Interview with Julia Zammito – Local Business Owner/Personal Trainer & Health Enthusiast
Please tell our readers what you do for a living now.
I help people get the lean healthy body they want so they can enjoy the quality of life they desire because when you’re fit, healthy and strong everything in life is better richer and more rewarding. What health and fitness education do you have, what are your credentials? Over 13 years in the Fitness Industry, IFPA Certified Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Specialist, TRX Suspension Trainer Course Certified, not to mention being a National Figure & Fitness Champion. Working in the fitness industry at a young age, I began teaching classes and learning everything and anything about nutrition and exercise which gave me the opportunity to help others in the gym and it carried on into high school and college activities. I started the day with Jock Jams on the morning announcements and held Step aerobics and kickboxing in the school gym during lunch hour. I received my certification for personal training as soon as I could (You had to be 18). I have not stopped training and helping others improve their lives through exercise and nutrition.
What inspires Julia?
Uplifting words and thoughts
Where did you grow up?
Largo, Fl.
Were your parents into fitness and health?
I was very blessed to be raised on all Organic and Healthy Food. We were not allowed to have sugar or processed foods. In fact, when the kids in school brought Cupcakes for their Birthday I was only allowed to eat an apple. It was when I grew up that I then realized how beneficial this was. I feel it’s my mission to show as many people as I can how to live a healthy lifestyle.
Have you ever had any health or weight problems?
Unfortunately, I have been through phases where working out and healthy eating was not part of my life. At these times I felt like crap, had no energy, often became sick and my weight skyrocketed! I’m not naturally skinny! Just like most people, I have to work at it every day.
Who has influenced you in your life? Who do you idolize?
My childhood next door neighbor Libby Kuch who was like a mom to me and without her I could have never gotten through tough times- She also helped me get a job at a local gym when I was 14. My Pop Pop who passed away this past February. He was the most amazing selfless man. He served in the Navy in World War 2 and had the most wonderful life lessons and words of wisdom.
What are your personal fitness goals?
To become an IFBB (The International Federation of Body Builders) Pro
Nutrition is a major part of health. Tell us how you eat, and what you eat on a daily basis.
Nutrition is one of the most important components in my life. When I’m in season preparing for a show my diet consist of 8 small meals per day and a whole gallon of water. These small meals include protein such as egg whites, chicken, orange roughly and London broil. I will eat 2-3 servings of vegetables 1-2 servings of a complex carbohydrate such as a potato, rice or oatmeal per day. When I’m off season I will eat 5-6 small meals per day and cut down on my protein intake. My diet is always clean which means I never eat processed foods. Being off season I can play around with all kinds of yummy ingredients and love inventing new recipes to share with my clients. It’s all about knowing what’s out there to eat and eating pure wholesome foods that taste amazing and make you feel amazing!
Is supplementation something everyone should do? What about vitamins?
This can be a very controversial subject. When it comes to supplementation I would recommend incorporating a high quality (preferably organic) protein powder. Your body needs certain nutritional elements to help it work correctly. The primary forces here are indeed the vitamins & minerals that you give it. If you follow a balanced diet, all the vitamins necessary for health are in the balanced diet. But, if you feel that your diet doesn’t do this for you then you may also want to look at high quality vitamin supplements.
How often do you work out? How often should the average person work out?
My training schedule is more demanding when preparing for a show- workouts can be anywhere from 2-4 times per day 5-6 days a week. However right now I train 3-5 days per week. The consistency and duration of your workouts is a major factor in achieving your fitness goals. The average person should workout 3-6 days per week depending on their goals, demographics and schedule. Everyone can find 1 hour a day to work out!
Tell us about your lifting routine. Your cardio routine.
Right now my workouts consist of high intensity interval training and calisthenics which allows me to hit every muscle group in the body and keep my heart rate up. We do this kind of training at Boot Camp- it’s very effective in burning fat and building lean muscle. With interval training the sky is the limit with the kind of exercises you can throw into your routine- It definitely switches things up so you never get bored! With interval training and a clean diet I do not have to do a lot of cardio. I will jump on the elliptical or treadmill 2-3 times per week but prefer to do my cardio outdoors.
Not to get to personal, but can you tell us how old you are, your height, weight, measurements and body fat composition?
26 years old, 5’0 and 112 lbs. off season 95 lbs. on season
Is body fat the best indicator of fitness? Does it change with age?
Measuring body fat is a great indicator of fitness because it directly calculates the individual’s body composition without regard to their height or weight. You want to replace body fat with lean tissue mass however, lean muscle weighs more than body fat which will have an effect on the scale- but you will be shrinking. I like to incorporate several types of assessments including weight, body fat and measurements which allow you to thoroughly see your progress.
What do you tell sedentary people who are looking to start exercising?
Often people just need the tools necessary to begin and maintain a fitness program. Find a local personal trainer for guidance or group fitness class. Having a workout program that fits into your daily life is key but staying accountable and motivated is critical. It only takes 21 days to form a habit- Get in a routine of working out either on a daily basis or on certain days in the week. Create short-term goals and constantly remind yourself of WHY you need to exercise.
What’s different for a person who is looking to get into body competitions?
Doing a competition is very rewarding and empowering. You want to know ahead of time that contest prep will take time, discipline and 100% focus. It’s a lot of work but an amazing experience!
Boot Camps seem to be the rage. What is the difference between a Boot Camp and a regular exercise regimen? And what makes them popular?
Fitness Boot Camps are exploding for one big reason: They deliver fantastic body changing results faster than any other method. Boot Camp workouts are energetic, simple, quick and FUN! You get amazing results, regardless of your age or fitness history. Boot Camps deliver the same benefits of working with a personal trainer including expert guidance, coaching and support at an affordable rate. Our Boot Camps are held on the beach where you burn 30-40% more calories in the sand all while getting lost in the beautiful surroundings. We keep everyone accountable by having our participants fill out a goals sheet and do fitness assessments at the beginning of every series and reassessments at the end of four weeks. If we don’t see you at Boot Camp don’t be surprised if you get a phone call or email the next day! Every day at Boot Camp is different- We never do the same workout twice so your body won’t adapt to the training. We spend a lot of time working with our Boot Campers on both nutrition & exercise components to ensure they get serious results. Ongoing grocery store tours, nutrition seminars, food journal checks, weekly recipes and exercise homework are provided.
Lifestyle changes can be psychologically hard. How do you get into someone’s head to help him/her make those changes?
I connect emotionally with my clients digging deep into the root of all negative thought patterns and destructive behaviors. The outcome is self-worth, confidence and empowerment to make real lasting changes in their lives.
What makes Julia happy?
Helping people
What are your future goals?
To inspire as many people as possible to reach their fitness goals once and for all!
Can you give us some final words of wisdom and inspiration?
Fitness is not just for the body, but also for well-being. When you form the determination and consistency to change your body it empowers you to be successful in all aspects of life. You are in control of your destiny and can make almost anything happen with hard work!
Julia Zammito Local Business Owner
& Health Enthusiast
Tampa Bay Wellness www.tampabaywellness.com • AUGUST 2010
