Q: When did you start getting into fitness & bodybuilding? What made you decide to get into it?
A: I used to watch WWF wrestling on TV all the time. I used to get all pumped up when Hulk Hogan would say ”train, say your prayers and eat your vitamin
s “. I  always dreamed of inspiring others and having that same effect on people all over the world. I started competing in fitness competitions back in 1996. I entered my first show, the Mr. Fitness contest and came in 3rd place out of 30 guys. I went back the next year and won the competition. After that I started competing as a natural bodybuilder. The first show I entered was in 1998, the NPC New York State Natural, where I took first place. I live to inspire others, I feel that’s my gift in life. I have a “never give up” attitude in life. I feel we’re all here for a reason and I’m glad I found mine.
Q: What are the most important things you’ve learned since you started working out, Â about yourself, about your training, nutrition?
A: I turn 40 years old at the end of this year and I’ve been training now for almost 25 years. WOW! That’s a long time! The most important thing I’ve learned is that we’re all different so what may work for someone else may not work for you. It depends upon your body structure, your shape, your metabolism, etc. I always tell my clients to have a balance in their training and nutrition. You should never lift too heavy or too light, your cardio should never be too extreme or too moderate and your diet should never be too strict or too sloppy. The bottom line is that it all comes down to balance and harmony. That’s the key to success in any field.
Q: As a Personal Trainer, what’s the single most important thing you tell your clients about nutrition?
A: Diet is so important when it comes down to looking good and feeling good. Too many people eat the wrong things and expect to have a six pack. I hear this everyday: “Tony, how do I get abs?” The truth about getting abs is simple, you have to get your body fat down so you can see your abs. We all have abdominal muscles. Yes, the more you work them the more dominant they will become but you’re not going to see them if they’re covered with body fat. I recommend a diet of 5 meals a day. In this diet, I also recommend that you have a Designer Whey Protein Shake 2x daily. You also have to keep your calories low. I said it many times, just because something is good to eat doesn’t mean you should eat a truck load of it! Portion size and moderation is key. A great diet would go something like this:
Breakfast: 3 egg whites 1 yolk, ½ cup of oats mixed with ½ cup of strawberries, 1 slice of toast with natural peanut butter
Snack: 1 to 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein with cold water
Lunch: Grilled chicken on salad with balsamic dressing
Snack: 1 to 2 scoops of Designer Whey Protein with cold water
Dinner: 1 cup of pasta or a sweet potato with mixed steamed vegetables
Q: What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about exercise and diet?
A: There’s so much misleading information out there it could make your head spin. I found that the best advice comes from your own inner voice. Your body will always tell you what it needs, not what you think you needs. The body and mind must work in harmony together so this means creating a balance in ones self. Don’t get caught up reading magazine after magazine or searching the internet high and low. The truth about diet and exercise is that it’s hard work! You have to train on a daily basis. Your body eats everyday and will store calories as fat everyday unless you burn them off.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone who needs to lose a significant amount of weight?
A: Have patience.  You didn’t get out of shape overnight so why would you expect to get in shape overnight? You have to understand that you alone can get you into shape. Yes it’s great to have a motivator or a trainer to help you, but what happens when that trainer is gone? You have to be the one that keeps the fire burning, you’re the one who has to “Get Serious”.  My whole life I said to myself “I want to be the best, I want to be known as a Super Hero” when it comes to inspiring others to get into shape and live a healthier life. Our society is filled with too much food! Everywhere you look there’s junk food and fast food. What does that says about us? We have to be the ones who take back our lives. We have to be the ones who say enough is enough!
Q: It’s easy for some people to stray from their fitness goals. What advice do you have to stay on track?
A: I always say “You can’t fly like an eagle if you hang around the chickens”. Try to surround yourself with dream builders, not dream breakers! Your environment is crucial to achieving your goals in life. Join a gym and make friends with people who are in shape. Keep on your plan. This doesn’t mean eating good and working out for 4 days in a row and then taking off for 4 days and then starting over. It has to be day in and day out. Just like when you get up in the morning and get dressed. The same goes for working out and dieting. Everyday must be the same, day in and day out.
If you need help please contact me.  I’m a never ending ball of motivation. You can also visit me on facebook where I post “Tony’s Tip of the Day” and much more inspirational messages and photos.
- Anthony Catanzaro
To learn more about Tony, please visit his website at www.anthonycatanzaro.com
Posted in DESIGNER WHEY Healthy Minute | 2 Comments
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