1) Who is Joanne Calvino? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I'm Jo Calvino born & raised in South London, I am a sports consultant covering a range of roles in all things sport, from sports development, club & athlete development, training & education and event management. My main work has been within Aquatics & Weightlifting although I'm expanding in sports and currently working for Rio Ferdinand Foundation. I like to keep busy and enjoy socialising with family and friends but also enjoy a good chill out at home.
2) How many years have you been training?
I've spent a lifetime in sport as I was a national level diver for 9 years, before switching to weightlifting aged 13, at the end of 2018 it will be my 25th year in weightlifting.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
I think some of the challenges in my sport was I started when there was no funding so international opportunities were restricted, however I have been in the sport and watched funding come and go, and I'm still here. For me some of the toughest moments have been on selections and decisions for major champs, which has been plenty in my time and somewhat frustrating but I do my sport because I love my sport and if I quit they win. It's also very hard to see a sport you love be led by poor governance and decisions that are not always for the benefit of the sport or the athlete, however I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me and the strength in character I have built.
I've been fortunate to have very few major injuries, the worst being a dislocated and fractured wrist within my first year. I think a good background of conditioning from diving set me up well and understanding that being a weightlifter is more than just lifting weights.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
My routine has tapered a little upon my return to competition in 2017, it's amazing taking one year out of a competitive programme, so I spent more sessions focusing on conditioning and preparing my body to the level required training 6-8 sessions a week, split between lifting sessions and fitness and conditioning sessions. Now I currently do between 4-6 sessions a week depending on my work schedule. My diet routine is all the normals of eating regularly with a good balance, I work with RP Strength, who are fantastic and I strongly recommend them for anyone wanting to get a good balanced diet. I eat between 4-6 meals a day, depending on what phase of competition programme I'm in.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
I've definitely learnt a lot with regards to nutrition in accordance to my age and the changes you have to consider, last year I lost 12kg to come back and won my 21st British senior title. I've also learnt with age recovery from heavier lifting sessions takes a little longer, although I try to beat it sometimes you just have to accept it! I've also come to appreciate that it's not always about the heavy sessions, you can keep the weight down and build confidence and belief to be ready for those heavier sessions. I think the most important lesson is I am still passionate and enjoy my sport and can still be competitive at a senior level even after a year out!
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I don't really have a go to treat or cheat meal, I like good food and lots of it but all in measure, I guess if there is anything I do really enjoy it's a good slice of carrot cake but I'm not like some of the other lifters who go crazy with chocolate, junk food and anything sweet. After 6 months of intense dieting last year I craved hummus and pitta bread, which isn't very typical haha.
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
I would say it is my Zipvit super strength fish oils, I get all my vitamins and minerals from them as they are a great value for money and I really feel the benefits when training, having said that it is also My Protein whey protein.
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
If I could go back I would have loved to have worked with RP strength on my nutrition especially as I was vegetarian when I started lifting but could have benefitted me for performance. I will always stand by decisions made even if some have cost me selections for competitions but I am proud of that, if anything I wish there were more days in the week to train and we were better looked after as athletes and the opportunities available.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
I don't really have one person I look up to, I think women who are in sport achieving great things and breaking boundaries is admirable, I admire Serena Williams as she is a cut above the rest in women's sports for me right now, she has won23 grand slam titles, whilst breaking the stereotypes of females tennis players and made it ok to be aggressive yet feminine in your sport.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
My main advice to anyone is to find something that makes you happy and you love doing, sometimes opportunities present themselves when we least expect it so never be afraid to explore new opportunities in sport, life or your career.
11) What new goals have you got on the horizon?
2018 is going to be a busy year for me in all areas of life, I've got some new work projects across a variety of sports, I'm competing at both European and World Masters as I want to break and/or extend the European/World records, as for National comps I'm yet to decide, although I do love challenges, but the most important aspect is to keep enjoying it. I also want to get more involved with coaching to share my knowledge and wisdom onto the next generation as this is important to me. I'm also launching my own website that will cover a number of different aspects in line with my sport and career, so keep your eye out as it's coming soon!
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Twitter: @jocalvino
Instagram: officialjocalvino
Website: TBC
