How/when did you get started in training and living a fit lifestyle?

In my early 20’s, fitness played a key role my life. I fell out of shape badly after having children. Having had two full bed rest pregnancies, I turned 40 in the absolute worst shape of my life.  Just prior to turning 41, I made a decision to turn it all around.

How do you stay motivated?

I would say that I am more disciplined than motivated.  Motivation can come and go. If I relied upon motivation, I’d still be overweight and out of shape.   I want more out of my body and I know what I want reflecting back from the mirror at me.  The best way to achieve those goals is through discipline. Set the course and go!

What types of cardio have worked best for you?

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) & TABATA works best for me.  I’ve done my bit on the treadmill over the years and find that my greatest conditioning has come from HIIT.  Short but intense bursts of jump squats, burpees and mountain climbers are staples in my HIIT routines.  I’ll still use the treadmill for recovery cardio. I just don’t really count it as part of my “routine”.

Do you have a favourite healthy recipe?

Yes. I make these little protein soufflés with eggs and Isofast Chocolate Protein. They are super quick and so easy to make. When I’m short on time in the mornings, I’ll blend them up real quick, pour them into a 12 count muffin tin and let them bake while I get myself ready.

Full Recipe

What does your diet consist of?

I know it’s cliché… but clean whole foods are the answer.  Lean meats, eggs, grains, vegetables, berries and nuts.

How do you deal with cravings for junk foods, sweets and salty food?

I don’t typically have cravings for anything.  During contest prep, I’ll crave all kinds of crazy foods but I know it’s just part of the occasional prep so on that front it’s just mind over matter.  Day to day, I don’t ever crave anything.  I may, choose to have ice cream with my kids or a slice of cake or whatever.  It’s not very often and doesn’t come from a place of anticipation.  Salt is not something that I watch or worry about either unless, I’m prepping for a show or photo shoot and plan to manipulate it.

What are your top 3 favourite exercises?

Barbell squats, Barbell deadlifts & Military Presses.

Do you listen to music whilst you train?

I like having my iPod in my ears to drown out the world around me.  Right now I am alternating between Pantera and Alice in Chains.  Some days I might train to JLo, Eminem or the like.  It depends upon the training mood. If it’s a heavy day, it’s going to be heavy tunes.

What is your training routine like?

A typical workout split for me looks like this: Monday – Legs (Quads), Tuesday – Chest & Back, Wednesday – Rest Day, Thursday – Shoulders, Biceps & Triceps, Friday – Legs (Glutes & Hams), Sat – Chest & Back,  Sun – HIIT.

Do you set short and long term goals?

I am very goal oriented.  Ultimately, I would like to pack on more muscle. However in the short term, I like to remain very lean and ready for photo shoots or stage.   My training and diet are focused on lean growth.  It takes a little bit more time but I’m patient and enjoy the process.

What are you most proud of?

I have a very positive outlook on life in general and I think that has seen me through to every goal that I have ever set in life or in the gym.

Have you had any obstacles or setbacks towards achieving your goal physique? 

Yes. I was in a car accident several years ago that dislocated my shoulder and resulted in a small tear that worsened over time.  I’ve been through quite a bit over this past year between injury down time and recovering from shoulder surgery.  I’ve managed to maintain great condition despite these obstacles.  I often wonder just how much growing time I’ve missed out on. But the experience has also taught me a great deal about myself and how to train and diet around injury.  It’s made me better at my craft.

How do you measure your progress?

I rarely, if ever, step on a scale.  I watch my look in the mirror, take photos and see it in how I perform.

Who are your favourite, athletes or fitness models?

My first inspiration was Erin Stern.  I love her athletic and strong look.  It was her photo on the cover of Oxygen Magazine that kicked off the spark to work towards the physique that I have today.

What supplements would you use/recommend if any?

I work for MHP as their Research & Development Project Manager. Being a part of the behind the scenes creation of our products has turned me into a bit of a supplement “geek”! Lol I love our brand and so I use a great deal from our product line. 

My current supplement line up looks like this: MHP FIT Trainer for, pre-workout. There’s a unique cortisol blocker in it that I can appreciate as my training is pretty intense.  It also contains creatine and caffeine for added energy and a great thermo for fat burning.  For post-workout, I use Dark Matter Zero Carb Concentrate. I worked on this product as it was being developed and absolutely LOVE it.  It provides a super-charged infusion of insulin spiking amino acids plus creatine to help me recover, but without the added carbs.  Being that my “offseason” is a lean one, this product is perfect for my post-workout recovery needs.  I use several of our protein products as well.  MHP’s Isofast Protein is a whey isolate that I like to use pre-workout and post-workout.  I’ll use Paleo Protein, for mid-day snacking and a sustained release protein powder, Probolic SR, to feed my muscles as I sleep.  If I’m looking for more of food based snack, I keep Fit & Lean pudding with me at all times.  It’s high protein, low cal, sugar free and doesn’t need to be refrigerated!  I take Activite Sport as a multi.  It’s designed for athletes so there are extras in it that you don’t find in your typical multi like digestive enzymes that aid in the absorption of carbs, protein and fats.  When I’m gearing up for a photo shoot and need to diet, I have used Dren fat burner to help keep me lean and focused. I like to use the natural diuretic, XPEL for water balance. This helps me to get nice and tight for my shoots without having to worry about becoming dehydrated.  As for my recommendations; well, obviously I’d recommend anything that I have tried and used with success. However, when I have clients who are struggling to budget their supplement needs, I’ll recommend Isofast protein, FIT Trainer pre-workout and Dark Matter Concentrate post workout at the very minimum.

What 3 tips would you give to any woman wanting to get
a feminine, CutandJacked physique like yours?  

1. Food is your friend!  There is no muscle to be found in calorie deficit. Learn how to manage your macro nutrients and eat for performance and growth.
    
2. Muscle is your friend!  Don’t get caught up in the usual “I don’t want to get bulky” chatter.  Muscle is what will shape your body and keep your metabolism revving.  Your body fat levels will dictate how muscular you appear.  Training hard and building muscle will not turn you into a man. Nor will you wake up the morning after thinking “OMG! What did I do?”  If only it were that easy!  Lol Train like a man to look like a goddess. ;)
    
3. Please stop running and running and running on the treadmill.  If you want a physique that looks athletic, you need to train like one and not be a cardio bunny.  Hit the weights and use HIIT training for one to two days per week to build a strong, sexy and feminine physique.

Maggie Corso

Born: 1969, Weight:115, Height: 5’2”

Website: maggiecorso.com

Maggie's facebok page: www.facebook.com/MaggieCorsoFigurePro

Instagram: instagram.com/maggiecorso

Sponsor: mhpstrong.com/portfolio/maggie-corso/gallery/the-team