What is your background?
I am a 24-year-old who received my bachelors degree in accounting. I have always had a passion for fitness so I decided to pursue it on the side. I got my license in Pilates and became one of the first fitness instructors in Piloxing (a fusion class that combines Pilates and boxing) in New York. After a few years of teaching on the side, I decided to follow my dreams and open up a fitness studio in Port Washington, New York.
How did you get started in the fitness field?
I got started in the fitness field by taking it upon myself to find a position as a group fitness teacher. I started by teaching a class I created called “Hot Core” which combines methods from Pilates, kickboxing, and other fitness methods. I used props such as stability balls, bands, and weights. I also got certified in Pilates in Manhattan through Power Pilates which I started teaching classes on the side.
What is the #1 thing you like best about being into fitness?
The #1 thing I like best about fitness is the energy and well-being it provides me with. The healthier I am the better I feel about myself. Every day when I finish my workout I automatically feel great about myself.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in the fitness field?
My biggest accomplishment in the fitness field is definitely taking the step to open up my own studio. Now I will be able to share my passion and knowledge with others.
What is the best way to get started in the fitness modeling industry? Should I just contact the photographers directly or should I use an agency?
I am new to the fitness modeling agency, I personally just contacted the photographers directly. I’m sure if you found an agency that specialized in fitness modeling that would benefit you since they have exposure to more.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
Now that I own a studio, my routine has recently changed since I teach group fitness classes for a living. Before this I was an accountant so I would work 9-5 every day and go directly to the gym after work. Even if I didn’t feel like it after a long day, I would force myself and feel so much better afterwards.
I don’t have that much time during the day to workout, so I really want to burn major calories in a short amount of time. What is the #1 “bang for the buck” cardio exercise I should do to burn serious calories? I really like Piloxing to burn a lot of calories while having fun. It’s a higher intensity fusion class that combine Pilates, boxing, and dance. You can burn a ton of calories while having a great time!
How much weight (pounds) should I focus on losing every week? What is a safe amount to make sure I keep it off?
How much weight you should focus on losing every week is going to be a different answer for everyone. That depends on where your body is at right now. The best way to keep it off is by following a realistic diet approach that you can live by.
What type of food or supplements should I take before and after my workouts to help me see results in gaining lean muscle and losing fat?
I would drink a protein shake before my workout and a post-workout shake afterwards. As far as supplements go, I take a multi-vitamin, one for my joints, Omega-3, and CLA on a daily basis.
How do you deal with cravings for junk foods, sweets and salty food? I can stay on a diet for maybe a few weeks but I eventually get really bad cravings and binge on snacks and fast foods.
If I get a craving for something, I will give in but in moderation. If I am craving a Sunday from Friendlys, I will get one but in a small and maybe only eat half. Or sometimes I substitute cravings, for example if I’m craving ice cream I will get a frozen yogurt. Fiber One also makes 90 calorie brownies that help satisfy my cravings.
I’m trying to create a healthy shopping list to stick with. What are some of the main foods I should include to maintain a lean and muscular physique?
Well, I’m a vegetarian so I must have a lot of substitutes for protein. I always make sure to get tofu, protein bars, beans, salad, whole wheat bread, and cheese.
I’m about 35 pounds overweight. I have never started an exercise program and really don’t know where to start. What tips can you give me to get started on the right track?
If you are really not sure what to do at the gym, start with group classes so you can follow an instructor. Once you are comfortable being in the gym, you can watch what other people are doing. Look for someone you would ideally like to look like and watch their routine. Also, websites like ShapeFit.com can help you find workout plans and ideas.
I tend to eat out most of the time and really don’t know what healthy foods to order from the menu. What tips do you recommend for eating out at restaurants to make sure my diet will not suffer?
If you’re into seafood, it’s probably your safest option for eating out. If you’re not into seafood, you can still get meats but just ask the waiter what they cook it in since you can always suggest substitutes.
What exercises do you recommend for getting a bigger, rounder and fuller butt?
Lunges! Lunges do the booty wonders!
What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?
My most challenging thing I deal with is getting all my protein requirements in daily since I am a vegetarian.
Please describe your normal diet. What do you eat in a typical day to stay in shape?
Breakfast: Yogurt with a banana.
Mid-Morning Snack: Protein bar.
Lunch: Salad with grilled shrimp.
Mid-Afternoon Snack: Protein shake.
Dinner: Veggie burger with brown rice and mixed vegetables.
What type of exercises do you include in your routine to stay in shape?
Strength Training Exercises: Free weights, plyometrics.
Cardio Exercises: Running, Piloxing.
Additional Training: Pilates, Yoga.
What are the top 5 tips (specific exercises, diet advice, etc) you recommend for developing toned and defined arms?
1. Free weights.
2. Lean meats and lots of protein.
3. Push ups and pull ups.
4. Boxing.
5. Planks.
What are your top 5 tips for losing unwanted body fat?
1. Healthy diet.
2. No processed foods.
3. Exercise.
4. Lifestyle change.
5. Educate yourself in health.
What are your top 5 tips for gaining lean muscle mass?
1. Take supplements.
2. Healthy lean diet.
3. Strength training.
4. Interval training.
5. Cardio at least 3 times a week.
What are the top 5 tips you recommend for staying motivated on a fitness plan and truly making a healthy lifestyle change?
1. Focus.
2. Mind over matter.
3. Get good sleep.
4. Cook your food for the week ahead of time.
5. Maintain your regular workout routine.
What is your training routine like? (Please include a few details – training split, sets/reps, exercises, types of cardio, etc.)
Monday: Piloxing with 1 pound weights.
Tuesday: Pilates or Yoga.
Wednesday: Piloxing.
Thursday: Pilates or Yoga.
Friday: Piloxing.
Saturday: Rest.
Sunday: Rest.
What are the top 5 tips (specific exercises, diet advice, etc) you recommend for losing fat around the stomach and developing a toned and defined midsection?
1. Pilates.
2. Healthy diet.
3. No processed foods.
4. Do cardio at least 3 days a week.
5. Stay committed.
What are the top 5 tips (specific exercises, diet advice, etc) you recommend for toning the thighs, hips and butt?
1. Healthy diet.
2. Lunges.
3. No processed foods.
4. Cardio a few times a week.
5. Strength training.
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