Girls lift too! That is the message that propelled Shadyside native and 2015 St. John graduate Gabrielle Santinoceto into a life of athletics and fitness. A road that has brought her to the competitive bodybuilding stage.
Gabby credits her junior high coach, Paul Xenakis, with introducing her to the weight room where she trained as a track athlete, competing as a discus thrower. She continued her career as a discus athlete at West Liberty University and then Wheeling Jesuit University, graduating in 2019 with a degree in Athletic Training.
Now, when not working in her role as the Wellness Ambassador for GNC Headquarters based in Pittsburgh, Gabby serves as a casual Athletic Trainer for West Liberty University and devotes her attention to competitive bodybuilding.
Gabby’s interest in competitive bodybuilding peaked when studying Athletic Training and the physiology of the human body in her college years. After college, she missed the competitive thrill and found the bodybuilding niche to be a compelling replacement.
However, bodybuilding competition is a quite different arena than her former pursuits. “It’s important that people understand bodybuilding is you against you,” Gabby describes. She goes on to say, “I am always trying to bring a better me to each competition.” Due to the intense and regimented routines essential to the sport of bodybuilding, Gabby explains, “You have to do this sport for yourself because the motivation is not going to come from anywhere else.” Only intrinsic motivation and strong self-discipline will sustain the daily behaviors that are required to be successful.
Gabby competes in the wellness division and her initial success was winning the first-ever Miss Wellness Ohio in 2020 in Columbus, Ohio. From there she has continued to compete regionally in the National Physique Committee (NPC) circuit, which includes the Pittsburgh and Columbus area. The NPC is the largest amateur bodybuilding organization in the United States.
In 2021 she competed in her first national show in Pittsburgh. Which she describes as being one of the toughest shows she’s competed in and a great learning experience. This past summer she traveled to Chicago to compete in another regional competition where she won first in her class and second overall, she was unable to go on to another national level show due to health issues. Her current plans include gearing up for another prep in 2023 in anticipation of yet another national competition.
Her journey has had some challenges along the way. While in college, Gabby was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that can cause intestinal irritation among other daily disruptive symptoms. Gabby’s focus has always been on her health, and while the diagnosis has sometimes interfered with her bodybuilding plans, the latter has never negatively impacted her disease. In fact, Gabby credits competition prep time as some of her most healthy and wellness-focused moments.
To the outside observer, it can be hard to recognize or understand the level of dedication that is required to be a part of the bodybuilding community. For Gabby, the sense of empowerment and self-confidence that she finds in both the preparation and the actual competition has been key to her personal growth.
Additionally, the camaraderie within the community is very fulfilling. Gabby describes the on-going support she has from her coach, professional bodybuilder Katherine Younger of Columbus, OH, and is quick to point out that finding the right circle of people can help avoid some of the pitfalls of the bodybuilding scene, including developing unhealthy practices to achieve results.
While bodybuilding has become a passion for Gabby, she also shares that healthy living is a viable and attainable goal outside of bodybuilding. She adds “There are plenty of ways to be healthy and live an active life that don’t include ever hitting the stage.”
Her message especially for young girls is clear, “Strong is encouraged. Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself and work on you.” While working as a trainer at a local high school, Gabby encouraged her own athletes to get in the weight room, learn proper form, and discover the limitless potential of their own bodies. However, she is quick to add, “It is not healthy (for young female athletes) to obsess about calories and food, focus on strength and self-confidence.”
Gabby shares her expertise as a personal trainer in addition to her responsibilities at GNC and WLU. You can reach her at gabbysfitnesstraining@gmail.com.
Follow her competition journey on Instagram @_yo_gabba_gabba_
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