Dr. Sottovia is the Director of Fitness &Personal Training Education/Senior Personal Trainer/Adjunct Faculty at the world renowned Cooper Aerobic Center – The Cooper Fitness Center- based in Dallas, TX. For the last 20 years Dr. Sottovia has been truly devoted to helping others achieve their path of personal wellness, improved fitness, and overall quality of life. In addition, she has instructed hundreds of fitness professionals around the world, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In 2004 she was nominated by Dr. Kenneth Cooper as the “Cooper Ambassador for Brazil.”

Through her own personal hardships and obstacles, Dr. Sottovia has been an inspiration and role model to others in the true sense of living life to the fullest. In 1995 Dr. Sottovia was diagnosed with a heart condition which for many would have meant the end of a very active lifestyle and professional career. She is one of many patients around the world who lives with an implanted defibrillator/ pacemaker. However, through her positive attitude and outlook on life she has been able to continue all her activities and inspire others to overcome their own life challenges.

Dr Sottovia is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She received a B.S. in Physical Education from the State University of Brockport, NY (1985); followed by an M.A. in Exercise Physiology from San Jose State University, CA (1990), and her Doctorate in Exercise Physiology from the Texas Woman’s University, TX (2002).

Dr. Sottovia is an avid triathlete, having competed in more than 50 races, including 3 IronMan distance triathlons in Hawaii, Germany and Brazil (2.4 mile swim; 112 mile bike; 26.2 mile run) as well as having completed 16 marathons. She completed her last Ironman triathlon (Brazil, 1999) and 3 marathons (97’; 98’) with an implanted defibrillator. In 2004 Dr. Sottovia tested her Iron Will once more by completing a Half IronMan Triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56mile bike, 13.1 mile run) just short of the one-year anniversary of her heart surgery (November, 2004).

Dr. Sottovia is currently training for her 4th IronMan triathlon.