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 By: Isaac Hinds
Gina Aliotti has been taking the figure stage by storm since her debut at the 2006 Colorado Pro. She's one of the younger competitors but isn't short on experience to the winner's circle. She finished second at the 2007 Olympia Figure and followed it up with a win at the 2007 West Palm Beach show. I caught a glimpse of how she was looking at the Iron Man Pro / Fit Expo and I've never seen her look better. Gina is considered a favorite going into this show and we'll soon see if she lives up to the hype.
[ A: ] Last year's Arnold, I came into the show a little fuller and not so hard as I have in my past shows. On my body, I do better with a harder yet still curvy figure. Kim, my nutritionist, and I tried a different look, still trying to find out what works best for me.
[ A: ] Like I mentioned above, I learned what physique looks best on me. This whole competing and dieting process is a learning experience and learning what looks best on your body.
[ A: ] I did nothing "wrong" so to say because our goal was to bring me in fuller. We accomplished that and put it out there, on stage, to get feedback. My first time out at the Arnold, placing 6th, was not a bad showing.
[ A: ] After the Olympia, I maintained a leaner physique for my typical off-season. I never stray far away from 7-10 pounds but this off-season I was at my contest weight when I began dieting.
[ A: ] The only lower body training I have been doing is glutes and hamstrings. I have also continued to train shoulders twice a week but not nearly as heavy as I was training for the Olympia. I was able to put on the size on my shoulders, during my prep for the "O", and now I am in the maintenance phase therefore do not need to train as heavy for mass.
[ A: ] I definitely agree. I have definitely mainstreamed my physique by bringing down the size in my legs, thanks to the treadmill! My upper body is now definitely bigger than my lower body, which is the main goal that I have been trying to achieve since the day I started competing. I have always had over powering legs and now I think I have the perfect balance of upper to lower body without having my lower body over power my upper. I am excited to see how this physique looks on stage!
[ A: ] My biggest challenge is the social restraints that you have to put on yourself. I am a very social person and love to go out with friends and close ones for a fun time. Luckily, my social groups are all health conscious and understands the ins and outs of dieting, but it can be tough when you are tired or have to wake up for early morning cardio to be 100% social. I have been competing for quite some time now that I know how to diet and go out but it still doesn't help that you are exhausted and are subconsciously thinking about all the things you have to do the following day. I have always eaten a clean diet, year round, so it isn't so much the diet food that is a challenge but the social limitations. In retrospect, there is an off-season for all the social opportunities but while you are in diet mode it can be challenging.
[ A: ] My biggest competition is going to be Jenny Lynn at the 2008 Olympia!
[ A: ] Yes, I will be doing the TOC, the weekend before the Olympia to hopefully take the title for the 3rd year in a row. [ A: ] Thank you! I am 1/2 Italian (Sicilian, that is) and the other half is a mix of English and a few other things.
[ A: ] Yes I do when I go home to Monterey. He lives in Monterey, California, and I often go home for holidays and while I am home we always get a few workouts in.
[ A: ] No but my boyfriend, Michael, and I went to the batting cages a few weeks ago! Let's just say I haven't lost my bat and ball eye coordination!
[ A: ] I have been with my boyfriend, Michael Silva, for only 3 months now but we have been friends for long before that. He is awesome and is totally supportive of my competing and helps me in any way he can. Actually he helps me prepare my meals whenever he is off work and always is there by my side to help in anyway he can. He is truly amazing and I couldn't ask for anything more! What can I say, I am a lucky girl!
[ A: ] Yes, definitely because being a pro and competing with the best of the best you learn what makes one physique different than another. You learn and develop a keen eye for detail and the small things that make such a difference in physiques and presentation. Competing at such a level where everyone looks phenomenal, you begin to develop a very critical eye for detail. I have also developed the ability to see potential and talent immediately. I feel that I am able to give feedback to an athlete from both a professional point of view and also a critical judges eye. I understand the challenges involved in the dieting process and feel that I can relate to the athletes and help them overcome challenges based on my own experiences. I have really enjoyed judging NPC shows and love working with the girls and offering as much feedback as possible.
  Click To Enlarge. Gina Aliotti At The 2007 IFBB Tournament Of Champions Pro. View More Pics Of Gina Aliotti.
[ A: ] I have worked with Kim since I turned pro. We started working together for my first Pro show, the Colorado, in 2006 and have worked together ever since.
[ A: ] A lot of the dieting process is a mental challenge and when you have someone to give you a second set of eyes it definitely helps you stay focused and away from mental unnecessary stress.
You're not just a competitor and model - you also have your own clothing line. What is it and how is it doing? [ A: ] Yes I do! G-Fit Sportwear, www.gfitsportswer.com. It has taken me a while to get my line up and going and it still is in its beginning stages, but I have finally launched the site and am in the process of growing the line. It is a lot of work and has really been a fun challenge!
 Click To Enlarge. Gina Aliotti At The 2007 IFBB Tournament Of Champions Pro. View More Pics Of Gina Aliotti.
[ A: ] I work out alone. I have always liked to be on my own time and schedule. I often will grab someone to help me with shoulder presses but other than that it is all me.
[ A: ] No, I try to stay away from the boards.
[ A: ] The shoot was awesome. It was a workout, that is for sure! I was lifting a good amount of weight and holding the positions so let's just say I was tired by the end of the shoot! It is great to see that FLEX is now featuring women! I had a lot of fun shooting.
[ A: ] My sponsor, Biotest, will not be having a booth but I will be walking around the expo all day Saturday and then of course I will be at the men's show Saturday evening so be sure to stop me and say hi.
[ A: ] Thank you to my friends and family, Kim Oddo, J.M. Manion, and of course my boyfriend who has been there to help support me in any way, Michael Silva! I could not do it without each one of you in my circle!
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