Interview with Margaret Petrozzo
Ms. World Physique - November 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
At the age of Margaret Petrozzo is truly an inspiration. To be the age that she is and look as great as she does just proves that you can do it, too! I can understand how she won our fitness contest, Ms. World Physique. She is a great example of what staying fit can do for a person.
She has been working out for the past 23 years and has been running consistently for years. In addition, she uses free weights to keep herself toned and for bone health. She has been interested in health and wellness for many years, since she studied nursing.
She is a registered nurse by profession and a Certified Personal Trainer. She is very self-disciplined and self-motivating. She loves to encourage others in a positive way.
"I feel that I am a role model for others that want to get into shape. It can be done at any age. It just takes encouragement and some discipline, which I hope will make a difference to the readers."
WP: What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
My stepping stone to get where I am today has been my own self-discipline and belief in myself. I have great faith in my Lord Jesus, whom has gifted and guided me every step of my journey, and who has given me strength through the times in my life when I needed it most.
WP: Where do you reside?
I reside in a small town; Bernardsville, New Jersey.
WP: Other than working out, what other activities have you done?
I played softball when I was a young girl and I received the Most Valuable Player award and will never forget how much that meant to me.
I also play tennis and golf for fun and leisure. I love the beauty of horses. I have also enjoyed riding horses and taking some lessons.
I enjoy cycling also, something that can be done in the great outdoors. I love the feeling of being connected to the universe, outside when exercising.
WP: So, you started out very young staying active. Tell me about your family.
My family means everything to me. My husband is a wonderful and giving man. We are married 26 years and just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. We enjoy each other’s company and go out and have fun together on dates. My eldest daughter, Christine, is 25 years old and is living in the city, where she is Editor. My daughter, Ally, is 23 years old and she resides in Florida, where she attending her last year of college, studying education, and wanting to pursue a Masters in guidance counseling. My son, James, is 20 years old and he attends college and has excellent work ethics. His most admirable trait is kindness. He won the humanitarian award in 3rd grade for his kindness to others. He has a heart of gold. I am so proud of all my children.
WP: What has winning Ms. World Physique taught you?
At age 53 and winning the World Physique Modeling Contest, it is never too late to pursue the things in life that you always wanted for yourself.
WP: What an amazing statement! What was the hardest thing for you to overcome?
Just having the faith in myself that I can do it! It does not matter how old you are. It is your determination and passion that should motivate you.
WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
I have always been aware of nutrition and have stayed on a pretty good diet; such as eating foods that are organic and non-processed foods. I think the hardest thing for me is portion control! I love food, and wholesome food at that!
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you are today?
Having a professional and a respectful sense of yourself and just having fun being yourself.
WP: What accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.
Well, as far as titles are concerned, being a mother is my major accomplishment! Raising 3 wonderful young adults is the best thing I could have done in my life.
WP: Yes, that is probably the greatest accomplishment of all. Go on! I know there’s more.
Ok. When I passed my Nursing State Board exam; that was a major accomplishment for me too! Becoming a Certified Fitness Trainer was another accomplishment, which filled me with joy! I’m celebrating my 26th year wedding anniversary and that is an accomplishment in this day and age! Winning the WPM modeling contest for November was an exciting and proud moment for me, as well!
WP: Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
In 10 years from now, I will be 63 years old. I would hope to be healthy and fit, enjoying life's journey, spending time with my loved ones by the beach. I want to stay as active as possible, maybe cycling along the coastal waterways. I would hope to be traveling and enjoying this beautiful world. I would love to travel to Italy one day and research my family heritage.
I would also like to have more time to give back to society in service and help those that are less fortunate and suffering from any disability. There is a place in my heart for those with mental illness, and for those suffering with terminal illnesses, hoping to bring a smile to their face, and be an advocate for them.
I would hope to inspire other women that they can achieve a goal if they are diligent and passionate about anything they want to achieve, and that age is only a number.
WP: What supplements do you currently take?
I take vitamin C, Omega 3, B vitamins, antioxidant and Whey Protein.
WP: What are your pet peeves?
I have a couple of pet peeves. I am very particular when it comes to cleanliness and odors really bother me. There is no reason not to keep yourself clean and neat.
Another pet peeve is people that are negative. There has to be something positive in everyone's life. Looking at the bright side is something my mother always made me aware of.
Rudeness, in any way, is a pet peeve of mine, as well. There is no reason to be rude or unkind. People that do not try hard enough; those that just expect, is another pet peeve.
WP: What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
Giving my children a sense of values and the importance of love in our family is of great value to me. Raising my family with traditions past on, teaching them to have faith in themselves and that they should always be grateful for the blessings in their lives, and always give back to society in service.
WP: How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff! Let your dreams and aspirations take you to where you are meant to be, because we are all meant to follow our heart and life passions, and to have an amazing life.
WP: Any shout outs?
I want to shout out to all of my friends and family that have encouraged and supported me. Also, I want to shout out to John, Tani, Bob and Chris - the A team.
WP: Give me an example of your workout.
I do 30 minutes of cardio, then, for example, I will do shoulders and abdominals. I will do exercises such as the barbell cling and press, lateral raises, dumbbell shrugs, upright rows, reverse curls, crunches, and oblique twists.
On another day, I will work my leg. I will do 30 minutes of cardio, squats, dead lifts, step-ups, pendulum lunges, and walking lunges.
WP: Give me an example of your diet.
Breakfast: 1 egg with 2 egg whites, 1/2 cup fruit, and 1/2 cup oatmeal.
Lunch: Greek yogurt and fruit or spinach salad, with tomatoes and cucumbers and sliced chicken, or turkey.
Snack: Almonds, or hummus, and vegetables.
Dinner: Fish, chicken, or lean beef with lots of vegetables, and brown rice.
Snack: Protein drink or celery with peanut butter.
WP: Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
I would like to thank you, Tammy, from the core of my heart for having faith in me. You are one special lady that has taught me more than you can imagine, in life's possibilities, and that dreams really do come to true.
WP: Margaret, you have been such a pleasure to get to know. You are not only an inspiration to many but, you also inspire me to be the best I can be. It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
