Sisters are doing it for themselves: Christine Marrone

Welcome to the first article in a brand new series where we give respect to all those women out there training in gyms who, although they workout regularly and intensely, have either retired from competition or opted not to compete at all.

Let's face it we have all encountered women in the gym who look like competitive athletes but who have either not set foot on a contest stage or who have chosen to leave the competitive arena for various reasons. Does this make their efforts less noteworthy? Hell no…and that is why I am going to give them some much needed respect!

Kicking off this series is Christine Marrone who I see working out just as hard as any competitive athlete every time I am at 'Complete Body and Spa' on Manhattan's 19st. In fact when I first met her I felt sure she was a figure or bodybuilding competitor. Turns out, Christine has a long history as far as working out in the gym is concerned and even worked as a personal trainer for a number of years.

Looking at the pictures here I am sure you will agree that she would do pretty well on the contest stage or as a fitness model (something she may still entertain given the right offer). So if you can distract yourself from the pics for just a moment, let's take a little time to discover more about Ms Marrone...

First of all, I believe you have been working out ever since your pre teen years, what was it about training with weights that appealed to you and, at that age how did you even find out about such a pursuit?

"I had a friend who took me to her local gym when I would visit her on Long Island and one night I said wow, if I ever had those machines I would have legs out to here! That was my first experience working with weights and I loved it. I guess I was addicted from the start!"

Moving forward, at 15 you got your mother to sign you up at Lucille Roberts, the inevitable question here is how did your mother and father respond to this new interest?

"At the time I do not think they realized how much a part of my life this would become and that I wanted to make a career out of it. I guess like most parents they assumed it was just a passing phase so allowed me to get it out of my system in their mind."

Now Lucille Roberts does not exactly have a ‘hardcore reputation' so how long did you last there before feeling the need to move on?

"The truth of the matter is, I originally wanted to join "Powerhouse Gym" but a former boyfriend of mine was not fond of the idea that I wanted a V-shape. So I went to Lucille Robert's for about two years and then the gym burned down so I joined "Powerhouse" after all!"

Where did your education when it comes to training come from?

"From the very beginning I started buying magazines such as "Muscle & Fitness", "Flex", Musclemag", and religiously watched "Body Shaping" and "Kianna's Flex Appeal" on ESPN. I tried out every exercise I could get my hands on and by a process of trial and error I figured out what worked best for my body."

I gather you also became a personal trainer, how long did you do that for?

"Since I was always being approached in the gym for advice, it seemed like the logical step to take to become a personal trainer. I am certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and I was a trainer for about 12 years."

What made you quit the personal training side?

"I truly loved personal training and I would do it full time again if I had the opportunity. Unfortunately, when the economy hit rock bottom I lost many clients and I had to find a more stable form of income."

Have you ever been tempted to compete?

"Yes and No. At one point I was tempted to do a show but now I am at the point where I do not feel like I need to prove anything. I train for myself and I motivate myself."

How many days a week do you train and what motivates you to get into the gym?

"I train 5 days per week no matter what is going on in my life. The rush I get from working out is my constant motivation. I always feel better after a workout. You just can't beat the feeling of accomplishment you get."

What is your regular job and is it easy to fit working out around it?

"I am in the corporate world so the days are definitely long and stressful, but if I did not work out I would be a mess. I always find the time to work out…it keeps me sane!"

How do people generally respond to your physique?

"For the most part I get positive feedback. Some men will say "Wow your arms are bigger than mine!" I get a kick out of it and just take it as a compliment even if they may not mean it that way. I think some men and women are intimidated by females with muscle so I am over trying to please everyone. These days I please no one just myself!"

What is the most frequent misconception about working out that you encounter?

"Most women think that if they so much as look at a weight they will bulk up. I try to educate women on how to train with weights and how building muscle works for you in the long haul, especially when it comes to raising your metabolism and tightening your body."

Has being so attentive to your own physique affected how you judge others? I mean do you tend to date guys that are more muscular and into working out?

"I do catch myself critiquing others by thinking they should work out more, work out differently, etc. As far as dating it does not matter if my boyfriend works out so long as he does not try to change me. It would never happen. I have had some try…and fail!"

What words of encouragement would you offer someone out there who is not thinking of competing but would like to begin working out?

"It is not easy to be so dedicated to working out. Most people make excuses such as they are tired or they do not have time. Also, many people only work out if they have a special event to attend. It is never too late to start a regimen. Start with a few minutes a day and build up from there. Then hire a personal trainer to give you a foundation. Give it time and be consistent and you will get results."

How do you think that working out has impacted your life in general?

"I am confident and happy in my own skin. Training is my therapy. Like I said earlier I would be lost without it. When I am working out I feel powerful and unstoppable."

I am sure there are people out there reading this and looking at your pictures that would say you could easily get into fitness modeling. Is this something that may interest you?

"Yes, I have been told many times I should be a fitness model. If given the opportunity I would go for it. I am certainly open to offers in that respect if anyone wants to contact me."

That being said how can people get in touch with you?

"If anyone would like to contact me they can do so at christinefitness@gmail.com "

Leigh Penman