HOP: Can you give us some background information?

NA: I’m 46, 5’4", 132lbs, Husband Joe Avigliano and we live in Toluca Lake, CA (near Universal Studios) and we own the Los Angeles Lifting Club in Burbank, CA.

HOP: How and when did you get started in the sport of powerlifting?

NA: I started strength training July 29, 1997 to help back pain from an auto accident. Within a month the back pain was gone and my coach/husband noticed I had an affinity for lifting. After much haranguing on his part, I finally agreed to compete. I lifted in my first meet on March 28, 1998, at the CAL State Novice/Open, Fresno, CA. I won and I was hooked!

HOP: What are your PR’s in the squat, bench and deadlift?

NA:

Bench – competition – 232lbs

Deadlift – competition- 463lbs

Total – competition – 1234lbs

HOP: What is your workout regimen? I remember seeing videos of Joe and yourself demonstrating the use of bands in your deadlift routine…do you still use bands/chains?

NA: Mon- Heavy squats and assistance, Wed – Heavy bench and assistance, Friday- Auxiliary squats (pause, box squats, etc) and deadlifts and assistance, Sat- speed bench and assistance. We cycle bands and chains with all three lifts.

HOP: With the big hype over LA LIFTING/WESTSIDE/METAL MELITIA…, do you think the general public understands that most, if not all of you get along? On the forums you hear a lot of debate about which one is better! Your thoughts on the different styles?

NA: Big hype is just what it is! We have a great relationship with those guys. But the Friendly (and I stress the word friendly) competition is good for the sport. Rivalries make all sports more fun and interesting. As for styles, East Coast offense vs. West Coast? Joe’s training has worked for me and everyone at LALC. And everyone at Westside seems to excel as well. I believe Joe & Louie are the two best strength coaches in the country. I’m not sure that there is only 1 right way. What works for you is the right way!

HOP: What type supportive gear do you wear?

NA: I’m a girl, I’ve tried everything! I love Inzer!

HOP: What is your favorite lift?

NA: Well, I love the squat because I have excelled in it and it’s the most technically difficult. But for pure brute strength, I’ve got to say the Deadlift! (And I know if it came first in competition, well… .)

HOP: What does your diet consist of?

NA: Food. I use to be very good about it, cause I always had to make weight. But as I get older, I find it harder and harder. I still try to eat clean. I eat a lot of protein and a lot of salads and fruit (I eat 2-3 apples every day) and I try to stay away from too may carbs, especially after 5pm.

HOP: What supplements do you take?

NA: Calcium, MSM, Glucosamine/Condroiton, Collagen, Multi- vitamins.

HOP: Do you have any advice to the younger lifter regarding training and supplementation?

NA: The most important part of your training is to SHOW-UP! I didn’t miss workouts and I made great gains. As for supplements, eating a well balanced diet is the best way, but since it’s hard, take a multi, calcium and stuff for you joints (if you’re young it’s a preventative measure, if you’re older, it’s a necessity!).

HOP: What goals do you have in the sport of powerlifting?

NA: I’m retired from competitive lifting now, but I would like a 500+ deadlift one day! As for the sport, I wish more women would take to the platform. And I wish all the sanctions could peacefully coexist and that way the sport would get TV coverage (the spelling bee is on ESPN2 for god sake!), sponsorship, money, respect, exposure, and grow.

HOP: Who are the people you admire and who inspires your lifting?

NA: My husband, Joe Avigliano, is who inspires me and who I most admire. In a sport that most consider individualistic, Joe has created a team spirit that rivals the NFL. At LALC we all know we can count on each other. We work together for the good of the whole. And that comes from Joe. And as the coach, he has sacrificed his lifts to put his energies to the team. He lives and dies with everybody’s lifts. In a selfish sport, He’s a selfless man.

HOP: What do you think about the up and coming women in powerlifting? Whom do you see with a very bright future in powerlifting?

NA: Unfortunately, I don’t know of a lot of up and coming women in the sport. I see Amy Vaughn as a shining star.

HOP: Nance, I saw your team work (LA LIFTING CLUB)at the WPO Championships this past Feb. How important is having a team together at a big meet such as the WPO?

NA: As I mentioned before, teamwork is part of what we do. At a big meet or a local, being there for your teammate makes his lifts better and when it’s your turn, yours. Not having to worry about anything but lifting…how cool!

HOP: What is the biggest challenge to your lifting success?

NA: When you push the envelope (in any sport), injury prevention is always a challenge. Especially as you age and recovery is harder you have to be smarter than your desires.

HOP: How important are training partners to you?

NA: On our team, everything.

HOP: How do you see the internet involved with powerlifting..ex…forums , websites, etc…is it a positive or negative in the sport?

NA: Unfortunately, I don’t see a lot of positivity on internet forums. But the internet can be a great resource for information.

HOP: Anything you would like to see changed in powerlifting?

NA: Yes, the negativity and back stabbing between sanctions and even within some. So much can be accomplished if we work together. Or if that’s not possible, live and let live!

HOP: What is your opinion of the WPO? How do you see the sport of powerlifting in the future?

NA: The concept of the WPO is great! We’ve been lifting for free all these years. How great to get paid, like other professional athletes. If we can all work together, I think we can make a consumer friendly sport where the top athletes can compete for money.

HOP: What are some of your interests outside powerlifting?

NA: Is there life outside of Powerlifting? Believe it or not I love to cook. And travel.

HOP: Anyone in closing you would like to mention or thank?

NA: I want to thank all the members of the Los Angeles Lifting Club, I would also like to thank John Inzer for all of his support, Mike Lambert at PLUSA (and Herb Glossbrenner), Ernie Frantz and Keiran Kidder, Amy Weisberger for giving me goals to aim for.

And Most important, Thanks Joe!

HOP: Any final comments?

NA: Stay strong. Strength & Honor, Nance Avigliano

Thanks Nance!

© COPYRIGHT 2003 IRON BOY ENTERPRISES