Been active my whole life and because of the disciplines I learned early and continue to apply to my fitness & nutrition I don't suffer aches, pains, prescriptions, fatigue... and I'm constantly told I look a lot younger than I am (not bragging, just think it applies). 

     

     I come from a big unhealthy NY/Italian family who socialize around food - eating for any reason or none at all.  Having food at the ready and enough to feed an army was something to be proud of. Along with cleaning your plate - no matter what, and seconds, sure; what a compliment to the chef.  I was put on my first diet when I was 10 - counted calories = 1,000/day to be exact and lost 10 pounds that first month.  I became obsessed with what I put in my mouth or more accurately didn't. I was already into gymnastics; started tumbling in 3rd grade and as I raised in the ranks so did the pressure to stay thin. We weighed in every Saturday and I worked out 3-5 hours a day.  Those habits continued well into my teens; I struggled with eating disorders, diet pills, and body image. When I was rushed to the ER at 16 to find I was on my way to kidney stones, I began to study nutrition and drinking a lot more water... I started lifting weights at 14 and practicing Yoga at 30 and I remain a dedicated student/practitioner.  I've made it my business to develop a healthy lifestyle, continue to educate myself, and share what I learn with everyone who is willing to listen and wants to improve their quality of life and/or maintain well being...

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    And though I became the healthiest person in my family (by far) few would heed my advice. So in addition to acting (started at 23) I decided to get certified as a personal trainer (at 35) in 2003. Because while working out I was often asked for advice (from strangers). I enjoy helping others so why not get paid for it. 

But when my father asked for my advice *for the first time* in my 40's I almost fell off my chair! I happily went over how he could keep losing weight and  get healthier (his top weight at 5'10" was 400 lbs). He managed to lose 125 lbs. doing Weight Watchers, but his yo-yo dieting (much like Oprah), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and having been prescribed an insane amount of meds over the years, took it's toll. He was a prisoner in his own body and eventually died of heart failure at 72. But God bless him - he tried everything - the will was always there, just not the knowledge. Addictions and bad habits are hard to break, also misinformation with some of the best intentions. This all takes work not just will. And some of that is a much longer conversation...

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     I opt to train at private gyms; in order to be an environment with serious/dedicated members. I utilize residential fitness centers, will consider in-house training, and small groups (friends, spouses, family). 

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     I am devoted to being the best I can be, in order to live a high quality life, with as much mobility and wellness as humanly possible. I strive to set a great example and don't ask anything of anyone I don't ask of myself, eventually...  I'm drug free, use nature's remedies when issues arise along with my age, happy to help. and share all that I've learned. You can do this! :D