Spartan FIT Coach Q&A: Kristina Centenari Will Make You a Fearless Athlete
In this Spartan Fit franchise, we sit down with our Spartan FIT Coaches to get their best fitness advice and discover what makes them tick. Next up: Kristina Centenari—she’ll let you in on the mobility secret.
“Though my career involves being a coach, I’ll never stop being an athlete,” says Spartan Master Coach Kristina Centenari. “Therefore I will always try to understand what people are feeling, whether they are beginner movers or advanced, and I’ve made it my purpose to simply make people feel better.”
The 25-year-old was a tennis player and rower at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “After my collegiate career, I became intrigued with how to keep the body healthy and primed for performance,” says Kristina, who now lives in New York City. With an emphasis on mobility and stability, Kristina will train you to move athletically, even if you don’t think you’re an athlete.
See what it’s like to train with Kristina for yourself—her workouts are live on the Spartan Fit app. But first, get to know her more here:
Q&A with Fitness Coach Kristina Centenari
On Training, Performance & Fitness Philosophy
SPARTAN RACE: What’s your training philosophy?
KRISTINA CENTENARI: Building a strong foundation before all else is key! Oftentimes we want to jump right into the weight or the intensity, but without stability and mobility, our joints won’t be able to handle that well.
SR: What about when it comes to nutrition?
KC: My nutrition philosophy is simple: be kind to yourself. No one ever makes nutrition about themselves, we tend to focus only on food. But with this slight pivot in mindset (centering your focus on yourself) you can better understand what gives you sustainable energy and what makes you feel your best self. It’s a more pleasurable process. Keep your plate colorful and do your best not to eat too much processed foods.
Related: Should Men and Women Eat Differently? Not Really (But Know This)
SR: What inspires you?
KC: My entire family. I have two wonderful parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. They are the most amazing humans you’ll ever meet who embody work ethic, empathy, and light.
SR: What trends do you see bubbling in fitness?
KC: I think the mobility secret is spreading, which is only going to elevate the fitness industry and most importantly, make people feel stronger and healthier. Training techniques that prioritize joint health are legit, even if you feel like it’s slower or less intense, this type of training will make your progress skyrocket.
Related: Spartan FIT Coach Q&A: Evan Betts Will Help You Perform At Your Highest Level
On The Mental Game & Recovery
SR: How do you work on your mental fitness?
KC: I have a simple morning routine that involves making a cup of coffee, sitting under a blanket, and either reading a book or just listening to my own thoughts. I will journal from time to time as well. This puts me in a peaceful state of mind before the chaos of my day begins.
SR: What does a recovery day look like for you?
KC: Recovery days involve minimal high-intensity activity, but I’m still moving. Whether it's walking from one client to another around the city or taking time for my own mobility practice, movement truly is medicine.
SR: What does being Spartan FIT mean to you?
KC: Pushing limits in fearless ways! In other words, even if you hear that little voice in your head that makes you hesitant (we all have it), you learn to work with it instead of fear it.
