Cecilia Sanabria, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, Washington, D.C.

Cecilia Sanabria, who made partner in 2018, focuses her practice on complex patent litigation and client counseling in the mechanical, industrial and electrical fields. She represents clients before U.S. district courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Active in the National Hispanic Bar Association, Sanabria graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2009.

How often during the week do you work out? I weight train about four times a week and do some form of cardio two times a week.

At what time during the day or evening do you work out?  It varies from day to day and week to week. Sometimes, I train early in the mornings, other times mid-mornings, and sometimes early evenings or at night. Basically whenever I can fit it in my schedule.

What’s your go-to routine? Weightlifting is my focus. I started training with a coach about a year and a half ago and entered a bodybuilding competition earlier this year. Needless to say, my training is very intense and structured. Luckily, I don’t have to think of or plan what I will do at the gym; instead, I follow the plan my coach develops tailored to my goals. To ensure I work on my cardiovascular health, I also try to incorporate 30-minute cardio sessions about 2 times a week.

How long does it take?  It depends (a very lawyerly answer). Most weight lifting sessions are about an hour. For cardio, I like to keep my workouts to 30 minutes.

Why do you like this routine? My routine makes me feel strong, both mentally and physically, as my training sessions are quite challenging. It also provides a much-needed break. As lawyers, we spend all day (and night) thinking, planning, developing, organizing and much more. Working with a coach who plans a routine tailored for me allows me to just show up and enjoy my workout.

What does regular exercise do for you? In addition to maintaining good physical health, exercise also plays a big role on mental health and happiness. Research has proven time and time again that exercise releases endorphins in the body, which improves our mood. Doing something I enjoy on a regular basis adds well-roundedness to my life and allows me to be more efficient and more effective at home and at work. Also, deciding to compete in bodybuilding has also shown me a new level of discipline and commitment I didn’t know I had, boosting my confidence and can-do attitude that has translated into all aspects of my life.

How long have you been exercising regularly? Exercise has been a part of my life since college, but I have not always been as diligent as I am now.

In what ways have you changed your routine over the months or years? I’ve always been an active person, but my routine has changed quite a bit over the years. I’ve gone through phases where I do only yoga for a few months, then switch to only Pilates for another few months, and then switch to something else. Once I started weightlifting with a coach, what has changed is the amount of weight and challenging lifts we do.

How do you convince yourself to work out when you don’t want to? I just tell myself to do and not think. Every single time I have wanted to skip a workout session and I don’t skip it, I always feel great afterwards. Exercise is simply a non-negotiable for me as I make it a priority and put it in my calendar like any other meeting for work or get-together with friends and family.