My Blog
Meet Empowering Fit Mom & Photographer for hire, Michele Neal Celentano
Michele Neal Celentano is one of my people! By that, I mean that she is an energetic Fit Mom who’s under 5 feet! She is petite, generous, warm, and incredibly passionate in all that she does. Family is her priority and she absolutely drives to be the best model for her children, both in fitness and spirit. Her work repertoire includes her photography and seminar businesses, and she is absolutely dynamite with the way she manages her career, while keeping her family and fitness at the forefront of her days. We all know what a challenge that juggling act can be, yet, Michele does it with grace and smiles pretty much all the time. I have to say that her generous spirit is one in a million, as you don’t often meet people with this disposition who are so genuine. I am really grateful to have gotten to share her story, her fitness habits, and her wonderful energy with all the Fit Moms who keep up with the Empowering Fit Moms blog.
AmericasHottestFitMoms.com is where I originally met Michele, and that’s where all us Fit Moms and aspiring Fit Moms come together to exchange ideas, fitness routines, fitness recipes, and of course, Mom support (because Moms need it!). As a Fit Mom & a friend, Michele has been an absolute joy to have in the group. She has been an incredible inspiration and brings to us the constant uplifting of her good spirits. Michele exudes radiance, strength and fun in all her interactions with the group, and we are very happy to have her there. I’ve been so impressed with her spirit that I just had to feature her here. So, get to know her yourself, and meet her at the group to learn more (www.AmericasHottestFitMoms.com). Everyone, meet Michele…What is your former weight?
Depending on the time in my life my weight has fluctuated. I gained 70 pounds while pregnant with my daughter 12 years ago. When I married my husband 3 years ago I weighed 150 pounds. (I’m 4′ 11″ so 150 is not good at all)
Bodyfat?
I’m sure my body fat was >30%
Your current weight?
My current weight is 115
Bodyfat?
At last check before the March show I weighed 109lbs and my body fat was 14%
What inspired your track from fat to fit? What made you want to be a Fit Mom?
After injuring my calf 2 weeks before I was running a marathon. My trainer’s wife and client mentioned competing in show. My first reaction to her was “you are crazy, that is not for me”. The idea was in my head and after thinking about it some more I finally thought – “why not?” Could I do it? Would I have the discipline? Watching the transformation was quite addicting. I really began to see what could happen to the body if we gave it the best nutrition and pushed the limits in the gym. I also realized that I could manage depression with nutrition and exercise. Once I started training I felt amazing physically and mentally.
Please tell us a story that you recall being really down on yourself for when you were fat?
I have suffered from clinical depression since I was a child. There have been times when the depression has lead to emotional eating and then weight gain. Having guilt after an emotional eating binge is overwhelming. At some points I was wondering where my control was. That is a pretty low point.
Please tell us a story that you recall being really proud of yourself for when you started getting fit?
Seeing the changes in my mind and body is truly a rush. To some degree feeling good goes beyond looking good. The great arms and abs became a bonus to how I felt. I have to say standing on stage is a proud moment knowing all the work I put into being up there.
What makes you wake up with the intention of being a Fit Mom more each day?
My health, my sanity- Wanting to be an example of what truly healthy is to my daughter and everyone around me.
What do your children think about your progress as a Fit Mom, and how has your weightloss affected them?
I think I can say that training makes me a better mom and wife. It starts with how you feel about yourself. When you feel strong and healthy you are better able to take care of those around you. When you are fit and healthy you have more energy for your kids. My 11 year old daughter thinks it’s cool. She sees it as a competitive sport. You have to understand that this 11 year old girl plays tackle football and is the only girl on the team.
What are your favorite Fit Mom exercises to do in the gym? outdoors? with your children/grandchildren (adults or kids)?
I have to say my favorite workouts are… back, shoulders and arms. I love working shoulders…. With my daughter I will run and she rides her bike. It is also fun to throw the football around with her.
What’s your Fit Mom protein/carb/fat ratio per meal on average?
I have to say I don’t really keep track of my ratios as much as I do my calorie intake. I make sure to get protein in with every meal. I stay away from any processed breads, rice, protein bars…. I really try to keep my diet as unprocessed as possible. My new addiction is my juicer. I love fresh veggie juices blended with a scoop of vanilla protein.
What’s your favorite Fit Mom snack?
Protein PB balls, fruit. I also make a protein all natural peanut and almond butter bar. My husband is not a great eater and I’m always finding him eating my clean snacks.
Who has inspired you most in your journey?
My trainers wife Laura Rogers (she is also a trainer and owner of SWEAT gym) Tosca Rena – I think I have all of her books.
How do you hope to inspire others through your journey- what’s your Fit Mom Mission?
I have been a professional photographer for nearly 25 years. Fitness and nutrition have become my new passion. I am already a certified TRX instructor and I am working on my ACE certification for personal training. After that I am planning on getting the next certification through ACE for certified weight management and lifestyle coach. The obesity problem needs attention. As whole this generation and the next are killing themselves with food and lack of exercise. I firmly believe we can change the face of health care in this country if we only understood that health care starts in the kitchen and we are all responsible for our own health. We can’t continue to abuse our bodies and then expect the government and the health care system to fix it. It the people with the most self inflicted health issues that complain about the cost of health care. That’s a problem! (Oops – sorry, I got on my passionate soap box.)
I have been a public speaker in the photography industry for more than 12 years. I teach photography internationally and I am a spokesperson for Canon USA. I would love to take the public speaking experience I have and use it in the fitness industry to teach and inspire people on the benefits of health and fitness.
Additionally, please include any testimony facts that you feel will inspire our readers, from start to finish on your path to fitness.
Your health and your body are in your hands. Take the time to take care of yourself, make the time, make the effort…. Grow old gracefully, healthy, fit and strong.
