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Influential Fitness Woman of the Year, 2025

Sonia Haboub is a highly accomplished professional with expertise in Consumer Behavior on social networks and Holistic Nutrition. Born in the north of Italy, she was raised in Piemonte, a region surrounded by the breathtaking Italian Alps. Her upbringing was deeply influenced by nature, animals, and a strong emphasis on consuming natural products and engaging in outdoor activities. With an impressive academic background, Sonia holds a double bachelor’s degree in International Commerce and Intercultural Business and Marketing, as well as in World Civilization and Literature. Her education took her across the globe, studying in the United States, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and France. She further pursued a double Master’s degree in International Affairs with a specialization in geopolitics. Sonia then completed a PhD focused on the impact of nutritional marketing awareness in promoting good eating practices and influencing the behavior of young individuals. At EliteX, we are proud to have Sonia Haboub as the Influential Fitness Woman of the Year, 2025.

Sonia’s career spans twelve years across five different industries, including Fashion & Luxury, Maritime Logistics, Government Relations, Bio Agriculture, and International University Research and Academia. She has studied and worked in 32 countries and has traveled to more than 98, gaining valuable cultural experiences. Fluent in eight languages, she is also an International Athlete specializing in running and triathlon.

Sonia’s fitness journey started at the young age of three, greatly influenced by her parents. Her mother, a professional volleyball player, and her father, an advocate of outdoor activities, encouraged her to engage in various sports. From an early age, she participated in horse riding, ballet, and artistic ice skating. However, at the age of nine, she discovered her true passion—tennis. She pursued tennis professionally until after college, showcasing her dedication and talent in sports. Throughout her life, Sonia has engaged in multiple sports, including running, trekking, and Pilates. At the age of 24, she transitioned into martial arts while increasing her focus on running. Additionally, she enjoys surfing and deep-sea diving, particularly in the Pacific region during the summer season. For Sonia, sports have never been just a hobby; they are an integral part of her daily routine. Over the past two to three years, running has become her primary focus. She trains every day and finds immense joy and satisfaction in it. In 2024, she took on the challenge of becoming a triathlete. Although it was demanding, she takes great pride in her achievements in running, swimming, and cycling.

Sonia’s mother played a significant role in inspiring her fitness career. Being a professional volleyball player, she set an example of discipline and dedication. Additionally, Sonia’s father instilled in her a love for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trekking, and climbing. The combination of both influences led her to pursue an active and fitness-oriented lifestyle. Sonia’s fitness routine is dynamic and adapts based on her training goals. Whether she is preparing for a half marathon, a short-distance race, a triathlon, or an Ironman competition, her schedule remains intense and disciplined. Her day typically begins as early as 4:00 AM with the first training session. She then balances her professional responsibilities before engaging in a second workout session in the evening. During weekends, she frequently competes in local and international races, making her fitness journey both challenging and rewarding.

Like any dedicated athlete, Sonia has faced several challenges in her fitness journey. One of the primary hurdles has been adapting to extreme weather conditions, especially in GCC countries where the heat poses significant difficulties. Another challenge has been managing weight fluctuations due to a combination of endurance and speed training, which has affected her cortisol and hormone levels. However, Sonia firmly believes that these challenges can be managed with the right approach to training, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments. Her experience and expertise in holistic nutrition have helped her maintain a balanced and healthy regimen despite these obstacles. Sonia enjoys a variety of workouts and has a deep passion for sports in general. However, among all, she particularly loves running, deep-sea diving, and martial arts. These activities not only provide her with physical fitness but also offer mental strength, discipline, and relaxation.

For Sonia, exercising is not just an activity but a fundamental part of her daily life. She considers it as essential as brushing her teeth. It serves as a mental and physical stimulant, ensuring that she remains active, focused, and driven every single day. Her motivation comes from her deep love for sports and her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Sonia encourages women who are beginning their fitness journey to take the first step at their own pace. She advises against pushing too hard or following unrealistic societal standards. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and respecting its limits. She believes that consistency is key and that progress will naturally follow with time. Her message to women is to remain true to themselves, focus on their personal fitness goals, and enjoy the process without unnecessary pressure. Sonia believes that balancing fitness with other aspects of life comes down to organization and prioritization. For her, exercise is one of her top daily priorities, so she always makes time for it. While balancing her role as a fitness social media content creator and ambassador with teaching at the university and traveling for international competitions can be challenging, she makes it work through careful time management.

When it comes to nutrition, Sonia acknowledges that it plays a significant role in her fitness routine. She has always followed a clean, ancestral, and holistic diet, understanding that nutrition is a key component, especially as an athlete. She also notes that both internal and external factors can influence one’s nutritional choices. The most rewarding part of being a fitness influencer, for Sonia, is meeting other incredible and inspiring athletes and industry professionals. Many of these individuals have become good friends, and she feels grateful for the connections she’s made and the inspiration she’s received throughout her fitness journey.

She uses social media to inspire and connect with her audience by being authentic and sharing her real-life experiences. Sonia began her social media journey in 2012, and she has always been truthful in sharing her world travels, fitness achievements, personal moments, and even her struggles. She believes that being genuine allows her audience to relate to her, and she encourages kindness and interaction with her community. Through these exchanges, Sonia learns just as much from her followers as they do from her.
Looking ahead, Sonia has set ambitious goals for the next 18-24 months. She loves challenges and aims to push herself further, but she emphasizes that she listens to her body and respects its limits. One of her goals is to inspire more people, especially her university students, by helping them establish an official club where they can join, train, and run in the region. She is particularly excited about the opportunity for Emirati students to enjoy fitness in their own country.

To women around the world, Sonia has an empowering message: “Your health is your power, and fitness is your journey, not a destination.” She encourages women to embrace activities that bring them joy, whether it’s dancing, running, yoga, surfing, or simply walking in nature. Sonia reminds women to nourish their bodies with energizing foods and to care for their minds and souls as well. She stresses the importance of rest, self-compassion, and patience, reminding everyone that progress is made step by step, no matter how small. Your worth is not defined by external markers like numbers on a scale, but by your strength, resilience, and the care you show yourself and others.

Sonia Haboub’s journey is a testament to dedication, discipline, and passion for fitness. From her early years in the Italian Alps to becoming an International Athlete and Holistic Nutritionist, she has carved a path that inspires many. Her love for sports, combined with her extensive academic and professional achievements, showcases her as a role model for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

With a strong belief in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, Sonia continues to push her limits while inspiring others to embark on their own fitness journeys. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination, the right mindset, and a love for what one does, anything is possible.

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