I mentioned in a recent Vale Tudo that I first heard about CrossFit from my friend Katy. I had wandered into a local functional fitness class but it was pretty tame (no dropping weights, no ceiling high enough for rope climbs, quiet, etc.) and after class she encouraged me try a real CrossFit class for the first time which I did and never looked back. She’s an amazing athlete as well as a world-class trainer and yoga instructor. I’ll be forever grateful for her encouragement. So for this edition of Vale Tudo, here’s Katy Ingulli:
Reflecting
One thing that I know to be true about fitness that no one else agrees with? That NO ONE else agrees with?? I can’t think of anything. But very unpopular opinion - I am not a fan of intermittent fasting. I think intermittent fasting just doesn’t work for most people, long term. And the idea that fasted cardio burns more fat is just not true. The concept behind fasted cardio is that the body will use its fat stores to fuel that session instead of carbohydrates in the absence of a pre-workout meal, therefore aiding in fat loss. However, studies show that the results are the same regardless of whether an individual has fasted or not and eating pre-workout can only improve your performance and may prevent overindulgence later in the day.
Training
I absolutely love doing bodyweight gymnastic and mobility movements such as pistol squats, pull-ups and handstand pushups. Ultimately, you need nothing but your own physical body to be in perfect shape.
I would say my least favorite would be swimming - in murky, open waters like the Long Island Sound. I did it for one race and that was it. : )
I just ran a 200 mile Ragnar relay race from Groton, CT to Quincy, MA several weeks ago. That race is hard not because of the distance but because you run 3 separate times within 24 hours on little to no sleep.
Fueling
You definitely don’t want a recipe from me. Big confession: I am a terrible cook. I make plain chicken, steamed vegetables and rice. I have three teenage boys and we alternate between that and ground turkey tacos every night. However, I am absolutely obsessed with Trader Joe’s cashew butter covered cashews. If they are out of stock, I bought them all.
Favorite protein: salmon and tuna steaks. Also, I love Barebells protein bars.
Weirdest food I ever ate: I’ve had snake, monkey brain soup, frog legs, chocolate covered crickets… all weird!!
Supplementing
Magnesium glycinate for me was a game changer with sleep. I don’t think it was simply psychosomatic but it really helps you stay asleep! Also, besides the traditional supplements, I take NMN.
Measuring
In the past I tracked what I ate but currently I don’t. I weigh myself which also shows fat percentages. I have also gone up to Sacred Heart University several times to test my body fat in the BodPod. I do have my blood checked regularly because I am prediabetic.
Recovering
How do I bounce back? My absolute favorite thing to do is get massages. If I think of myself as an athlete in training (as we all should do - even if it’s just for life) then it’s not an indulgence but rather a part of training and recovery. I also love to go to sleep early. If I completely exhaust my physical body I have no problem falling asleep. And also, lots and lots of yoga. Every day. Even if it's 10 minutes.
Recovery gimmicks? I love to try everything - cryotherapy, red light therapy, salt caves, cold plunges. It’s wellness if you believe it works for you.
Mentoring
I didn’t have a mentor in this part of my life but one quote I love is:
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
Surround yourself with people who will influence you positively - who are smarter, driven, what you consider “better” than you at what you want to do. Even at the gym! You can’t climb any higher if you’re at the top of the ladder.
Who first got me into this part of my life? My super athletics parents really pushed sports throughout my life and it was my self-misguided mistake to not study kinesiology in college. Nevertheless, I circled back to it because I love it so much.
Connecting
I just got my certificate in Health Coaching so now I can offer a combination of fitness, yoga, mobility and health coaching with my clients. Besides my public classes around Fairfield County, I train people privately in person and online. I also lead several retreats around the world with Helios Retreats throughout the year. Check out www.katyingulli.com and @katyingulli on Instagram.