Q and A with Joe Stankowski

Q: What first got you interested in fitness and exercise?
A: As a kid, I really wasn’t interested in team sports. In the 7th grade, I received my first weight set and bench along with a basic weight training book. By the time I discovered high school football, I already outgrew my plastic weights and beginner’s book. I’ve made a huge effort to improve both my body and understanding of all-things-fitness ever since.

Q: What are some of your achievements?
A: I co-authored the book, “The Power of Champions” along with 54 of the top fitness professionals in the USA and beyond. I frequently write for Men’s Fitness magazine which gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with nearly one million readers every month. Locally, I have helped promote Delaware Lt. Governor John Carney’s fitness challenge and I am on the board of the Delaware Women’s Alliance for Sport and Fitness.

Q: Who has influenced your particular style of training?
A: Over the years my knowledge and understanding has continued to evolve. Every time I attend a conference or read a book I gain a new perspective of how the human body really works. These days, I really enjoy studying the work of people like Dr. Mel Siff, Greg Roskopf, Gray Cook, Dr. Michael Yessis, and Mike Clark. I have also been learning by speaking with the other co-authors of “The Power of Champions”.

Q: Do you have a favorite junk food?
A: Are you kidding? I enjoy it all! Pizza, burgers, cheesecake… you name it. Fitness professionals are people too!  The "secret" to fitness isn't about giving up everything you enjoy; it's all about balance and moderation.

Q: What is the most common question you’re asked?
A: It’s always one variation or another of spot-reduction. Everyone seems to be concerned with losing fat in only one area of their body. For men, it’s usually the waist. Women seem to have more interest in their hips or thighs.

Q: So tell me then, how can I lose my love-handles?
A: ARGH! Not again!!! The simplest answer is to eat right AND exercise. For a more complete answer, read my articles at AbsoluteFitnessUSA.com where you can also subscribe to my online fitness journal, “FitNews”

Q: Any thoughts on surgery for weight loss?
A: Obviously, there are people who have lost incredible amounts of weight by having gastric bypass surgery, and sometimes they may truly be medically necessary, but cosmetic procedures such as liposuction can only address the symptoms, NOT the underlying problems. That sure doesn’t sound like success to me.

Q: What will happen to the fitness industry if science ever creates an effective weight-loss pill?
A: I actually look forward to a time when obesity in America is no longer the problem it is today. There are many different reasons to work with fitness professionals; weight-loss is only a small piece of the exercise puzzle. Athletic performance, post rehab, children, seniors, and other special populations will still keep us busy.

Q: I notice you rarely use the term “personal trainer”, instead saying “fitness professional”. Why is that?
A: Two reasons: First – “personal trainer” to me conjures an image of a “gym-rat” who counts to 10 for people before moving them to the next machine. There is so much more to the science and art of exercise. I let my clients count for themselves if it’s really that important. Second – “Personal training” is only one service a fitness professional could provide. In the beginning of my career I focused on coaching individuals to fitness success, but have since expanded my vision to include presenting and writing, and of course, my upcoming book, THE SMART WAY TO FITNESS

Q: What about your non-fitness related interests?
A: Music! I’ve been playing guitar as long as I’ve had an interest in fitness and a few years ago I picked up the blues harmonica. My talent for music must have lagged behind – I can’t read a single note, but I can pick up a lot by ear.

Q: If you weren’t a fitness professional, what would you be doing?
A: I’d probably be a New York City cab driver.  I can't get enough of the city and the energy of the people there always amazes me.