We’re going to be continuing to share our interviews with a variety of experts in the fitness industry. These are people who have dedicated their lives to helping other people improve their lives through fitness, and we think that is pretty awesome!
This week’s expert interview is from Eric Auciello of Phase Five in Tampa, Florida. Phase Five is a state-of-the-art sports performance facility that focuses on high-intensity fitness.
If you’re in the Tampa area, you might just have to check out the facility, if you’re up for a challenge!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and Phase Five.
Phase Five is an amalgamation of many different training methodologies. The name Phase Five refers to the fifth stage of military-based phased training.
When a trainee reaches “Phase Five” he will have the capacity to demonstrate complex technical skills along with a mastery of common tasks.
I primarily deal with military and law enforcement personnel. But, we have our fair share of soccer moms as well. We focus on general physical-preparedness training initially for all of our clients in order to develop a foundation for specialization.
It has always been my contention that optimizing an athlete’s capacity for work is dependent upon achieving a degree of balance across the trainable components of performance (musculoskeletal, strength, power and energy-system bioenergetics).
This assumption logically deduces that when an athlete’s fitness increases, so does their ability to produce more work. That’s our goal.
How did you get into working out?
I’ve been training my whole life. One of the earliest memories I have is knocking out Kevin Keating in a St. Agnes elementary school CYO boxing program, I think I was 7 at the time.
My point is, I’ve been training for a long time, and in my youth, it always revolved around off-season preparation for team and power sports.
As a young adult, my military training influenced me to focus more on aerobic conditioning. Now I’m somewhere in the middle… the pendulum always swings.
What are your current workout goals?
I’ve just started training for another ultra-marathon season. I’m going to shoot for a 100k this year. That will be a distance record for me.
I timed out of a horrific 50 miler last year at mile 44 in Mississippi, the weather was pretty extreme. I plan on redeeming that effort this year.
What’s your favorite style of training?
I’m a big fan of the Olympic lifts and their derivatives. If I could only do one thing that would be it, they offer a huge bang for the buck.
Is there a supplement brand you’re loyal to?
I’m not a huge supplement guy. I use Barlean’s fish oil daily and when I’m training for ultras I use Hammer Nutrition electrolyte tablets and Perpetuem.
Last year, I grew quite fond of Ensure believe it or not – great meal replacement when you’re 9 hours deep into a run.
What tips do you have for people just getting started?
The key for anyone getting started is finding a good trainer and/or mentor, one that initially evaluates you and reviews your goals. Often people have unrealistic or misguided goals, and it’s the trainer’s job to provide them with honest feedback and direction.
Set realistic short-term and long-term goals, then constantly re-evaluate on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
Most importantly have fun and use your fitness! Get outside and go for a hike, run, swim or ride.
Exercise.com would like to thank Eric Auciello for taking the time to let us interview him and get to know what Phase Five is all about!
Be sure to check out his website at PhaseFiveFitness.com or if you live in the Tampa, Florida area stop by and take a look for yourself. Also, follow them on Facebook or Twitter to get an even better idea of what Phase Five is like!
