Hottest Trainer Contestant #11: Justin Speranza

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It isn't every day that you come across a "smoking hot" (per a reader and fan, who prefers to remain nameless) trainer that's also a classically-trained opera singer. Welcome Justin Speranza! Our number 11 hottest contestant can be found sweating it out at Body Builder's Gym in Silver Lake or at home, playing the piano and working on his vibrato. We found out how he got into this business and took down his weight room tips.

How did you get involved with training?
"I went to college for opera and acting, and was that skinny guy who weighed all of 125 pounds. A professor told me that if I ever wanted to get cast as a lead, I had to gain some weight. When I started lifting, I had no idea what I was doing and my body didn't change. It wasn't until I started eating right and hired a trainer that I started putting on the pounds. I enjoyed the process so much that I started training my friends and that's when I decided that I wanted to do this every day."

What's the hardest thing about the gig?
"Every client has his or her own story and each requires a unique approach. Sometimes it can be quite challenging to get a client to completely surrender to the process and put their trust in you. Training is part physical and part psychological and there are no shortcuts. I reiterate to all my clients that the more committed and open to making changes you are, the better your results will be."

What's the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
"Whether it be weight loss, recovering from an injury, gaining muscle mass or simply improving overall health, it is extremely rewarding when a client reaches a goal. I love helping to facilitate positive change in my clients’ lives. Not only are they getting stronger, fitter and healthier physically, I almost always see dramatic changes in their personal and professional lives as well."

Do you have tips for people who are just starting out?
"I think the best advice for someone just starting out is to take it slow and go easy on the weight. Really focus on correct form and posture and engaging the muscle(s) that you are working. It’s best to build a good foundation first (strong core, good alignment) and then move on to heavier weights and more challenging exercises."

What's the biggest mistake you see clients making?
"Not using the correct weight during resistance training. I often [see] men trying to lift too much weight, whereas women don’t use enough as they are afraid of getting big and bulky. If you pick a weight that allows you to maintain correct form and good posture while still achieving that essential muscle fatigue at the end of your set, then you can’t go wrong."

Is there a secret to having a perfectly-flat stomach?
"The secret is?there’s not much of a secret at all! Although it’s not usually what people want to hear, eating a healthy diet and keeping your body fat percentage low is the only way to get a flat tummy. Core and abdominal work will absolutely help to define the different areas of your stomach, but you won’t see it unless you are committed to a disciplined cardio plan and eating healthy."

Where do you shop for workout gear?
"I love Lacoste athletic pants. They move and breathe and tend to be more fitted and professional than most other brands. In terms of the shirts I wear, I usually keep it pretty simple with a Hanes tank top. If it’s a special occasion, I might sport a 'deep v' from American Apparel!"

What do you like to do when you're not working out?
"Music is a huge part of my life, so when I’m not at the gym I’m either at home tinkering on the piano or serenading my neighbors with a little opera session. Gotta keep the pipes in tip-top shape too!"

Justin trains at Body Builder's Gym in Silver Lake. For more information, click here, call (323) 668-0802 or just send him an email at justinsperanza@gmail.com.
· Body Builder's Gym [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer Entries [Racked]