MusclePapa Presents: IFBB Fitness Pro Natalie Graziano

By John Hawley
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Updated: February 22, 2015

Please share something of your background related to your interest in fitness and this shoot.

I grew up as a gymnast and a cheerleader, which is why I knew that the fitness division was for me. The thing that I love about doing photo shoots is that I get to use the artistry and static poses that set the fitness division apart to bring a uniqueness and artistic perspective to the photos.

Please share with us a bit about your contest history and most memorable show experience.

I did my first show in 2004 and then took a long hiatus in order to go to grad school. I came back in 2011 and have been going strong since. My most memorable show (aside from winning my pro card) would have to be being backstage and watching my friends get their pro cards! We all work so hard for it, and to watch their dreams come true is just as awesome as personally doing well. One show in particular was Team Universe where we went to Times Square and NYC to celebrate.

What motivates and or inspires you to workout, diet and compete in fitness?

Seeing all the women in the Muscle and Fitness Magazines when they would do their fitness Olympia coverage motivated me. I looked up to Timea, Adela, Kelly Ryan, Jen Worth, Jen Henderschott, Susie Currie, and others. Ever since then, I have been motivated and have inspired to reach that Olympia stage. I love that it gives me a chance to use the skills I’ve learned as an athlete previously to challenge myself and continue to grow as an athlete.

Which part do you have the most difficulty with?

It is my biggest hurdle is getting enough sleep.

What is your favorite part of being on stage and how do you feel about being in front of the camera.

I love being able to pick a theme and portray that on stage and in shoots. It’s like perpetual dress up, haha. Performing and being able to convey emotion, a story, and an art is the best thing about being able to step on stage and do photos. The photos are about the physique, but hey can be taken in a way where they present so much more.

What is the most difficult hurdle you see as having overcome that helped you gain focus with fitness and otherwise?

We all have struggles and have to overcome things. I think the biggest for me is that in this industry, your body, your workouts, and your diet are ever changing. To be all right with constant change, evolution, self education, research, and learning is something that takes an open mind. In order to survive in fitness, and the world in general, you have to understand these principles. Once you become stagnant and complacent, you will cease to progress.

What do you think is the most misunderstood part of your lifestyle related to fitness that people need to know?

That I eat very little to lean down for a show. I am a fitness athlete and we need a lot of energy to not only get through workouts, but to get through routine practice. So, I eat quite a bit. It just happens to be healthy, balanced foods, in a set ratio. I discuss my food frequently with my coach and we adjust as we see fit. In my off season I reverse diet to keep my metabolism healthy and high for the next season. There is no point where I am not conscious of my macros, it’s just the numbers and types of foods that change depending on the point of year I am in.

What other sports do you enjoy whether you participate or not?

I enjoy Yoga, cheerleading, gymnastics, college football

Where do you see yourself in the industry a year and five years from now.

I have always aspired to reach that Olympia stage. I hope that in the near future I can reach that level. It is what I have been working for all these years. I hope to be teaching yoga more, training clients more, and, maybe, choreographing more.

Please share anything additional that you’d like people to know about you.

I have my doctorate in Physical Therapy, my master’s in Occupational Therapy, my certification to teach yoga, and am focused on aging studies in undergraduate school. I am originally from Iowa, where my family owns an Italian food specialty store. I have a pug and a boxer/pit bull rescue.

What are your top six favorite workout songs?

I use Slacker radio and these are my top 6 stations when I’m lifting: Halestorm, Five Finger Death Punch, Avenged Sevenfold, Adelita’s Way, Daddy Yankee, and Volbeat

What are your favorite non-athletic activities?

I enjoy crocheting, crafts, and cooking

Please share with us the names of a few of your favorite movies or genres of movies.

I like anything medical, funny, witty, or kids animation, with the occasional Nicholas Sparks mushy movie