Kristi Molinaro is one of the absolute best instructors, trainers, and people around.  Her 30/60/90 class, a bootcamp/sculpt class, recently was named "Best Fat-Burning Class" in New York Magazine's "Best of New York" for 2008.  One of Kristi's signature moves, the "one-leg walk out push-up walk back" is Fitness Magazine's Move of the Month for May 2008.    In addition to all of her classes at Equinox, Kristi runs a great outdoor bootcamp.  


How many years have you been in the fitness industry?
I taught classes when I was in college in Connecticut, but began teaching in New York 9 years ago.

What inspired you to get involved in the fitness industry and has this always been something that you wanted to do?
I was always interested in the fitness industry, and when I moved to New York City I joined Crunch and became quite obsessed with group fitness classes. Eventually I auditioned to teach Spinning and then began teaching sculpt and Pilates. I later became a trainer and ran the semi-private and group training programs at Crunch.

What is your fitness specialty?
I have created an interval training class for Equinox called 30/60/90.  It is a very challenging workout for people looking to take it to the next level.  I also run outside training camps in Central Park and Washington Square Park on the weekends.

What makes your approach unique, or what are you known for as a trainer?
I am known for my ability to help people find a new level of fitness.  I have become so tired of people using the same five and eight pound weights and doing the same workout wondering why they no longer see any results.  If you want results you have to push yourself further than you think you can go.  You MUST overload the body or you will become bored and your body will plateau.  I do not believe in the 220 minus your age formula of heart rate monitoring. I teach people to use Rate of Perceived Exertion where they learn how to push themselves without any equipment.

What is your favorite exercise?
My favorite exercise is actually the squat thrust....I really like them as crazy as that is because no matter how fit you are they will always kick your butt.

Do you have a signature exercise/move that you make your clients do?
I have quite a few signature moves, but one legged squat thrusts are one of my favorites (of course).

When you're traveling or just don't have time to get to the gym, do you have any creative workouts other than jogging?  
Well, I actually own a Stairmaster 4200PT so after I climb up my six floor walk-up I can do a few more flights.  When I travel, I try not to work out because I believe most group fitness instructors are over-trained and sometimes what the body needs most is actually rest.

What is your vice (i.e. chocolate, pizza, watching TV)?
Frozen strawberry margaritas and movie popcorn (not at the same time, of course)

Do you have any tips for our FitFiend subscribers who are just starting a workout program or trying to jumpstart a stalled regimen and break through a plateau?
If they are just starting a workout program they need to take baby steps.  It can be way too overwhelming to think of how much work they will have to do to get in shape so they should just try to get to the gym as much as possible (shoot for 7 days so that you get there at least 4), and know that you will feel like a different person in just one week.  You just have to get started.  If they are trying to break through a plateau they need to take their workouts up a notch...try a new class, a new machine or just a new program on their favorite machine.  Interval training works great so try the speed interval or sprint setting on the treadmill or Stairmaster.  If you are an elliptical fan, try the Stairmaster Gauntlet instead.  It is much harder and if that can't help you get over the hump nothing will.

Do you have any personal project/brand you're working on?
I am currently branding my class 30/60/90 as an outside training camp, and I am training other instructors to teach my inside classes at Equinox gyms across the country.

What is your goal as a trainer?  Do you do it to help people meet their fitness/health goals; because you love working out; etc.?
I love working with people. I love inspiring people.  I love being able to make people feel better about themselves and teaching them how to take control of their bodies and their lives.

Is there anything else exciting about you that you'd like to share?
I am also a voice-over artist who has done quite a few McDonalds commercials....not that I recommend that type of food or anything....

Kristi's outdoor bootcamp starts April 22nd, and runs for 6 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  There are two time slots, 6:30am for the early birds, and 9:30am for those who can't make it that early.  Contact Kristi if you would like to participate.