I joined your merengue-salsa/aerobic group last year, I was looking to increase my exercise program.
The reason was that I was diagnosed a diabetic in February of 2007. Diabetics run in my family and all my siblings, save two are
history, I was bound to get it eventually. In February of 2007, I was put on Medformin, a medication for diabetics. The dose was two
pills per day.
What I wish to tell you is that after seven months of being on your program, my checkup this year on Thursday, January 31st was
excellent. My dose was cut down to one pill a day! I have lost inches and a little weight. I feel great and my goal is to lose more
inches in my stomach, since that is where fat goes to in diabetics.
I want to thank you for your dedication to helping women achieve their goals and stay healthy. I plan to come to your classes as long as
I can.
Very sincerely,
Rachel Davila - 72
***************************************************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************************************************
I saw Monique’s demo at a Diez y Seis de Septiembre celebration in 2006, and was incredibly impressed by the energy that radiated from
the women on stage dancing their hearts out! Although it took me six months, I decided ok, I can do this, I want to be fit, healthy and
radiant, so I began Monique’s class in April of 2007. (My daughter had just turned one, I had just started a new job, I was feeling
stressed!) But the stress soon faded, as I began to experience a new confidence deep within myself that grew with every class I
attended. The salsa and merengue music is a great catalyst for doing aerobic exercises but what has affected me most is Monique’s
positive energy and unique teaching style. “La belleza entra por la boca” and “It is a privilege to exercise, we are truly blessed” are two
of her sayings that I remember very dearly. Monique’s influence on my life has been one that I will never be able to thank her enough
for… she helped me find what I had all along, the courage to take care of myself because I can do it, I am worth it!!!
Not only do I feel part of a sisterhood with Caribbean Fitness, I also feel a part of a “health conscious” movement for us Latinas, (for
Women in general!). I have come to realize that exercising, eating healthy, and being fit not only benefits me but my family too! Monique
is the positive energy that is helping many women discover this for themselves. Gracias Monique for being a beautiful, dedicated, and
positive role model in our community!!!!
-Sandra 32yrs old
April 2008
the women on stage dancing their hearts out! Although it took me six months, I decided ok, I can do this, I want to be fit, healthy and
radiant, so I began Monique’s class in April of 2007. (My daughter had just turned one, I had just started a new job, I was feeling
stressed!) But the stress soon faded, as I began to experience a new confidence deep within myself that grew with every class I
attended. The salsa and merengue music is a great catalyst for doing aerobic exercises but what has affected me most is Monique’s
positive energy and unique teaching style. “La belleza entra por la boca” and “It is a privilege to exercise, we are truly blessed” are two
of her sayings that I remember very dearly. Monique’s influence on my life has been one that I will never be able to thank her enough
for… she helped me find what I had all along, the courage to take care of myself because I can do it, I am worth it!!!
Not only do I feel part of a sisterhood with Caribbean Fitness, I also feel a part of a “health conscious” movement for us Latinas, (for
Women in general!). I have come to realize that exercising, eating healthy, and being fit not only benefits me but my family too! Monique
is the positive energy that is helping many women discover this for themselves. Gracias Monique for being a beautiful, dedicated, and
positive role model in our community!!!!
-Sandra 32yrs old
April 2008
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Initially, I wanted to work out with Monique because I have a hard time motivating myself to go to the gym. I was just looking for the
accountability of knowing that someone was waiting for me to show up and work out! Almost immediately, though, my time with Monique
was much more than just an accountability measure. At 6 a..m., she is already smiling and encouraging you to reach your goals. She's so
supportive and fun that my workouts were always a boost to my mood and my self-esteem. Monique taught me to focus on the part of my
body that each exercise targets, something that I had never mastered before. I now feel much more prepared and motivated to do
strength training on my own. Monique is more than a trainer, she's a friend and an inspiration. She is personally invested in the success
of each individual she works with. That kind of support is hard to come by! Thank you, Monique!
Erin Ray
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I joined Caribbean Fitness January 2008 to be healthier and incorporate cardio into my regular walking routine. Little did I know that I
would also be making a great friend in the process. I participated in Monique’s Merengue-Salsa Aerobics Classes and also in two of the
past body weight loss challenges. Monique always keeps her classes fun and motivating. I can always see the results of our hard work.
Monique is an inspiring woman. She is very motivating and caring. She is very personal with her students, because if you missed a class,
you can count on a phone call from her asking why you were unable to attend. Her knowledge and inspiration keep you motivated to
continue exercising. I admire that she is very involved in community outreach, helping get the word out about overall health and wellness.
Wow! What an amazing women from having her own business to volunteering and chairing on boards to help people live stronger, healthier
lives. Thank you Monique for keeping me on track to be healthy and for also being a friend.
Alma Torres
December 15, 2008
inspiration! She embodies beautiful energy and a positive attitude that instills hope in success. I am proud to have lost 40 pounds
through my work with Monique and could not have done it without her constant encouragement and expertise. She has a profound and
extensive knowledge of weight training and aerobics and always had a vibrant, challenging, fun, and varied work-out for me. I have
cannot thank Monique enough for her support and brilliance. It was truly life changing to learn to break through barriers and learn that
I too could be fit, healthy and strong. Monique is such an outstanding trainer and motivator, I wish every woman had the opportunity to
experience working with her!
Martha Ramos-Duffer
February 25, 2009