Nicole Pellegrini – Fitness Model Statistics
- Name: Nicole Pellegrini
- Height: 5’6″
- Weight: 135 pounds
- Date of Birth: 4-15-1992
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Eye Color: Brown
- Bust: 34
- Waist: 24
- Hips: 31
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Email: Nicole.fitness415@gmail.com
Nicole Pellegrini – Fitness Model Interview
What is your background?
I was born in Derby, Connecticut and moved to Jacksonville, Florida when I was 4 years old. I was always a healthy athletic kid. I played indoor volleyball and beach volleyball for 8 years. However, I always struggled with my weight. I was never “fat” but definitely had to watch what I ate.
I then competed in my first NPC figure competition and fell in love. I found the confidence I had been searching for my whole life. That’s when I decided I wanted to share this feeling with others by helping them reach their own fitness goals. Everyone should feel happy and beautiful in their own skin! I’m certified as a personal trainer and I’m currently in college for a degree in nutrition.
What is the #1 thing you like best about being into fitness?
I love the fact that I get to help people feel better about themselves and see them reach goals that they never thought possible. It’s also a great structure for me to have. It pushes me every day to be the best I can be! Let’s face it, no one is going to hire an unhealthy and unfit personal trainer!
What has been your biggest accomplishment in the fitness field?
My biggest accomplishment is definitely reaching my fitness goals. I never would have thought I could be the person I am today. I was always so shy and self-conscious but fitness really brought me out of my shell!
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 have read so many different things. I think agencies are good if you find one that works well with you!
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
My days are kind of sporadic. My clients have crazy schedules so some days are crazier than others. Plus I have to train, go to school and plan my day accordingly but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
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?
“You don’t make abs in the gym! You make them in the kitchen!” Don’t get me wrong, cardio is great for all-over health but cardio and a clean diet is where you’re going to see results! My absolute favorite butt kicking machine is the stair monster (stair climber)!
How much weight (pounds) should I focus on losing every week? What is a safe amount to make sure I keep it off?
It really depends on the person. If you’re watching what you eat plus working out on top of that, then 1-2 pounds a week would be a safe goal to shoot for.
What are some of the best foods to eat before and after my workouts to build lean muscle and lose fat?
Pre-workout and post-workout meals are kind of the same strategy. You want those healthy fats, protein, and carbs. I usually have oats with protein powder and a tablespoon of peanut butter for my pre-workout meal. After my workout, I have grilled chicken, sweet potato and veggies.
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.
This life isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle! Everyone has cravings because we are all human! Try to limit yourself to a cheat meal once a week. I like making healthy treats for when those cravings come on. I make homemade protein bars, healthy protein brownies, and so on. Quest bars are also great!
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?
Chicken, lean turkey, grass fed beef, tilapia, mahi, salmon, brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, peanut butter, almonds, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, spinach, avocados, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs and whole grains.
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?
Start slow and work your way up! I know it’s intimidating walking into a gym when you don’t know what’s going on. Start with the basics. Warm-up with light cardio and stick to all over basic body exercises.
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?
Smart phones are awesome to have these days! Restaurants now usually have nutrition information on their websites! If they don’t, then find a diet tracking app for your phone which is a great tool to use!
What exercises do you recommend for getting a bigger, rounder and fuller butt?
The stair climber does wonders for the booty! Along with squats, lunges, step-ups, split jumps and sissy squats.
What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?
Definitely food. I am one to gain weight very easily. I really have to be strict with what goes into my mouth.
Please describe your normal diet. What do you eat in a typical day to stay in shape?
- Breakfast: Vans whole grain waffles with fruit and whey protein.
- Mid-Morning Snack: Protein shake with half of a banana and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken, sweet potato, greens.
- Mid-Afternoon Snack: Cottage cheese with some melon.
- Dinner: Flank steak or chicken with a small salad.
What type of exercises do you include in your routine to stay in shape?
- Strength Training Exercises: I use all the basics with maybe a few twists.
- Cardio Exercises: Incline walking on treadmill, interval training, stair climber, HIIT, elliptical machine.
How does your family and friends react to and deal with your strict fitness lifestyle (dieting, eating out, workouts, parties)?
A lot of them commend me for it. It does take a lot of dedication to do it but when you love it, it doesn’t seem like work!
What are your top 5 tips for losing unwanted body fat?
1. Eat a clean diet.
2. Drink lots of water.
3. Lower your carbohydrate intake.
4. Do cardio.
5. Switch up your workouts.
What are your top 5 tips for gaining lean muscle mass?
1. Clean eating.
2. Proper rest.
3. Timing your food intake.
4. Eating enough protein, fats and carbs.
5. Limit your cardio but don’t forget about it!
What is the most important thing you recommend for staying motivated on a fitness plan and truly making a healthy lifestyle change?
Remember why you started! Take before and after pictures. Look at pictures of people you admire so it keeps you motivated to get better!
What is your training routine like?
Monday: Legs and abs.- Tuesday: Chest and triceps.
- Wednesday: Cardio and abs.
- Thursday: Shoulders and traps.
- Friday: Back and biceps.
- Saturday: Light cardio or rest day.
- Sunday: Light cardio or rest day.
Monday: Legs and abs.What type of nutritional supplements do you currently use and which ones do you recommend for a beginner getting started on a fitness program?
Xtend BCAA powder (branched chain amino acids), fish oil, women’s daily multivitamin, whey protein.
What is your favorite healthy food or meal you really enjoy eating? Also, what is your favorite cheat meal or food you like to indulge in from time to time?
I love baked homemade sweet potato fries with melted peanut butter! I also really like Quest bars. My favorite cheat meal is definitely a bacon cheeseburger with fries!
