Interview With IFBB Figure Pro Athlete Gina Trochiano

How did you get started in the world of bodybuilding?

I have always stayed fit and loved working out. I worked in the telecommunication industry in Manhattan for awhile. But, when the company I worked for went under, I started my own personal training business. I found it really exciting to see the changes in myself and my clients. That eventually led to a job working for a sports nutrition company. Being in that world –surrounded by the sport and the athletes — is what really got me motivated to do another show and bring my physique to a new level.

I decided to try my hand at a figure competition in New York in 2007 and never looked back. This past September I earned my IFBB pro card! I feel really blessed to have gained this privilege in such a short amount of time.

What Training Routine Do You Use To Get That Quality Physique?

I always lift heavy off season! Right now, I’ll add some cardio, but at a minimum. I want to put a little more muscle on and I’m more motivated than ever! I push myself to new levels each workout and use as much weight as possible with perfect form. I’m a huge stickler for form.

When getting ready for a show, everything changes. The main difference being I incorporate a lot more cardio. I love interval training because I see the best results from it. I also include plyometric exercises in my routine. I find them to be a lot of fun and a good break from normal resistance training.

To help dial in, I like to do a lot of supersets to help me tighten up and get the muscle separation I want. I thrive on feeling an explosive pump after a few good supersets.

What’s your diet like?

Right now I am eating six meals a day. Obviously, they are all protein based. Three of the meals have carbs and veggies included while the other three have low fats and no carbs. It is important to keep fats and carbs separate from one another and I think my diet does a good job of that.

Also, I have recently incorporated a lot more red meat into my diet than I usually do. I think it is very important when it comes to gaining muscle.

When it comes to supplements, I’ve been taking Cellucor M5, MS1 and WS1 this offseason and I have been seeing amazing results. When I’m pre-contest, I’ll start taking Cellucor N Zero and T7. That should get me shredded!

What’s your motivation?

I love to push my own limits! I want to be better every time I step on stage. I do it all for my own personal satisfaction. To me the ultimate goal is to be satisfied with myself. But, it is a never ending process. If I come to the stage with a better physique than the last show, I am satisfied for a moment but that fades as soon as I start preparing for the next show. You have to stay hungry and part of that is looking forward to making yourself better and better. I would not have won my pro card at my fourth ever competition if I didn’t have that mentality.

If you could give once piece of advice about bodybuilding/fitness what would it be?

It may sound cliché but you have to dream big and never give up. You are the only obstacle that stands in the way of your true potential. This sport is a proven science and if you are willing to put the work in you will see results. It is not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

Proudest bodybuilding/fitness accomplishment?

Nothing can top the time when a woman came up to me and told me I was an inspiration to her. I almost cried. That is the highest honor I can imagine. I love being able to give somebody the inspiration to achieve their goals. There is nothing I want more than to be a positive role model to women, so that was without a doubt a very proud moment for me.

Any plans for the future?

Yes, of course! I’ll be competing in the New York Pro and Europa Connecticut shows this year. I am really looking forward to both.

Plus, I am very excited about continuing to work with my sponsor, Cellucor. I believe Cellucor sports nutrition products are by far the best on the market. I foresee the popularity of the brand skyrocketing in the next year. I am happy to be a part of the team.

Favourite Cheat Meal?

Anything Italian will do the trick. My absolute favorite meal has to be osso bucco. Add some risotto on the side and it will make my day. Unfortunately, I do not get to eat it as often as I’d like. But, that’s part of the lifestyle.

Favourite Exercise?

I love to go heavy, so leg presses and shoulder presses are up there on my list of favorite exercises. But, if I had to choose just one exercise to do for the rest of my life, I would pick lunges mainly because they can be performed just about anywhere.

Favourite Bodybuilder?

Without a doubt I would have to choose Arnold! He is such an inspiration to me. He is the standard for success not only in bodybuilding, but in life. He has transcended bodybuilding and is an icon in every sense of the word.

Favourite Quote?

“Tutto e’ Possibile.” It means “Anything is Possible” in Italian and I believe it to be absolutely true. It is the mentality I have everyday when I go to the gym and every time I step on stage. I have to believe it in order to push myself beyond the limits I thought were possible.

A couple of weeks before a show when I am running on zero carbs and I’m deep in ketosis – when I feel like I can barely walk to my car, let alone spend an hour crushing my legs in the gym – I need to believe that anything is possible to make it through those days. I feel that if you don’t believe that anything is possible, you have already lost. The person with the positive outlook will win every time.

Official Site: www.ginatrochiano.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Gina-Trochiano/275311682906?ref=ts

Cellucor Page: http://www.cellucor.com/athletes/gina-trochiano/