Stacy Moutafis on Physical Setbacks and Fitness Goals

CrowdInk had the opportunity to sit down (virtually) with Stacy Moutafis, author of The Bridal Body book and personal fitness trainer. She talks about overcoming a major physical setback to meet her own fitness goals, the number one thing you can do to get the ultimate bridal body, and the importance of prenatal fitness.

CrowdInk: Tell us about yourself. How did you get started and become a fitness competitor? What was your inspiration?

Stacy Moutafis: My work ethic stems from my hard-working immigrant family. My love of athletics comes from my father, a professional soccer player and coach. As a child growing up on the East End of Long Island, New York, I pretty much played every sport and was a competitive high school cheerleader. I enjoyed being an athlete, and fitness was always an interest of mine; so imagine how devastating it was when I was diagnosed with a giant cell tumor in my leg at just eighteen years old.       

I had to give up the sports I loved to spend three years recovering from seven reconstructive knee surgeries. If it weren’t for Dr. Samuel Kenan at the Hospital for Joint Diseases in Manhattan, I could have lost my leg. Dr. Kenan did a femur reconstruction. I was told that most of my range of motion and abilities would be forever limited, if not totally gone. Needless to say, I was depressed, hopeless and of course in a lot of pain for three years. Rehabilitation was a major turning point in my life. I began to really understand just how important exercise and muscular development truly were. This realization inspired me to become a personal trainer and therapist, and lit a fire in me to want to help others. Nothing gives me more fulfillment than watching my clients progress and feel better—especially those like me, who were counted out of the game.

As my body strengthened, I wanted to take my own personal fitness journey further. I began competing as a figure and fitness athlete, performing on a national stage. For someone considered “legally disabled” just a few years prior, it was to the amazement of many that I became a Top 5 National Level Competitor and competed in the industry for an unprecedented thirteen years. Some say it was my determination or competitive spirit; I say it was my love of fitness and my obligation to inspire every single person who felt like they were in some way impaired.

I am certified to work with both amateur and professional athletes of all ages. I’ve trained everyone from television and radio personalities to pageant contenders, police officers, the U.S. military, and, of course, brides-to-be.

As a mother of two young girls, my goal is to inspire not only my children, but all children, to develop healthy habits from an early age. I am especially passionate about working with families, and I also specialize in prenatal fitness.

CI: Tell us about your book, The Bridal Body Book. What is your best tip in the book? Where can people get copies?

SM: The Bridal Body book came about when I was training local television personality and news 12 anchor Elisa DiStefano for her wedding.  She wanted the ultimate bridal body and then The Bridal Body book was born.  We know that so many women are under stress and pressure to look their best for their wedding.

My best tip in the book: Learn how to exercise in your target heart rate zone.  Many people don’t know much about that and I explain the importance of it in this book. 

CI: What’s your number one tip for people to live a healthier/fitter life?

SM: My number one tip for living a healthier/fitter life is to eliminate processed foods. The fewer the ingredients, the better the product.

CI: How are you challenging conventional wisdom?

SM: I am not your cookie-cutter trainer.  I am very specific to each of my clients – training each individual to his or her needs, body structure, lifestyle, and goals.  

CI: What’s your favourite pasttime activity?

SM: My favorite pasttime activity is spending quality time with my 2 beautiful daughters. 

Check out Stacy Moutafis’ blog here.