The founder of Health Fitness Revolution Samir Becic is thankful for the collaboration with KSBJ 89.3 FM and two of their favorite DJs Joey K and Coppelia. They are a great support for Healthy Houston and it’s greater area! Health Fitness Revolution could not have found better partners in making a healthy difference in the community. Here’s our sit down interview with Coppelia and her interesting story:
HFR: Coppelia, how do you stay physically active while being a professional working mother of two?
Coppelia: I love working out! I have a membership at the local YMCA where my workouts usually include cardio on the elliptical or stepper, plus free weights or kettle bell reps. I also would love to try the new TRX suspension training. It looks fun!
It can be a challenge to find time to work out. I work full time, and when I get done I simply want to spend time with my hubby, our 7-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. What I have found works for me is working out right after I drop off my son at school. I bring my daughter to the kids club at the YMCA while I work out for 30 to 60 minutes. As for my husband, he recently joined Team Swoll in Humble for a cross-fit type of workout. And occasionally, the kids ask to come with my hubby or I to the exercise room in our apartment complex. They love trying out the equipment, with mommy & daddy’s help, of course!
HFR: Tell us about your workout routine and eating habits.
Coppelia: I aim to workout ideally 5 or 6 days a week, but many times it looks more like 3 days a week for 30 to 60 minutes. I like to get on the elliptical or stair stepper machine for 20 to 30 minutes. Then I’ll do lunges, planks, push-ups, reps with free weights (8 to 10lbs), and some kettle bell fun as well. I just picked up a Jillian Michaels book at the library, so for the next 30 days, I’m getting ready to see if I can “Make the Cut”! It’ll be a challenge, but those are always fun!
Recently, I was able to do a super fun Zumba class with our KSBJ on the Street team at Discovery Green. It was AWESOME! I’ve done Zumba for years, but my work schedule doesn’t allow for classes right now, so anytime I can squeeze a class in, it’s a special treat.
We eat out a lot, which makes this an area we can definitely improve. However, we’ve found an incredible tool: “Emeals”. It’s a meal-planning website that gives you recipes and a grocery list every week. It helps you save money, and solves the “what are we eating?” question every night of the week. It’s awesome! I think we heard about it through money- saving expert Dave Ramsey and so far it’s helped us a lot! We’re even branching out, trying new recipes like spaghetti squash & a healthy version of baked eggplant parmesan. Delicious! And the kids weren’t afraid to dig in! I think if we can stick to this plan, it’ll definitely make a difference both on our waistlines and our wallets.
HFR: How do you stay active as a family?
Coppelia: My 7 year old does Taekwondo classes 4 to 5 times a week and he loves it! He just got a gold medal for agility & a silver one for form at a recent tournament. We were so proud! Both my kids know that when mommy puts on her “gym clothes” I’m going to the Y, so they ask if they can come, too. And my hubby recently signed up at Team Swoll, a crossfit type center. He’s trying to convince me to do a mud run with him next month. We’ll see about that!
HFR: Does your husband, Adam, help with your healthy lifestyle?
Coppelia: Yes, he does. He’s very supportive. We’ve worked out with Samir before, and my hubby loves a challenge! His attitude is always: “bring it on!” The one thing we’re still working on is making healthier food choices. I’m trying to help him with portion control & he’s trying to help me lay off the sweets!
HFR: What are your hobbies?
Coppelia: As a family, we are very involved in church. My husband works with audio & media, and I help with music and the kids. It’s really fun! You make great friends & grow spiritually. It’s awesome!
HFR: We know you have a beautiful voice, tell us about your beginnings as a singer.
Coppelia: Thanks! I’ve been singing since I was a little kid. I grew up with a very musical family in Puerto Rico. My dad is a classical pianist, and my mom plays piano and guitar by ear. As a teen I sang in school and church choirs, which led to solo gigs. Now in my 30s, I’ve had the opportunity to sing & travel nationwide with Bill Glass Champions for Life prison ministry. Plus, I enjoy singing at churches & events when the opportunities come up. I love it! You are from Puerto Rico, how is Houston different?
I love being from Puerto Rico! I grew up on the island, which is a commonwealth of the United States. We’re born American citizens, but we are also surrounded by rich Caribbean flavor…SABOR! We speak Spanish and we dance salsa. We also eat salsa, since puertorricans apparently love Mexican food, judging by the amount of Mexican restaurants on the island! Puerto Rico has a rich heritage that combines native Taino, Spaniard & African influences. There are many differences between Puerto Rico & Houston. One thing we have in common is the hospitality! Houstonians have been incredibly friendly and welcoming to my family. In the year and a half that we’ve lived here, we have already made some amazing friends.
HFR: You lived in California, which state is better?
Coppelia: Hey, that’s not nice to ask! Texas is awesome, but I loved living in California! We were inthe Sacramento area. Our part of town was very family friendly, and within driving distance to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley and some incredible sights. It was awesome! I still love California and the friends we made there. Regardless, Texas is stealing my heart.
Houston is an exciting city! There’s so much to do! I love the Hermann Park area, the museums, the arts…it’s great! Plus, it’s more affordable than California and it may sound weird, but the humidity reminds me of home in Puerto Rico. Wherever you are, there are always going to be things to love. <3 You just have to find them.
HFR: You are one of the most notable DJs in Houston Greater Area working for KSBJ 89.3 FM, how is the work atmosphere at KSBJ?
Coppelia: Thank you. It’s a privilege to be a part of such an amazing organization. KSBJ is celebrating our 30th anniversary. It’s only my second year with KSBJ, but in such a short amount of time, it’s been clear to see the unity among the staff, volunteers and listeners. KSBJ is a big family! KSBJ President Tim walks down the hall and hangs out with the staff. From the beginning, I noticed the “bosses” are friendly and approachable. These are people who are not afraid to pray for each other and care for each other. And the work atmosphere is, many times, fun! My co-workers have quickly become friends, and you get the sense that people really care for each other, on and off the air. It’s incredible to hear from listeners and friends who have been a part of the KSBJ family for the 30 years, and the love they have for the ministry continues. I am very thankful that God brought me here and I can’t wait to see what’s in for the future of KSBJ. It’s exciting!
HFR: KSBJ, you, and Joey Kovacik are some of the greatest supporters for the health of Texas and the Health Fitness Revolution, what moves you to do so?
Coppelia: When I heard Samir talk about wanting Houston to go from “fattest city” to “fittest city”, I knew I was 100% on board. If my kids are going to grow up here, I don’t want their health to suffer because they live in the “fattest” city, with limited options. I want them to have healthy food that is easily accessible. I want them to have a lot of fun fitness options, too. I think we’re headed in the right direction. I hear about color runs and mud runs happening all the time. We keep finding healthy alternatives when we eat out, plus new grocery stores that bring natural & organic closer to home. I love our “Healthy Houston” segment on KSBJ with Samir. And the more we encourage each other to keep making healthy choices, the closer we’ll be to making the “fittest” list!
