Vivian Hatzimanolis – Fitness Model Statistics
- Name: Vivian Hatzimanolis
- Height: 5’7″
- Weight: 135 pounds
- Date of Birth: 10/15/1975
- Hair Color: Black
- Bust: 34
- Waist: 28
- Hips: 36
- Location: New York
Vivian Hatzimanolis – Fitness Model Interview
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Vivian Hatzimanolis and I am a New York public school teacher. I have been in the United States since 2000. I started working as a teacher in 2003 and love every minute of what I do. I hold a Master’s degree from NYU with a G.P.A of 3.9, teaching English to speakers of other languages. My job is very challenging so the gym is my sanctuary. I am also involved in figure competitions which I find fascinating and captivating. It is a lot of hard work, dedication and discipline but in the end the feeling of accomplishment and it takes all the pain away. I am currently looking into nutritional certifications available as I find great pleasure in helping others achieve their goals as I do mine.
How did you get started in the fitness field?
For as long as I can remember I have been very active. Always exercising and always looking for new routines to achieve higher goals. When I felt that I hit a plateau in my training, I became even more determined to “break” that. I stumbled upon a pamphlet advertising a model search contest. It looked enticing and something that I felt confident with, so I decided to give it a try. From then on (2007) I became hooked on the fitness field.
What is the #1 thing you like best about being into fitness?
All the knowledge I have accumulated over the years of dieting and training. It’s fascinating to me how the human body works and how will, determination and discipline can change your entire life towards the better.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in the fitness field?
I have participated in many figure contests and have always placed in the top 5.
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?
You can contact photographers first but I would suggest you start locally so you can build a portfolio. Going through an agency is advisable but can be costly.
Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
I do my cardio at 5am before work, then I work from 7:30am to 2:30pm then I do my weight lifting. When I am “on season” I train 6 days a week and when I’m “off season” I reduce it to 4 days per week.
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 would suggest that you definitely try a 45 minute spin class as this is a major cardio calorie blaster.
How much weight (pounds) should I focus on losing every week? What is a safe amount to make sure I keep it off?
It all depends on how much is the total amount you wish to lose. If it is a considerable amount then you can lose about 2-3 pounds per week but this rate will slow down. If you are looking to lose between 10-20 pounds, I would say focus on losing about half a pound to a pound per week.
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?
You should definitely eat about an hour prior to working out. Here are some options: Cottage cheese and fruit, oatmeal, fruit and yogurt, whole grain crackers with nut butter or cheese.
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.
I allow myself to “cheat” on my diet once a week so this way I keep balanced and my insulin levels adjust as they drop during dieting.
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?
Definitely lean protein which includes chicken, white fish, tuna. You need to consume green veggies like broccoli, lettuce ,green beans, asparagus. Nuts are also a good source of healthy fats and so is salmon and peanut butter.
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?
Definitely check with a doctor to make sure he gives you the “OK” to start a health program. Then it is wise to consult a trainer. You are entitled to a free session when you join a gm. If you cannot afford a gym then I suggest you start with an emphasis on cardio and dieting before attempting weight lifting.
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?
You can have any type of meat grilled with a salad of your choice. Stay away from dips and dressing other than oil and vinegar. You can add a side of a medium potato or rice as each meal should consist of protein, salad and carbs.
What exercises do you recommend for getting a bigger, rounder and fuller butt?
Squats, squats and more squats!
What is the most challenging thing you deal with about consistently staying in top shape?
Any injuries as they are unforeseen.
Please describe your normal diet. What do you eat in a typical day to stay in shape?
- Meal #1: Eggs and oatmeal.
- Meal #2: Chicken and nuts (1 ounce).
- Meal #3: Protein shake with water and peanut butter.
- Meal #4: Green salad and salmon.
- Meal #5: Omelet.
What type of exercises do you include in your routine to stay in shape?
- Strength Training Exercises: Squats, leg curls, shoulder presses, pushups, pullups.
- Cardio Exercises: Treadmill and bike.
- Additional Training: Yoga once a week.
What are the top 5 tips (specific exercises, diet advice, etc) you recommend for developing toned and defined arms?
1. Side laterals.
2. Pullups.
3. Bicep curls.
4. Tricep extensions.
5. Focus on form not the amount of weight you use.
What are your top 5 tips for losing unwanted body fat?
1. Reduce refined carbs.
2. Increase lean protein.
3. Drink fluids.
4. Avoid sugary drinks and soda.
5. Increase veggie consumption.
What are your top 5 tips for gaining lean muscle mass?
1. Reduce carbs to a minimum of about 100 grams per day.
2. Increase fat consumption.
3. Eat green salads.
4. Rest.
5. Get enough fluids.
What are the top 5 tips you recommend for staying motivated on a fitness plan and truly making a healthy lifestyle change?
1. Be confident.
2. Stay on task.
3. Be around positive people.
4. Be patient.
5. Really, make sure to BE PATIENT!
What is your training routine like? (Please include a few details – training split, sets/reps, exercises, types of cardio, etc.)
- Monday: Legs (front) squats 4×12, leg press 3×12, leg extensions 3×12, cardio 45 minutes.
- Tuesday: Shoulders: Hammer strength 3×12, shoulder press 3×12, side laterals 3×12, cardio 45 minutes.
- Wednesday: Off.
- Thursday: Back: Pullups 4×5, lat pulldowns 3×12, rows 3×12, cardio 45 minutes.
- Friday: Arms: Bicep curls and hammer curls 3×12, tricep extensions 3×12.
- Saturday: Legs (back) hamstring curls 3×12, butt blaster 3×12, Chest: pushups and presses 3×12, cardio 45 minutes.
- Sunday: Off.
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. Diet.
2. Diet.
3. Diet.
4. Diet (yes, it’s that important for a lean stomach).
5. Abdominal work.
What are the top 5 tips (specific exercises, diet advice, etc) you recommend for toning the thighs, hips and butt?
1. Squats.
2. Butt blaster.
3. Leg curls.
4. Lunges.
5. Did I say squats (they are amazing for toning the legs and butt)!
