If you work out in Westchester, chances are you have taken at least one of Rob Forcelli’s classes . If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Tried and true, but changing with the times, Robert Forcelli is one of the most popular fitness trainers in Westchester County, New York. His philosophy is simple: “Bring Your Best and Nothing Less” to any workout, goal, activity, or life experience.
You have a lot of nicknames!!! “The Spud Stud,” “ Fastlane”…please explain?
The nickname Fastlane was given to me by my fighting coach because of my tireless work ethic and fast life. He used to tell me about sleep and recovery and used to scream, “You are always in the ‘Fastlane’. Slow the hell down!!” Hence, the name Fastlane stuck forever. I used to go 7 days a week with 3-5 hours of sleep daily. Weekly routine 4am…3-5 miles road work7am….work till 4pm, 5pm…weight training till 6:30pm, 7:30pm… fight till 9:30pm. 10:00pm -3:00am three days a week worked in nightclubs (China Club, Palladium, Cafe Society).
“Spud Stud” I founded a business along with my dad called Potato King USA. It brought healthy eating to the streets of Manhattan. Baked Potatoes. It was the hugest success, selling thousands of potatoes weekly. It was so popular that all the talk shows did stories on me, calling me the “spud stud”. Gordon Elliot, Ricki Lake, Montel Williams, Faith Daniels etc.
I heard you have over 100 pair of sneakers in your closet. What’s your go to pair? What’s your next purchase?
I HAD over a hundred pairs of sneakers in my closet. I gave them all away. The birth of my daughter changed my whole life…. and much of my thinking. I have about 8 pairs now.
How long have you been a group exercise instructor?
Almost 30 years.
All of them are different and great but if I had to choose one I would say Saturday 9:30am at Equinox, in Armonk NY , due to the volume of people who participate.
What exactly is the Contender Workout and where can I do it?
It’s a boxing-based workout that targets the whole body, combining strength and cardio to the finest beats.
70-80 hours weekly.
Do you ever take classes? Which ones?
I wish I could take other workouts but unfortunately, time doesn’t allow it.
You really do work a lot !!! What time do you wake up and go to sleep ?
I wake at 3:45am and average going to sleep each night around 8:45pm.
I was in your class and there were 116 people in there. What do you attribute your long -lasting success to? Why do you think you have such a strong following? What makes your class different from the others? How do you keep it fresh?
I think the success is due to keeping things very simple for anyone to follow. ” No sink or swim mentality in my workouts”. Range of audience are pro-athletes to an 85-yr-old every-day person. In addition, being a former DJ, musicality is big part of the success. A dance party atmosphere is created along with the simple moves, forming a pleasant experience.
You did a smart biz move: you had all the women hooked on your class, and then you appealed to their husbands and created a basketball program for them. How do you appeal to all audiences? How’s that going?
Contenders Basketball has been going for almost 10 years. It is going stronger than ever. I am very good at organizing programs and giving a quality product.
Have you ever thought about going to LA to train the celebs?
I have some celeb figures in my stable at this time here in NY and it is great…. But they are only people – the same as everyone else in the world. The relationships established are priceless but unfortunately they are so busy traveling that consistency is an issue. The housewives looking to stay in the best shape are most consistent, providing me annually the biggest bang for my time.
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
Sushi is a very big food choice for me.
Were you always fit as a kid?
I was obese as a kid. At the age of 7, I was almost 100lbs.
Who’s you NCAA pick for 2016?
Answer…I pick Oklahoma
You posed nude years ago. I googled it! How did that affect your reputation?
When I was involved in the potato business, a freelance playgirl photographer approached me to shoot. I was fitness modeling at that time so I entertained the idea. The photographer was so professional and we became friends so the shoot was an easy process. The pay wasn’t that bad either:). That shoot got me multiple jobs because sex is what sold and sex is still what sells. No affect on my reputation at all.
What’s in your refrigerator?
I have very little in my refrigerator. I am home very little, so any food bought in bulk spoils. I eat out lots.
Can you show me?
Of course!!
What’s the best piece of advice that you can give to a client?
If you are going to keep fitness in your life forever, find a balance weekly with things you enjoy doing. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it.
What’s your philosophy?
Anything in life is possible if you truly believe in yourself. Bring your best and nothing less to everything in life. We are here for a short while and gone for a very long time. Don’t waste time because time waits for no one.
What’s next?
Not quite sure :))
If you want to see what I am talking about, contact me and I’ll arrange a complimentary 3 Day pass to Equinox in Armonk, New York.
