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Antonella Grilli
Antonella Grilli - by gene x hwang for genex9 bodybuilding and fitness by gene x hwang - July 2002

Antonelli Grilli @ the 2001 Jan Tana Classic Italy is known for many things, but bodybuilding is an area where there hasn't been a lot of successful pros making an impact. However, there are a growing number of women competing in both fitness and bodybuilding making a noticeable impression on the sport.

One such athlete is Antonella Grilli who made her US debut at the 2001 Jan Tana Classic and is preparing to return for the 2002 edition. The 1.63 m (5'4") tall Italian competed in the heavyweight class then and looks to do so again this time around.

"I started working out in 1987 and my weight was about 52 kg (114 lbs.). I always started using the maximum amount of weight that I could, as it gave me a big sensation! I love to work out with heavy weights and I go to the gym every day (and sometimes on Sunday too)," she states.

"When I do chest I use do the flat bench press with 100 kg (220 lbs.). For biceps I curl 20 kg (44 lbs.) in each arm and I squat 160 kg (353 lbs.). After that, I do the leg press machine with 250 kg (551 lbs.). I always use the best weight that I can. I love muscle and with this workout now my weight is 74 kg (163 lbs.) off season and 72 kg (159 lbs.) when I compete (like when I was at the Jan Tana last year)."

But it's hard for Grilli and other women, who stand out in a country where the runway models dominate the mainstream media.

"I really enjoy being strong but here in Italy is not easy because the people don't have the open mind, so... you can imagine! Here in Italy the people don't think that bodybuilding is a real sport so it's difficult for me to introduce my body and I don't get a good response from people here, but I don't care," she adds defiantly, with a wry smile showing her own confidence in herself.

"American men and women, I think, have everything easier as they respect us (bodybuilders) and their bodies have different structures. I hope to come to the Olympia but I don't think that an Italian will ever win the Olympia because of genetics," Grilli states.

Antonella Grilli photo by Gene X Hwang While she shares that sentiment, it doesn't deter her in any way in preparing as best as she can for her upcoming competitions.

"This year I am doing the best I can, working out so hard for my dreams. One of these is to compete in the Ms. Olympia next October in Las Vegas. I think that out of the gym I am a lucky person because I have a very special friend that understands my emotions all the time and respects me."

That is crucial since training and just being in Italy can make it hard for someone who's dreams are in the bodybuilding field. Grilli, however is able to maintain as normal a lifestlye as could be expected.

"I like to go out in discos, take walks on the beautiful streets of Rome, go out to the beach - everything that anyone who has a lot of friends does. But when it's close to a competition I don't go out at night. I go to sleep early and try to have at least eight hours of sleep."

Rest is important and those who train know that your body needs that time to recover and recuperate. Look for Grilli's intensity in the gym and heavy lifting to pay off when she hits the stage in August for the 2002 Jan Tana Classic.


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Text and Photos © 2002 gene x hwang - All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Last updated 07/02/2002


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female muscle, shawna walker, larissa reis, michelle jin, wrestling, tracey toth, kira neuman, female bodybuilding, cindy phillips, britt miller, casey daugherty, lyris capelle, jill brooks, olga guryev, olga guryeva, kristy hawkins, cheryl faust, lindsey cope, lindsay cope, veronica miller