Shannon Petralito - Mrs. Figure Universe 2011

WPM's Competitor of the Month - August 2011





Interviewed by: Mike Hall
Nominated by: Christopher Petralito


Shannon Petralito, who at 35 years old, just recently won the title of Mrs. Figure Universe 2011 at the Fitness Universe Show in Miami this past June. Shannon has also won the title of Mrs. Figure New England at the Fitness New England Championships in 2010.

This is only her second season competing and she has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. “It amazes me, since I met Shannon, everything that she sets her mind to, she achieves with greatness. I know that this is only the beginning of a great career in fitness for her”, says her husband Christopher Petralito, whom nominated Shannon for this title.

Shannon is hoping to expand her career in the fitness industry. She is also a personal trainer and nutritional consultant, PBO fitness model and member of Cathy Savage Fitness.

“Shannon is a role model to many of the women in our town. I have seen how women stop her while we are out and ask her what she does to look the way she does. When they find out how old she is, they are amazed. Shannon is down to earth and always takes the time to answer their questions. By nominating her, I hope that you will choose her to be a role model to the many other women who are busy moms that may feel they have lost themselves. Sometimes reading about those in a situation similar to your own makes you realize you’re not alone and you, too, can achieve greatness”, says Christopher.

Let us introduce to you Shannon Petralito, our August “Competitor of the Month” and Mrs. Figure Universe!

"...It's really quite funny but growing up, I despised gym class and sports. I remember always having my grandmother write the gym teacher notes to excuse me from class, week after week there was a different excuse from "she stubbed her toe" to "she has an ingrown toenail". Now I enjoy running, cycling, obviously exercise is a huge hobby of mine, yoga, I like to fish, reading, spending quality time with my husband and my son and just relaxing at the beach with a book."

WP: Shannon, welcome! To begin with, could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Thank you! My name is Shannon Petralito. I am 35 years young. I was born in New Jersey in April of 1976. I am, without a doubt, an Aries! I am full of energy, very determined & competitive; I always strive to be the best at whatever I do. I am hard working, very loyal & I am a total romantic! I love house/trance music and I love to dance!

I am a very happy and very positive person and I honestly believe that what & who you surround yourself with on a daily basis is what you attract into your life, so I choose to surround myself with positive and happy people. I have no time for negativity! I love living a healthy lifestyle, it has become a part of who I am and I am passionate about it!

I moved to Massachusetts in 1994 to attend college. I graduated the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor of Science. I also attended Northeastern University and received my Paralegal degree. I recently have been certified through the ISSA as a personal trainer and I will soon be working on my Sports Nutrition certification. Helping others learn the importance of proper nutrition and exercise is a passion of mine, so I will continue to build upon my education in this field of study.

I am the oldest of three; I have a sister named Michele & a brother named Sean. We all come from a family of an Irish, Italian, and German & Polish decent. Quite a mix, I know. I am a wife to my amazing husband, Chris, and a mother to my beautiful son, Anthony. They are everything to me and I thank God everyday for bringing them into my life.

WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

My stepping stone to help me reach this point of my fitness career has been Cathy Savage Fitness & Perfect Body Online. About two years ago, I attended Camp Savage in Boston wanting to learn all that I could about becoming a successful figure competitor and fitness model. These two organizations have taught me how to become a well rounded, successful & respected in the fitness industry. For anyone new to the fitness industry, I would highly suggest looking into getting to know all you can about these two organizations. There is so much more to both of them than learning how to model and compete. Over the past two years they have taught me to believe in myself and that it is o.k. to love myself and pursue all of my dreams. I am a stronger and better woman since meeting all of them. They truly want you to be the best person you can be, who you were meant to be! They are my second family.

WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique?

As a fitness model and competitor, it is important to maintain my physique year round by making healthy choices and getting the proper amount of exercise. I try and stay within five to seven pounds of my competition weight, so I am always ready if I am needed for a photo shoot or any modeling work. This is a healthy approach to take, that way, I do not fall victim to my weight fluctuating drastically. Because fitness is my passion, eating healthy and exercising are a big part of my life and I do not consider it “work” or “dieting” to maintain my physique. I love what I do!

WP: You have done very well competing. Can you tell me more about it?

I began competing in 2009, with my first show being NPC Atlantic States. I had no idea what I was doing, but I had decided that I wanted to try it and I was hooked! This is when I decided to find out where the best place to learn and become a successful competitor was and I signed up for Camp Savage that winter.

The 2010 season proved to be a very successful one for me, winning the overall at the Figure New England Championships (Fitness America Pageants), winning my class at the Jay Cutler Classic in Boston (NPC) and placing top 5 at Figure Universe in Miami! After this amazing season, I began to really think of the possibilities that lie ahead for me.

Now for the 2011 season, it just keeps getting better. I was the Figure Classic Winner and Bikini Classic 3rd Place winner at the Fitness New England Championships (Fitness America Pageant).

This past June was my biggest thrill yet. I competed in Figure Universe and won the world title of Mrs. Figure Universe! I also placed 5th in Bikini Classic. This was an amazing moment for me that I will cherish forever! I am both honored and grateful to have been given this title. Many competitors dream of that moment and I was blessed to have been given the chance to experience it.

WP: Are you planning to compete again in the future?

I will be competing in my final show of the 2011 season at the Fitness America Championships in Las Vegas this November. As for 2012, I have my sights set on competing with the WBFF in Figure. I hear so many great things about this federation and I cannot wait to experience it next season!

WP: What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

Oh boy, I think my coaches will back me up on this one. My posing and stage presentation were in need of serious improvement until this season and I still need improvement, but I am a heck of a lot better than I was. I was not able to “let myself go” and just have fun on stage until this year. Let me tell you, it makes a world of a difference in your appearance when you are comfortable and know what you’re doing when you are up on that stage! Practice, Practice, Practice!

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

The hardest thing for me is the time right after a show, when you begin to put on your “healthy and realistic” weight. I really like the lean muscular look of being a figure girl and sometimes my head plays games with me. I had a hard time this past winter in my off-season, when I had put on some weight in order to build muscle for the 2011 season. I was not used to looking thicker. I have since realized that it is important as a figure athlete to feed your body the proper foods at the right times in order to make gains.

WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

I train hard and I don't mess around when I am at the gym; I put on my music and get into my zone and go. When I am tired I go anyway, when I want to skip that last rep I think of the girls who will be standing next to me when I'm up on that stage who probably did that last rep, so I do the last one; plus a few more. When I want something bad enough I go full force and I don't stop until I achieve my goals.

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

At one point in time, I was a cardio girl only. I was the typical girl who was afraid to lift weight, because I thought I would look “too big”. Since I began competing, I have learned to balance weights and cardio to get an overall lean and toned physique. Each year I learn more about my body and the areas that need improvement, so my training changes according to those factors as well. I lift heavier than I ever have before, I am the strongest I have ever been and I am the best conditioned I have ever been. I can't wait to see what next season has to offer.

WP: Are you doing any expo work? If so, please tell me about it.

I have worked with Egg Whites International at the Arnold this past March and at the Europa this past July. I will be working as a spokes model this September at the Olympia for FitTrim Weight Loss Water.

WP: That sounds exciting! What supplements do you currently take?

Most of my nutrition is food based, although I am a fan of Bpi products, 1MR and Super Pro. I also like to have a SPIKE before a HIIT cardio session.

I also use Universal beef aminos, Vitamin Shoppe brand Glutamine, Glucosamine and Scivation Xtend.

I also take a food based multi-vitamin, vitamin D, vitamin C, probiotic and fish oil.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

My pet peeves are: retentious people, fake people, selfishness and negativity.

WP: What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

I definitely consider close friends and family to be some of the most important things in life. No matter what you accomplish as a person, no matter what great experiences you have, if you do not have the love and support of family and friends the journey will surely feel alone. I am so thankful to have my husband, my son, my family, friends and coaches to share this amazing time with me. It makes it so much more meaningful to have their unconditional love and never ending support.

WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

About three years ago, I was going through a tough time and I discovered a book called, “The Secret”. After reading this book, my thought process and outlook on life had changed. I have learned to wake up each day and be thankful for what God has given me. I try very hard to not concentrate on what I do not have. I believe that God has a plan for all of us, we do not need to know all of the details of that plan, we just need to trust and have faith that we will get where we are supposed to be when the time is right. I live with love, happiness and positivity and surround myself with the same. By doing this, I know I will attract more of the same into my life. It isn't always easy, but it works. This past year, I even made a vision board and I put all of my dreams and goals on it. I am amazed at how this is all unfolding right before my eyes; it is in fact true that what you think about you bring about!

WP: Any shout outs?

First and foremost, I want to say what an amazing and supportive man my husband Chris is! This has been a team effort from day one. I love you baby and I am so happy to have you to share this amazing journey with!

Cathy Savage Fitness, especially Cathy & my Coach Lauren, this is an amazing sisterhood that I am so lucky to be part of! Thank you for your friendships and your support! I love you! Thank you for your expertise in the training and nutrition that have helped me achieve my fitness goals. This is only the beginning for us!

Perfect Body Online, thank you to Lindsay Messina and your amazing staff! You have taught me so much these past couple of years about how to become a well respected fitness model! Who better to learn from than the queen of class? I love you and I appreciate everything you do.

Dave Lyford, thank you for your expertise in the fine tuning of my nutrition. Dave is a great guy who is excellent at what he does!

Picture of Shannon with her trophy. More interview below picture


WP: Give me an example of your workout.

I am always mixing things up with my workouts so I don't get bored and to keep my body guessing. The following is an example of a Quad/Leg workout that was written up for me by my coaches:

Wide Feet Leg Press: 4x15
Single Leg Press Each Leg: 4x15
Calf Press: 4x15

Leg Extensions toes in: 3x15
Leg Extensions toes out: 3x15
Jump Squats: 3x15

BB Squats with heels on plate/balancing on toes: 3x25
Reverse alternating lunges with BB: 3x25

WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

I eat 6 times a day and drink a gallon of water a day. My diet consists of 4-5 oz. of lean proteins; mainly egg whites, chicken, fish or lean beef, carbohydrates consist of half cup or fourth cup of sweet potato, brown rice or oatmeal; depending upon off-season or on-season, fourth cup of various fruits and healthy fats consist of almonds, flax oil, almond butter and extra virgin olive oil.

I am a huge fan of Tosca Reno's Eat Clean Cookbooks & recipes from another national magazine. I use so many of these recipes to keep from getting bored with my diet.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

I am currently working on building my Personal Training Business, “Team Petralito Personal Training”, and getting my community more active by holding fitness/nutrition workshops to help people live healthier lives. I really believe that if we educate parents to eat healthy and exercise it becomes a part of the home and like magic the children will follow, hence less obesity in our children! One of my biggest dreams/goals is to own my own fitness studio.

WP: What other sports or activities do you enjoy?

It's really quite funny but growing up, I despised gym class and sports. I remember always having my grandmother write the gym teacher notes to excuse me from class, week after week there was a different excuse from “she stubbed her toe” to “she has an ingrown toenail”. Ha-ha! Now I enjoy running, cycling, obviously exercise is a huge hobby of mine, yoga, I like to fish, reading, spending quality time with my husband and my son and just relaxing at the beach with a book.

WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?

I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to give readers a chance to get to know me and for choosing me as your Competitor of the Month. I am honored to be part of your magazine and I hope to work with you again in the future.

WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!