Natalie Graziano
6
Florida Fitness Photography
What is the most difficult hurdle you see as having overcome that helped you gain focus with fitness and otherwise?
We all have struggles and have to overcome things. I think the biggest for me is that in this industry, your body, your workouts, and your diet are ever changing.
To be all right with constant change, evolution, self education, research, and learning is something that takes an open mind. In order to survive in fitness, and the world in general, you have to understand these principles. Once you become stagnant and complacent, you will cease to progress.
What do you think is the most misunderstood part of your lifestyle related to fitness that people need to know?
That I eat very little to lean down for a show. I am a fitness athlete and we need a lot of energy to not only get through workouts, but to get through routine practice. So, I eat quite a bit. It just happens to be healthy, balanced foods, in a set ratio.
I discuss my food frequently with my coach and we adjust as we see fit. In my off season I reverse diet to keep my metabolism healthy and high for the next season. There is no point where I am not conscious of my macros, it’s just the numbers and types of foods that change depending on the point of year I am in.
What other sports do you enjoy whether you participate or not?
I enjoy Yoga, cheerleading, gymnastics, college football
Where do you see yourself in the industry a year and five years from now?
I have always aspired to reach that Olympia stage. I hope that in the near future I can reach that level. It is what I have been working for all these years. I hope to be teaching yoga more, training clients more, and, maybe, choreographing more
Please share anything additional that you’d like people to know about you.
I have my doctorate in Physical Therapy, my master’s in Occupational Therapy, my certification to teach yoga, and am focused on aging studies in undergraduate school. I am originally from Iowa, where my family owns an Italian food specialty store. I have a pug and a boxer/pit bull rescue (cont. pg. 8).