Interview With Jill Gluszek
Inspirational Feature of the Month - May 2010
Interviewed by: Angie Courduff
Angie: Jill Gluszek suffered with body dismorphia as a child and an eating disorder after high school. Through a tremendous support system and finding true fitness, she overcame it all and went on to compete in her first figure competition last year! What is her advice to girls dealing with an eating disorder? Be active, be happy, maintain a balanced diet, and get help! Her story is one of true courage and perseverance.
“It started when I was a small child, maybe 8 years old. I remember crying to my mother because I thought my thighs were fat. I was a very lean child so the problem was in my head, not my weight.”
WP: Hi, Jill! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Tell us about yourself!
JG: Hi Angie! I’m so excited to be given this opportunity! I’m pretty new to the fitness world. The past year has been such a whirlwind! Just one year ago I took my first Zumba Class, now I am certified and teach 9 classes a week! I am AFAA certified in Group Exercise and in Hip Hop Hustle. I recently competed in the Northern States Super Natural show and am currently training for the Iron City Classics show in Pittsburgh.
WP: That is quite a lot to accomplish in just one year! You lead such a fit lifestyle! Were you always so conscious about your health?
JG: No, I wasn’t always conscious about my health; more so, I was self-conscious about my body image. It started when I was a small child, maybe 8 years old. I remember crying to my mother because I thought my thighs were fat. I was a very lean child so the problem was in my head, not my weight. After high school, it got much worse. I started crash dieting, starving myself, binging and purging, and abusing diuretics and laxatives. I would smoke cigarettes and drink black coffee just to keep me going, all for the sake of being thin and looking, what I thought at the time; healthy.
WP: It must’ve been such a difficult thing to deal with, always feeling you weren’t thin enough. What made you want to seek help and change your behavior?
JG: I realized that I wasn’t happy. I knew I was heading down a very dangerous road which could ultimately lead to my demise. I didn’t want to die young. I wanted to be healthy and happy. My boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband, was such an amazing support system for me. He was very knowledgeable with mental illnesses and helped me every step of the way.
Even now, it’s not always easy. I still have days when I feel bad about myself. Sometimes, I have to force myself to eat. However, I’ve found ways to cope. I will go to the gym, or work on another Zumba routine and I will feel so much better.
WP: You are extremely lucky you had someone there to support you and guide you away from your negative self image. What would you want to tell young girls struggling with body image issues of their own?
JG: I want young girls and women out there to know that it is okay to be you and to have imperfections. You do not have to be a size 2 or weight 98 lbs. to be considered healthy or beautiful! People come in all shapes and sizes. The images that are portrayed in fashion magazines and on television are not real. As long as you are moderately active, eating a balanced diet, and, most importantly, happy, then you are on the right track! If you are really struggling with these issues where it has interrupted your life, please seek help before it becomes a dangerous situation.
WP: That is crucial advice and I couldn’t agree with you more on the importance of seeking help. After the birth of your son, you again had some tribulations regarding your weight; what happened in March 2009 that put you on your fitness path?
JG: I was actually online researching “liposuction procedures”. I’ve always had a little belly pooch, even before pregnancy. After reading things about the procedure (sometimes it takes a year to see the full results because of post-op swelling), I figured I could probably get the results faster if I just put enough time and effort into working out. I gave myself a year. If I didn’t get the results I wanted in a year, then I would look into medical procedures. With my hard work, dedication, and perseverance, it took a lot less than a year! I didn’t get the flat, smooth stomach I initially wanted, but I did get a great set of washboard abs in its place!
Angie: If you or someone you know is suffering with an eating disorder, I encourage you to please seek help. For more information on eating disorders and treatment, go to http://www.edtreatmentcenters.com/.
WP: It is so admirable that you chose exercise and hard work over surgery. A lot of women consider liposuction for a quick fat reduction fix, and hopefully your story will empower them to make the same decision you did! And, you recently competed in your first figure competition! Tell us about that experience!
JG: It was AMAZING! At first, I felt so intimidated seeing all these beautiful, toned women in their dazzling posing suits. I didn’t think I stood a chance. I just kept thinking about what my trainer told me: to stay focused on what I needed to do and not worry about anyone else. It turned out that I made a lot of new friends. The women were so nice and helpful. They supported everyone on stage, even in their own class.
I ended up placing second in the Figure Novice A division. It was so surreal! My first show and I won second?! WOW! I still feel like it’s a dream!
WP: Placing second in your first figure competition is quite a feat! How did you prepare for that show? How did your trainer help you?
JG: I started really training for my show 4 months in advance. My trainer is awesome and really kept me on track and motivated. Surprisingly, I did not do a lot of heavy weight lifting. We did more body strength exercises such as squats (Tons of squats) pushups, pull-ups, and planks. I did lift weights, but it was on the lighter side with high reps.
WP: What interested you in competing in the first place?
JG: I’m a natural born competitor. I’ve competed and performed my whole life, mainly in dance. So when I started seeing results a year ago, I needed a big goal to work towards. Originally, I thought I would just train as if I was going to compete but most likely would not. When I mentioned it to my friends, they encouraged me to really go for it. I’m so glad I did!
WP: You have some really smart friends! They realized your potential before you even did! Do you have any advice for first-time competitors?
JG: My advice would be to not psych yourself out when you walk into that pump room and see all the competitors! If you walk in with an attitude that you will be defeated, it will show on stage. Always maintain a positive attitude and never let your ego get bigger than your heart! Most importantly, have fun!
WP: All are great suggestions! Do you have any competitions coming up this year?
JG: I am currently training for the Iron City Classics Show in Pittsburgh, PA. I am also thinking about competing in the Northern States Super Natural this October in Buffalo as it was such an amazing experience the first time.
WP: Are you doing anything different to prepare for the Pittsburgh show?
JG: Not only am I working with my trainer, but I’m working with a figure coach as well. My figure coach has also designed a diet which is much stricter than what I did on my own for the first show. I feel much more confidant this time around knowing what to expect and how my body is going to react to this diet. I am also taking more supplements and lifting heavier to add some bulk and weight.
WP: It is definitely wise to utilize a figure coach. What keeps you motivated?
JG: Looking at myself in the mirror and seeing my transformation and all the obstacles that I have overcome. I have a wonderful support system as well. My family, friends, my Zumba students, they are all so encouraging. I’m very lucky to have such wonderful people in my life!
WP: Can you tell me about your new competition diet? What does your figure coach have you eating in a day?
JG: Right now, I am three weeks out from my show so my diet is very restricted. Today is a 3 carb day. That means I am able to have a carb for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One carb meal consists of one cup of oatmeal, a yam, or brown rice. The way my diet is designed, my carbs get cycled. So, in a few days I will go down to just 2 carbs and then no carbs after that.
Protein is the key to building and maintaining muscle mass. So, I am required to eat at least 25 grams of protein per meal, plus my protein supplements in between meals and before bed. I eat TONS of chicken breasts! The one nice thing about my diet is that it is a free for all with green veggies! I get to have any veggie I want, as long as it’s green!
WP: How does your on-season diet differ from your off-season?
JG: My diet becomes much stricter and very, very repetitive before a competition. Basically, I am just eating for energy, building muscle, and to burn fat. Right now, there is no pleasure in eating. It’s not that I find it repulsive; I just get very bored with it. It’s a trade off. In order to be successful on stage, you need to sacrifice a lot at the dinner table. That’s what makes being a figure competitor so difficult. The training at the gym is the easy part; the diet is extremely difficult to overcome!
WP: What is the hardest thing you have had to deal with when it comes to your diet?
JG: Easter was brutal! I am a chocolate fiend! And I confess: I did eat chocolate and more than my share! If there is chocolate sitting anywhere, unclaimed, I will eat it!
Also, having a four year old in the house makes it tough. I certainly won’t deny him snacks and foods that he likes. So, it’s tough to open the pantry and see all sorts of sugary goodies in there!
WP: I’m telling your trainer! Ha-ha! What supplements do you take? Do you have a favorite product?
JG: I am taking quite a few vitamin supplements right now since I am so restricted with my diet. My favorite product is Xtend by Scivation. I take it prior to a work out and right after a work out. It promotes energy, muscle recovery, and reduces fatigue. It’s a great product and it actually tastes pretty good! My favorite flavor is Watermelon.
WP: What is your weekly training regiment? Can you give me an example workout day?
JG: On Tuesdays, I meet with my trainer while my son is in school. We take about 5 to 10 minutes to warm up the muscles. Since we are focusing on building my upper body, I will start with a set of 20-25 push-ups. From there, we usually head over to the lat pulldown. I’ll do 8 wide grips, 8 close grips, and 8 reverse grips. Then, we’ll usually head back to push ups. Sometimes, I’ll be pumping them out and then my trainer will say, “Ok, on my count now”, and he will count so slow! It can be downright torture!
WP: It sounds grueling, but what a great way to workout! What is your favorite muscle group to work?
JG: I would have to say abs. I guess it’s one of the few times I actually get to lay down during the day! My core has always been a problem area for me, so I love working it and feeling my core grow stronger and stronger.
WP: Ok, time to get personal: Tell me about your family!
JG: My family is amazing! My husband and I are going on our sixth year of marriage. We have an adorable 4 year old son and a cute little Boston Terrier named Frodo.
WP: Great name for your dog! I love it! Your husband is also an avid weight lifter; does he ever double as your workout partner?
JG: I wish! He has been so busy working on his MBA right now. However, he’s been a wonderful guide and teacher. He’s been lifting and reading about bodybuilding since he was a teenager, so he is very knowledgeable. It is nice to have a partner who understands all the demands and sacrifices a competitor must endure. He’s hoping to start training with me soon so we can compete together in the fall!
WP: That is fantastic! It’s wonderful that he takes such an interest in what you do. How do you find time to juggle family, teaching so many Zumba classes and for your own workouts?
JG: My family’s needs always come first. I’m blessed in the fact that I am able to stay at home with my son. He is now in preschool, so during that time I am usually at the gym weight lifting. Even if I have to take him to the gym, they have an excellent child care staff and my son loves going. When my husband comes home from work, I leave to teach my classes. Unfortunately, we don’t see much of each other during the week. When I am teaching Zumba, I am killing two birds with one stone. I get paid to do something I love so much, plus I get my cardio done for the day! So, my weekdays are pretty active. I think it’s important for my son to see me physically active and passionate about what I am doing. He is already anxious for the day when he can lift weights and “get muscles like Daddy”.
WP: A bodybuilder in training! When you actually do have down time, what do you like to do?
JG: I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but I love watching the new 90210 and Melrose Place! I am also an Internet junkie. I love shopping online and chatting with my friends on Facebook!
WP: If you had said the ‘original 90201 and Melrose Place’, I would’ve agreed with you. Who are some of your idols in the fitness industry? Who do you admire most?
JG: Jamie Eason is a huge inspiration for me. Reading her story is truly amazing. She seems so strong both physically and mentally. I would love to meet her someday. And, I have always idolized Kiana Tom. She has accomplished so much in such a short time. I remember the first time I saw her show “Flex Appeal”. I wanted to have a body just like that. I admire both of them. I could not choose between them because they are both just so amazing!
WP: Okay, I will agree with you on that answer! Do you have any projects in the works?
JG: Aside from training for my shows, I am trying to break into the fitness modeling world. For the next several weeks, I have so many photo shoots to get my portfolio together. I am also doing several Zumba fundraisers for the American Cancer Society.
WP: That’s fantastic, and what a great cause! Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?
JG 10 years from now, I hope I am still training for shows and having a successful modeling career in the fitness industry. I also want to continue to volunteer my time to raise money for cancer awareness organizations. Most importantly, I would like to still be happy, healthy, and in top-notch shape!
WP: Any shout outs?
JG: I’d love to shout out to my Zumba students at Fitness 247, Improvement Thru Movement, Galaxy Fitness, and PK Power Fitness. You guys are the greatest! Keep shaking it! Also, my husband Josh, my brother Jason, my best friend Lauren, the staff at Center For Health and Fitness in Belle Vernon, PA, along with so many others. You have all played such an important role in my journey. Thank you all for your ongoing support! I would also like to thank www.topsupplementstore.com for their support and sponsorships. They have great products and great prices!
WP: Thanks again for taking the time for this interview, Jill! It has really been a pleasure! Good luck with the Iron City Classic and in all your future endeavors!
JG: Thank you so much, Angie, for this wonderful opportunity. I really enjoyed this experience and I hope it is something we can repeat!
