Our exclusive interview with best-selling author, working mom and celebrity fitness trainer creator of several high popular fitness and nutrition programs including her #1 work program 21 Day Fix and her best selling cook book Fixate the talented and gorgeous Autumn Calabese.
Hi Autumn please tell us a little about you?
Im a 37 year old mom to the coolest 9 year old (Dominic) ever. I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, but have lived in California for the last 15 years, this is home for sure. I love to dance, it was my major in college. Ive been a personal trainer for 12 years and a Beachbody super trainer for the last 4.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, loyal, caring
Who is your biggest supporter?
When it comes to my work its my CEO. He gives me the freedom to create, to be ambitious about how I help people and to put out the best products possible.
How did you get started in the industry?
Getting into the fitness industry really seemed from my dance background. I taught dance in college, I loved getting to help people, to teach and be a positive role model. After coming to California and pursuing dance and acting I knew I was ready for a change. I decided I wanted to help people again. I got my first personal training certification from NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). It all snowballed into something amazing from there.
Best advice ever given?
Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. My dad.
How did you find out about Beachbody and start working with them?
I had known about Beachbody for years. I remember watching the P90x infomercial and saying to my friend how do you get to be Tony Horton? Thats what I want to do. 10 years later it happened for me. Beachbody actually found me. I had released a portion control system that I called Change My Plate. A client of mine past it on to a friend of hers who past it on to Beachbody. I got a call a few days later to come in for a meeting. It was a process that took a few months but that meeting was the start to a dream coming true.
Tell us about your successful “80 Day Obsession” workout?
This is a brand-new program, the first of its kind. We filmed it in real time meaning we filmed 6 days a week for 13 weeks straight. There are 3 phases to the program that are each a month long and then there is peak week. Each phase has 6 workout types including, Total Body Core, Cardio Core, Booty, Legs, Cardio Flow and AAA (arms, abs and a$$). Each week these workouts change, different reps, different number of sets, different weights so there are 80 different workouts. We use dumbbells, resistance loops and strength slides to totally transform the body. This combined with my timed nutrition makes it an incredibly effective program to see amazing results.
And about 21 Day Fix?
21 Day Fix was my first program with Beachbody and a huge hit. This is a three week program that pairs simple fitness with simple nutrition for fast results. 21 Day Fix was the first time I introduced my color coded portion control system to the world. It has been a huge teacher for people to understand that they don’t have to deprive themselves they can eat the foods they love in the proper portion and still lose weight and be healthy. The workouts are 30 minutes in length, they have a modifier and anyone can do them.
Who is your ideal target client with this kind of workouts?
With 80 Day Obsession its geared toward people with a base line of fitness who are looking to take their results to the next level. However weve had people of every size, shape and fitness level using the program and seeing fantastic results from it.
What is your workout routine these days?
Right now Im taking a group of 40,000+ through 80 Day Obsession via a private group on Facebook so I am doing the 80 Day Obsession workouts.
Which workout you recommend for people who are starting in this 2018?
If someone is new to fitness I would recommend starting with 21 Day Fix. Its designed for people who are new to exercise or haven’t done it in a while. The nutrition is a big part of the program and a big part of any healthy lifestyle so getting familiar with my color coded portion control containers in 21 Day Fix is a good idea before moving on to something like 80 Day Obsession.
What keeps you motivated to keep training hard and eating right?
I really enjoy it. I like being active, it feels good to be healthy but also its important to me to be an example to the people who follow me. To show them that being healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. My son is also a huge inspiration. He’s incredibly active, I want to be able to keep up with him and I want to show him what it means to lead a healthy life.
What other projects have you been part of?
My other programs are 21 Day Fix Extreme, The Masters Hammer and Chisel, and Country Heat. I also have a cook book called Fixate along with a cooking show (co-hosted with my brother Bobby, he’s a chef). The cooking show is also called Fixate.
What’s next for Autumn Calabrese?
My brother and I are currently in the process of opening up a healthy restaurant in Woodland Hills California.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
I really like Sandra Bullock. She’s versatile, fun to watch and seems down to earth.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
My phone, Burts Beeswax chapstick and a bottle of water
What music do you like?
I like everything but Im a huge fan of country and old school hip hop
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Sleep in, get my workout in, play at the beach and then relaxing with pizza and wine.
How’s a normal day in your life?
Ha! There’s no such thing. Every day is totally different. There are two things that are consistent. I get my son ready for school, have breakfast with him and get him out the door then I get my workout in. From there anything goes. I could be filming workouts, shooting my cooking show, heading to Santa Monica for meetings at the office, doing interviews, working with my stylist to design new apparel. Every day really is different.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruit, all fruit. Some people give it a bad rap because of sugar but fruit, in the right portion size and the proper amount is good for you and full of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. Plus I love how refreshing it is.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza and wine
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still putting out fitness and nutrient programs that help people lead healthier lives. My restaurant with my brother thriving and continuing to enjoy the life Ive worked hard to build. Im very happy doing what Im doing, I love to work so doing more of what I love would be great.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I support IJM (International Justice Mission) and No Kid Hungry and Baby 2 Baby. There are many other charities I’ve supported over the years but these are the 3 I’ve supported the most.
Where can we follow you?
Im on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @autumncalaberse
Favorite Music: I listen to country music the most
Quote: Life is 10% what happens to you and 90 % how you react to it.
Holiday: Thanksgiving because its all about family and food and hasn’t been overly commercialized.
Photo Credit: Autumn Calabrese, Beachbody Super Trainer and creator of 80 Day Obsession – beachbody.com / autumncalabrese.com
