Hilary Hoffman, a former finance professional, is revolutionizing the fitness landscape for high achievers with her innovative approach, the SotoMethod. Recognizing the need for efficient and effective workouts for those with demanding schedules, Hoffman has created a program that seamlessly integrates into the lives of busy professionals. Her journey from Wall Street to wellness is a testament to her passion for self-improvement and her desire to empower others to unlock their full potential.
The Genesis of SotoMethod: From Finance to Fitness
After a decade immersed in the high-pressure world of finance, working at esteemed firms like Goldman Sachs and Oaktree Capital Management, Hoffman experienced firsthand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst long hours and demanding deadlines. She grew frustrated with the lack of efficient workout options that could fit into her hectic routine without compromising results. This personal struggle sparked the idea for SotoMethod, a fitness model focused on efficiency, consistency, and tangible physical and mental strength.
“I realized there was an opportunity for a workout method rooted in efficiency, predictability and purpose,” Hoffman told Athletech News. She needed a workout that could consider her reality while still delivering real results.”
Hoffman’s transition from finance to fitness wasn’t a planned career move, but a natural progression fueled by her own needs and a desire to help others facing similar challenges. In 2021, she officially launched SotoMethod, initially teaching classes in her backyard in Los Angeles. What started as a “word-of-mouth” business quickly gained momentum, evolving into a successful fitness brand with both digital and in-person platforms.
The SotoMethod: Efficiency and Effectiveness Redefined
The SotoMethod combines cardio and sculpting movements designed to maximize burn and deliver a full-body workout efficiently. The name “SOTO” stands for “Sixty on, Ten on,” representing the core structure of the workout: 60-second isometric holds to activate each muscle group, followed by 10 dynamic movements to sustain the burn. The method uses intentional transitions, allowing one muscle group to recover while another ignites, optimizing time and building both physical and mental resilience.
Key elements of the SotoMethod include:
- Isometric Holds: The foundation of the workout involves sustained isometric contractions, which build strength and endurance.
- Dynamic Movements: Following the isometric holds, dynamic exercises further challenge the muscles and increase cardiovascular activity.
- Efficient Transitions: The workout is structured to minimize downtime and maximize the use of every second, ensuring an effective and time-conscious experience.
- Mental Fortitude: Holding on for “just one more second” during the challenging exercises serves as a powerful reminder of one’s agency and mental strength, fostering a mindset of perseverance.
Hoffman emphasizes making every second count. By using seconds as the baseline of measurement for Soto’s programming, she created a method that emphasizes accountability to show up every day, regardless if you have 5 minutes or 45 minutes to move.
The SotoMethod is not just a workout; it is a mindset shift that integrates personalized challenges, motivational coaching, and training techniques to help clients build both mental and physical resilience. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and ProNatal Fitness expert, Hoffman empowers individuals to unlock their potential and redefine what’s possible, one challenge at a time.
Tailoring Fitness for the High-Achieving Mindset
High achievers often face unique challenges when it comes to fitness. Their demanding careers and packed schedules leave little time for traditional workouts, and the pressure to succeed can lead to neglecting their physical and mental well-being. Hilary Hoffman understands these challenges intimately and has designed SotoMethod to address them directly.
Here’s how SotoMethod caters to the high-achieving mindset:
- Efficiency: The workouts are designed to be time-efficient, delivering maximum results in minimal time. This is crucial for individuals who struggle to fit long workouts into their busy days.
- Tangible Results: High achievers are driven by progress and results. SotoMethod provides a structured and measurable approach to fitness, allowing individuals to track their improvements and stay motivated.
- Mental Resilience: The workouts challenge both the body and the mind, building mental fortitude and resilience. This is particularly valuable for high achievers who face constant pressure and challenges in their professional lives.
- Personalized Challenges: SotoMethod encourages individuals to challenge themselves on their own terms, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.
- Consistency: The predictable roadmap of SotoMethod helps clients to build consistency.
The Broader Impact: Fitness as a Catalyst for Success
Hilary Hoffman’s work extends beyond just physical fitness. She recognizes that a healthy body and mind are essential for achieving peak performance in all areas of life. By prioritizing fitness, high achievers can enhance their focus, productivity, and overall well-being.
Several key traits of high-achieving employees are linked to regular physical exercise:
- Reduced risk of disease: Exercise can improve overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic illnesses.
- Improved brain health: Physical activity boosts cognitive function, enhancing focus, memory, and creativity.
- Better sleep: Regular exercise promotes restful sleep, which is essential for optimal performance.
- Consistency and Discipline: Committing to a fitness routine teaches valuable skills that can be applied to other areas of life.
Prioritizing self-care, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, is crucial for high achievers to maintain their resilience, boost their energy levels, and reduce the risk of burnout.
Hoffman’s Advice for Time-Strapped Professionals
For busy professionals struggling to prioritize fitness, Hoffman offers the following advice:
- Start small: Even five minutes of exercise can make a difference. Incorporate short bursts of activity into your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing a quick workout during your lunch break.
- Schedule it in: Treat your workouts like important appointments and schedule them into your calendar. This will help you stay accountable and make fitness a non-negotiable part of your day.
- Find an activity you enjoy: Choose a workout that you find fun and engaging. This will make it more likely that you’ll stick with it in the long run.
- Focus on efficiency: Look for workouts that deliver maximum results in minimal time. SotoMethod is an excellent option for those who are short on time but want to see tangible results.
- Prioritize recovery: Make sure to get enough sleep and allow your body time to recover after workouts. This will help you avoid burnout and stay consistent with your fitness routine.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fitness for High Achievers
Hilary Hoffman’s SotoMethod is not just a fitness trend; it’s a movement that’s redefining how high achievers approach their health and well-being. By providing efficient, effective, and mentally challenging workouts, Hoffman is empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance in all areas of their lives. With a growing community and expanding presence in New York City, the Hamptons, and Miami, SotoMethod is poised to become the go-to fitness solution for busy professionals seeking a sustainable and results-driven approach to wellness.
As the demands of modern life continue to increase, the need for efficient and effective fitness solutions will only grow. Hilary Hoffman is at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for a future where fitness is not a luxury but an essential component of success for high achievers.
