Gina Aliotti is one of the most recognized names in the Fitness industry. Winner of the 2008 Arnold Classic, and widely acknowledged as the “fittest” woman in the country, Gina’s credentials speak for themselves. An active entrepreneur with several new businesses launched, Gina gave us some of her valuable time to answer a few questions. Enjoy.
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I started personal training during my college years. I started training out of the small gym associated with the residential complex where I lived. I was the “neighborhood trainer. I had to be creative with my training techniques as the space and equipment was limited. It was a great place for me to get started because I not only had the gym to myself but was able to learn how to modify and crate ways to hit certain body parts. Throughout this process I created my very own style of functional and creative training that I use today. I learned how to get the best workouts and amazing results without using a ton of industrial equipment. This foundation of starting from the basics enabled me to teach my clients that limited access to equipment and machines is no excuse!
How long have you been training clients?
8 years.
Do you have a particular exercise philosophy that you subscribe to?
I believe that more is not always better. I am a firm believer in getting in and getting out. I am very realistic with my clients. I understand that people’s time is limited and show my clients that you can get the most efficient and productive workouts in a short amount of time. I do not believe that you need to spend hours in the gym to obtain the results you want. Trainer smarter and not harder and longer is the key in my book. My training philosophy is geared towards proper form, posture, min muscle connection and proper contracting for optimal results.
How do you tailor workouts to fit your client’s needs?
Every individual is different and tailoring each workout to their needs is essential. Depending on their fitness goals, every workout program is different. If a person is trying to gain muscle or is trying to tone and sculpt, there are different approaches that I take. I get to know my clients on a personal level to allow my workout programs to go hand and hand with their current life. It is all about making lifestyle changes so the more I can allow my programs, both training and nutrition, to fit in there their lives at ease the better. Showing my clients how to maintain a healthy lifestyle is my main goal and focus.
How long should people work out for?
Forever!! Incorporating working out into your daily life is the key to success. For initial results, I always suggest giving yourself 6-8 week and from there the sky is the limit! Once you start seeing results you are forever hooked and it becomes you way of life! Working out is for life!
Do you have any suggestions on how someone can get started on an exercise regime?
It all starts today! Start by walking on your lunch break or after work. Then incorporate some resistance training. Take baby steps and little by little start adding exercises and time to your workouts. If you need that extra motivation and expertise, seek a fitness professional to help you with your goals. You have to start somewhere so make today the day you start! Take a 5 minute walk and before you know it you will be taking long and enjoyable hour long walks.
Should men and women workout differently?
Absolutely. Men and women have a very different genetic make-up and should know their strengths and weaknesses. Of course the basics as far as incorporating weight training and cardiovascular program are the same but how you perform you weight baring exercises and the types of exercises you perform are bases on you personal goals and desire. Again, for better assistance, please seek advice from a fitness professional to help you with your goals.
What type of cardio is best? And how much cardio should someone do a day?
This is hard to answer because, again, it depends on one’s personal goals but ideally 4-6 days of cardio for 30-45 minutes is ideal. I recommend changing up cardio from high intensity to low intensity. I do not believe in doing the same amount of cardio for the same amount of time everyday. I am all about change and believe you should constantly keep your body guessing~ Change is good. Slower, less intense, longer session cardio has its advantages as well as shorter, anaerobic cardio. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve and what your fitness goals are.
Generally, how long should someone workout for?
As I mentioned earlier, I do not believe that a weight training session should last longer then 1 hour. I think you should be able to get in and out of the gym in 45-50 minutes, not including cardio.
Do you have any interests outside of the fitness industry?
Absolutely! I love to travel, cook and learn. I love reading and writing. I am big into personal growth and constantly enjoy allowing myself to grow!
Where will you be in 20 years?
20 years… I plan to always be involved in the fitness industry, helping people learn how to make fitness a lifestyle. I plan on owning my own fitness facility where people can come learn, laugh, workout, hang out, and just have a good time! Fitness is a lifestyle. I want to continue showing people how manageable and balance fitness living can be. Balance is the key and that is the focus of my training. Life is too good to pass by without enjoying it. I want to teach people how to be fit, eat and live healthy but still enjoy all that life has to offer! I will have a family of my own and I can’t wait to teach my children the ins and outs of healthy living at an early age.
Do you have any other fitness ventures?
Yes! My finance and I are owners of M And G Fitness, Inc, where I continue to help individuals with their personal fitness goals. I have a limited amount of clients at one time so I am able to focus my attention to each and everyone and give them the specific attention they need! My main focus is teaching individuals how to live a very balance lifestyle! I believe fitness is a way of life and not a short term program! I have a personal website, www.ginaliotti.com, where my product and services interact with my members on a daily basis. I offer training, nutrition and lifestyle clips along with recipes, a blog and a question and answer section. I also dedicate a large part of my members section to motivational and inspirational writing and quotes to help you with your personal fitness goals. My members section has allowed me to reach out to a large amount of people who share an interest in eating and living a life dedicated to health and fitness.
M and G Fitness Inc. is also launching Fit:50(Time for a New Way of Living) shortly. Fit:50 offers several products from recipe books and downloads, workouts, and even a “Fit to be Wed” downloadable PDF diet. Fit:50 is continuously expanding and has several products in the works.
I have a training and fitness DVD. My DVD offers cooking segments, training and nutritional tips and advice, a track workout, and much more. You can purchase my DVD through my website at www.ginaliotti.com
I also have a fitness active wear line- G-Fit. You can visit www.gfitactivewear.com for select items. I am always in workout attire and believe in being able to wear clothes that functional, yet fashionable. That is exactly what you will find in my line! G-Fit is a designer active wear that allows you to look great both inside and outside of the gym! Perfect for fitness fanatics!
For more information or to be added to my mailing list, please visit www.ginaliotti.com or contact me at gina@mandgfitness.com
THANK YOU!