An interview with Gina Lombardi, NSCA-CPT,*D

Gina relocated to Southern California soon after college. Here she began working with celebrities at a large Public Relations firm in Beverly Hills. While working with high profile people such as Michael J. Fox, Sharon Stone, Justine Bateman, Robert Downey, Jr. & others, she identified their need for specialized services like personal training. Having a strong science background, experience as a trainer & a high affinity for exercise & fitness, Gina pursued her certifications in fitness training and began her own business. Gina received her NSCA-CPT through the NSCA and has been an active member since 1993.

Interview

Q. What are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced as a woman in the health & fitness industry, any advice on overcoming them?

A. Being taken seriously. When I first started as a coach, the guys just looked at me like some weak, little girl. I really had to prove myself. Training men was a real challenge because they couldn't get past the idea that a girl knew more about physical fitness than they did…let alone get THEM in shape! But as I continued my education in the field and started getting stellar results, they were knocking down my door. It was an incredible shift. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to stay focused on learning and being the best at what you do. You can only win!

Q. What do you do to keep yourself motivated in the aspect of health & fitness?

A. To stay motivated, I look for new trends and ways to train that are challenging to ME. Then, I adapt them to different populations. This is fun for me. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment. That I can continuously give my clients, and other people that I reach through my TV Show and magazines, new and exciting things that can motivate THEM.

Q. How did you get your start with high profile clients, what career starter advice could you give to those starting fresh in the business?

A. My high profile clients all came from recommendations by my "low" profile clients. Results, results, results. Those are the three things that got me into the celebrity sector. Celebrities are fickle and don't have time to waste on something that may or may not work. For first timers, I recommend starting at a good local gym. Either a private gym or a chain. Get some experience under your belt and continually take classes and workshops to increase your knowledge base. Incorporate what you learn on a daily basis on yourself and your clients. As Vince Lombardi once said, "If you want to be Number One, you have to pay the price."

Q. What made you choose this profession, was it a childhood dream, inspiration from a mentor, please elaborate.

A. I grew up with 5 brothers who were very active in sports and other activities like riding motorcycles, etc. I became active by default. We always had a weight room in the basement of our house because my Dad was really into the Charles Atlas thing. We had the old York barbells. Great company! I started lifting weights when I was 12. When I graduated university, I got a job in a Nautilus facility that also did post-rehabilitation for athletes. The owner of that facility, Roger Schwab, was so serious about training. He taught me a lot about focus and goal setting. He really inspired me to want to take it further. But the gratification really came from those first clients I trained and how happy they were with the results. When someone looks you in the eye and tells you that you changed their life, well, there's nothing better than that.