Meet Cara
A two-time Golden Gloves winner who once ranked as the #2 boxer in nation by USA Boxing, Cara Castronuova is a certified trainer whose passion for boxing and being fit began very early in her childhood. She and trainer Brett Hoebel join the Biggest Loser family in this, our 11th season.
Recently I asked Cara a few questions about her background and motivations.
What is your training/exercise philosophy?
My philosophy is to train hard and push yourself mentally and physically - and to know no limitations. Limitation is a word I have deleted from my vocabulary.
What led you to become a personal trainer?
My passion to help fight obesity.
How do you keep yourself up to date with the latest/greatest advances, techniques, research and trends in the fitness industry?
I love to take classes, work and collaborate with other trainers, and try new things out so I constantly evolve and get better.
What's your greatest strength? What's your greatest weakness?
My greatest strength is my mental fortitude and perseverance. My greatest weakness is New York pizza.
What's your biggest struggle with motivation?
To truly help a person, they have to first want to help themselves. You can't force them to want to get better. It's a hard pill to swallow as a fitness trainer when you have the true desire to help a person but they don't have the same desire for themselves.
Have you ever been overweight?
No - but I work hard day in and day out to maintain a healthy weight by working out, eating healthy food, and taking care of my body.
How do you deal with failure/disappointment?
Adversity and failure are like medicine to my soul - they make me stronger and drive me to fight harder.
What's your biggest goal/wish for the contestants?
I want them to leave the ranch and live amazing healthy lives - and to never forget how strong they are. If they get knocked down, I hope they've learned to get right back up and fight even harder - no matter what.
Anything else you'd like people to know about you?
I do 100 push-ups every day.
For more recipes, nutrition and weight loss secrets, read
Cheryl's blog.
