
ELLEBEING: Pamela, you are in such awesome shape! Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into fitness and personal training?
PAMELA: I left my job as a director of communications after realizing how unhappy I was in that job. I didn't want another stressful desk job so I decided to follow my passion...fitness. I've always been an athlete and wanted to share my knowledge and passion. Also, it's very hard to have a full time job and be a mom if you truly want to have a solid connection with your child. But studying to be a personal trainer and passing the exam is no joke. This has been my most rewarding job ever.
ELLEBEING: How often do you recommend to your clients to work out?
PAMELA: I think people should move their bodies every day. That doesn't mean do a hard core workout every day, though. Some days are just meant for walking or taking the stairs. But a solid workout that incorporates weights and gets your heart rate up is necessary at least three days a week.
ELLEBEING: Good to know -- three days is manageable! What are the best exercises to burn fat and tone up?
PAMELA: People make the mistake of only running or getting on an elliptical. Weights burn more calories and build lean muscle mass.
ELLEBEING: I am guilty of this mistake. I am always trying to remember to incorporate more weights! How heavy should the weights be without bulking up?
PAMELA: It's hard for a woman to bulk up unless she's taking a lot of supplements AND lifting very heavy. I encourage my female clients to try to use heavier weights than they are used to. You're not going to get a lot of definition with 5 pound weights. If women use 10, 12, 15 and even 20 pound weights, they'll notice some subtle definition and nice curves.
ELLEBEING: What sort of diet do you follow or recommend?
PAMELA: I've never dieted in my life, but I've always eaten clean and healthy. I'm a big proponent of the Mediterranean diet. Think lots of whole foods, fruits and vegetables, complex carbs, and lean protein like fish, chicken and turkey.
ELLEBEING: What's your favorite pre and post workout snack?
PAMELA: It depends on what time of the day I workout. Before a race I need something gentle like oatmeal and fruit. After working out, a good mix of carbs and protein is key. I like plant based protein powders.
ELLEBEING: Me too! I love PlantFusion and usually buy it on Amazon to get it cheaper than Whole Foods. I am going to share a smoothie bowl with this stuff ASAP. Okay, what's your favorite splurge?!
PAMELA: Wine :)
ELLEBEING: Me too. With dark chocolate of course. Cheers! Thanks for the interview, Pamela!