From 2025, Sidea will become the official European distributor of StrongFirst® Kettlebells.
We interviewed Fabio Zonin, COO of the American company specializing in physical training.
Q: Fabio, can you tell us about your background and how your passion for strength began?
Ah, my background? Well, imagine a young boy who, instead of playing soccer like everyone else, enjoyed lifting anything he could get his hands on: chairs, backpacks, even the family cat (who, I must admit, wasn’t very pleased). As I grew older, I realized it might be better to lift actual weights, so the household items—and the poor cat—could finally have some peace. That’s how my passion for strength was born: a mix of curiosity, a desire to challenge myself, and, of course, sparing the cat from further unintended lifts.
Q: What were the key moments that led you to pursue a career in natural bodybuilding?
The key moments in my career in natural bodybuilding? Well, it all started when I realized that lifting the remote control wasn’t enough to build muscles. So, I decided to move on to more serious weights. Becoming the Vice President of the Italian Association of Natural Bodybuilding (AINBB) in the ‘90s was a significant milestone, but the real turning point came when I stopped making excuses to skip workouts and started lifting real weights. From there, it was a series of squats, bench presses, and the occasional expletive along the way.
Q: What motivated you to shift from bodybuilding to strength training?
Actually, I started with powerlifting, which, back in the ‘80s, was still called “power lifts.” Only later did I venture into natural bodybuilding, sculpting my physique like a modern Michelangelo. But even then, I never left the world of strength, immersing myself in the fundamentals and pushing my limits. So, I’d say I simply returned to my true “home.” After all, I am a gentle soul, and as Saint Francis de Sales said, “Nothing is as strong as gentleness, and nothing is as gentle as true strength.”
Q: How did you discover kettlebell training, and what fascinated you about this discipline?
My introduction to kettlebells came from reading Mario Civalleri’s articles, which planted a seed of curiosity in my mind that wouldn’t stop growing. Then, after diving into Pavel Tsatsouline’s works, my exploration of this strange tool turned into a full-blown obsession. After years of lifting barbells and dumbbells, I simply had to master this peculiar “cannonball with a handle”—and I did. The effectiveness of the kettlebell in its simplicity immediately won me over. It felt like discovering a new toy that made training more dynamic and fun. Its versatility allowed me to combine strength, endurance, and coordination in one tool. Since then, the kettlebell has become an essential part of my training and teaching.
Q: How does strength training integrate with kettlebell training in your approach?
Integrating strength training with kettlebell training is like combining business with pleasure: on one hand, you develop functional strength, and on the other, you enjoy dynamic exercises. The kettlebell is a versatile tool that allows you to train fundamental movement patterns such as squats, hip hinges, presses, and pulls, engaging the entire body in a synergistic way. This approach not only improves strength but also coordination, mobility, and endurance. Moreover, kettlebell training includes ballistic movements that develop power and cardiovascular capacity, making the workout comprehensive and effective. In summary, combining strength training with kettlebell training provides an efficient method to build a strong, functional, and harmonious body.
Q: Can you share a significant personal experience from your career in the fitness world?
One of the most significant experiences in my career was participating in the Beast Tamer Challenge. This test involves completing three exercises with a 48 kg kettlebell: a pull-up, a pistol squat, and a military press. Being the first Italian to conquer this challenge was an important milestone for me, proving that with dedication and consistent training, ambitious goals can be achieved.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges in my professional journey was transitioning from powerlifting to natural bodybuilding and then to functional strength training. Each discipline requires a specific approach, and adapting to new methodologies wasn’t easy. However, this evolution allowed me to broaden my skills and develop more comprehensive and effective training programs. Additionally, several injuries over the years forced me to reassess my training methods, leading to the creation of my “Built Strong” program for functional hypertrophy. This experience taught me the importance of adapting and innovating to overcome difficulties.
Q: How do you maintain high motivation and passion for training after more than 40 years in the field?
Maintaining motivation and passion after more than 40 years in the field is about continuous evolution and curiosity. I’ve always sought to expand my knowledge, collaborating with international organizations and developing advanced training programs. Recently, my role as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Padua has given me the opportunity to contribute to the education of future professionals in the field. Teaching and sharing my experiences keeps my passion alive.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start or improve their strength training journey?
For those looking to start or enhance their strength training journey, here are some practical tips:
- Start with bodyweight exercises: Before adding weights, master fundamental movements like squats, push-ups, and planks. This helps build a solid foundation and prevents injuries.
- Focus on compound movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and presses engage multiple muscle groups, improving functional strength and training efficiency.
- Follow a structured program: Plan your training sessions with clear and progressive goals.
- Prioritize proper technique: Ensure each exercise is performed with correct form to maximize benefits and reduce the risk of injury.
- Consult a professional: Working with an experienced trainer can provide a personalized program and ensure correct exercise execution.
Remember, strength training is a lifelong journey. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every small milestone along the way.
Q: How do you see the evolution of fitness and strength training over the past decades?
Over the decades, fitness and strength training have undergone remarkable transformations. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, aerobics and bodybuilding dominated the scene, popularized by figures like Jane Fonda and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ‘90s saw a diversification in fitness activities, with the rise of spinning, Zumba, and the emergence of wearable technology for tracking physical activity.
In the 2000s, the focus shifted to functional training and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), combining strength, endurance, and agility. Recently, there’s been growing emphasis on personalized training and digital solutions, with online programs and apps making workouts more accessible from home.
In summary, the evolution of fitness reflects a heightened awareness of physical activity’s importance for health and wellness, alongside technological and methodological innovations that make training more effective and accessible.
Q: Can you share a memorable or humorous anecdote from your experience as a trainer?
Humorous anecdotes are never in short supply! I remember during an advanced barbell exercise workshop, while explaining the importance of “abdominal bracing” and “cylinder tension,” one particularly enthusiastic participant decided to try it out immediately. In his zeal, he overdid the intra-abdominal pressure and, well, let’s say there was an unexpected sound. The class erupted in laughter, and I seized the moment to emphasize the importance of properly dosing tension to avoid “unintended side effects.” Since then, every time I discuss bracing, I can’t help but smile thinking of that incident.
Q: What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your fitness career?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to view the body as an integrated system rather than focusing on individual muscles. This holistic approach has allowed me to develop more effective and sustainable training programs, promoting functional strength and balanced muscular development.
Additionally, I’ve learned that patience and consistency are essential for achieving lasting results, avoiding shortcuts and ineffective methods. These principles guide me daily in my work with athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Q: What are your future goals in the field of strength training and kettlebell training?
My future goals in strength and kettlebell training are centered on three main areas:
- Research and program development: Continuing to create and refine training programs that effectively combine strength, hypertrophy, and functionality, such as my “Built Strong” program.
- Education and outreach: Through workshops, certifications, and online content, I aim to share my knowledge with a growing community of enthusiasts and professionals.
- Academic collaborations: As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Padua’s Department of Biomedical Sciences, I intend to contribute to the education of future fitness professionals, integrating strength training practices with the latest scientific findings.
My commitment is to promote a culture of strength that is accessible, effective, and sustainable for everyone.
Q: How would you describe the impact of strength training on the quality of life for mature individuals?
Strength training is crucial for improving quality of life, especially for mature individuals. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength, which can negatively impact our independence and overall well-being. Incorporating strength exercises into a regular routine helps maintain and even increase muscle mass, enhancing mobility, balance, and reducing the risk of falls.
Additionally, strength training supports bone density, combating conditions like osteoporosis. It’s important to note that it’s never too late to start—tailored training programs can be adapted to any age and fitness level, providing significant health and quality-of-life benefits.
In summary, investing time in strength training is essential for living a longer, healthier, and more independent life.
Q: Can you share a success story of one of your students that has particularly inspired you?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many success stories among my students. One that stands out is a young athlete who, after suffering an injury in powerlifting, wanted to transition to bodybuilding. Using the principles of my “Built Strong” program, which focuses on motor patterns rather than muscle isolation, they effectively prepared for competition, securing a second-place finish.
This approach allowed them to train without reaching muscular failure, maintaining functionality and avoiding further injuries. This experience underscores the importance of personalized programming and motor pattern focus in strength training, which can lead to exceptional results for both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Q: Who have been your sources of inspiration in the fitness and strength training world?
I’ve drawn inspiration from numerous and diverse sources throughout my career. Early on, icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and Frank Zane ignited my passion for bodybuilding. Later, encountering Pavel Tsatsouline and the StrongFirst philosophy revolutionized my approach to strength training, introducing me to the effectiveness of kettlebell training.
Collaborations with organizations such as Flexible Steel, Original Strength, FMS (Functional Movement System), and DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization), among others, allowed me to deepen my knowledge of advanced techniques and develop a more holistic training perspective.
These experiences, combined with my constant curiosity and desire to learn, have shaped my professional path, driving me to seek new methodologies to enhance the performance of my students.
Q: What message would you like to leave with our readers who are seeking to improve their health and fitness?
To improve health and fitness, I recommend adopting a balanced approach that integrates strength training, proper nutrition, and adequate recovery. Strength training, through exercises like squats, deadlifts, and presses, is fundamental for developing functional musculature and preventing injuries. Rest and recovery are essential for the body to adapt to training stimuli and avoid overtraining.
Moreover, maintaining an open and curious mindset, continually learning, and adapting your approach based on personal needs and specific goals are crucial. Remember, consistency and patience are key to achieving lasting results.
Q: Fabio, one last question—this is a personal curiosity: Why StrongFirst? Why strength first? Why not another quality?
The philosophy of StrongFirst, founded by Pavel Tsatsouline, is built on the idea that strength is the fundamental physical quality upon which all other athletic abilities are built. This concept is summarized in the motto: “Strength has a higher purpose.”
StrongFirst emphasizes developing functional strength through compound movements and tools such as kettlebells, barbells, and bodyweight exercises. This method aims to enhance not just muscle strength but also mobility, endurance, and coordination, creating a solid foundation for any physical or athletic activity.
And, if I may repeat myself slightly, let’s not forget that, as good people, we hold dear the saying: “Nothing is as strong as gentleness, and nothing is as gentle as true strength.”
Sidea & Fabio Zonin
