Meet Our Muse: Bianca Gasparro
Meet our Muse Bianca Gasparro @biancagasparro, a certified holistic nutritionist, health coach, fitness professional and wellness influencer based in New York City. We chatted with Bianca about her fitness journey, her daily inspirations, how motherhood has changed her and the greatest lesson she has learned this past year.
To learn more about Bianca and her amazing tips on fitness, motherhood, style, recipes and more, check out her blog at www.myholisticrx.com
Q: What is your history with fitness and where did your journey begin?
It's been a rollercoaster! I was very active growing up and played allll the sports -- including dance, gymnastics, karate, etc. In college, I started to take kickboxing classes consistently and then became addicted to SoulCycle when it first opened up -- AKA the intro to my group fitness addiction. I became addicted to the endorphins I felt after a good class and even did two classes a day when I worked in corporate America. THEN I was diagnosed with PCOS and had to make a lot of changes to my overall lifestyle. I started to dabble in Pilates, Barre, Yoga and other low impact workouts and started to fall in love with fitness in a different way. I no longer felt that I had to break a sweat or kill myself during a workout to see results. I just began to love fitness. My pregnancy and postpartum journey has taught me to slow down even more and to learn a lot about my body and I began to understand that something is better than nothing when it came to fitness as a mom. 10 minutes at home was better than BS excuses which is what I try to convey to my audience -- CONSISTENCY. I became certified in mat Pilates and began sharing my workouts with thousands of women.
Q: Do you have a mantra you live by? Any new mantras of the moment?
I am exactly where I need to be. A constant reminder I need to tell myself! And recently started telling myself to just trust the timing of life.
Q: How does movement influence your daily life?
It's my medicine and my therapy. I used to see movement as something I HAD to do but my perspective has completely shifted. It's something I GET to do and I focus on workouts that FEEL GOOD. I have learned a lot about my body and what I enjoy doing in the fitness space and I try to focus on those things -- mat and reformer Pilates, walks, some yoga and a little weight training -- it depends on the day and my mood. My daughter watches me do these things daily and I can tell she's observing every move. My goal is to teach her to love and respect her body and to incorporate movement in a gentle and fun way as something she GETS to do.
Q: What is your favorite way to decompress?
I love to make my raspberry tonic at night -- hot water, crushed fresh raspberries, lemon and manuka honey. My husband and I like to watch mindless TV to wind down -- "The Housewives", "Friends" repeats or a new show we can agree on :). I really try to put my phone down after dinner and allow my mind to slow down. Lately, my two-year-old has been going through a sleep regression, so my PM routine hasn't happened in a minute if I'm being honest.
Q: Do you have a morning routine? If so, share with us what works best for you!
Absolutely. First thing, I have to make my bed. I literally can't function if there's a mess (I'm a Virgo). I brush my teeth, do my skincare, get dressed (usually athleisure) and read a page from The Daily Stoic. I try to journal, but honestly that doesn't always happen. I'm usually more drawn to writing when I'm going through something or not in the best mindset -- it's my way to release emotions. Then I say good morning to my daughter. We head downstairs and I make my lemon water tonic, she has breakfast and she helps me make my matcha. Then quickly glance at my inbox, plan my IG post and workout!
Q: How has being a mother shifted your perspective about living a more balanced life?
In more ways than I'll ever be able to put into words. My goal every single day is to set a good example for my daughter through healthy meals, her watching my workouts (and sometimes joining them), limited screen time, more outdoor play but also trips to get ice cream and quality time watching "Frozen", making pizza with dad and so much more. I want to show her that life is about living, not restricting yourself when it comes to anything! As long as you have a good head on your shoulders and you understand what you need to come back to, then LIVING should be a priority and enjoying the little moments, because those moments make up your life.
Q: What is the greatest lesson that you've learned in the past year?
I'm learning and growing every day. If I'm being honest, the past two years have not been easy for me - mentally and emotionally. I have learned that slowing down is okay. To focus on the future, not the past. To not take things for granted. Adversity creates opportunity. Comparison is the thief of joy. And that my timeline is unique and shouldn't be compared to anyone else's.
Q: Current favorite workout?
Can I say my own??? I mentioned that I learned a lot about my body and how to create a movement plan that I not only enjoy doing but that works towards the physique I feel comfortable in. I also really love reformer Pilates at a studio!
Q: Current favorite recipe?
How do I choose just one?? I'm really into soups during the colder months -- mushroom miso, chicken noodle, tomato basil. I'm also loving a veggie stir fry or mushroom pasta for dinner. But a good Greek salad with baba ganoush will always have my heart.
Q: How do you practice self-love and self-acceptance?
I try to really focus on surrounding myself with people that light me up. I have been in toxic friendships without even realizing it and when looking back, I didn't like the person I was. I was trying to be someone I'm not and people pleasing my way through meaningless relationships. I believe you have to learn to love and accept yourself first before you give yourself to another person -- through romantic and platonic relationships. Your energy is so sacred and I'm very selective with where I let mine flow.
Q: How do you align your mind, body, and spirit?
Being a mother, I don't get much alone time. So for me, it's as simple as taking a few minutes to be completely by myself and with my own thoughts. I really love putting my airpods in, going for a walk and listening to a walking meditation. I'll head to our local coffee shop and sit with myself for a few minutes -- I love people watching. On the way back, I'll write some random thoughts that come to mind in my notes folder. This sounds really simple, but it really works to get clarity and feel aligned with myself.
Q: What is your favorite piece from Spiritual Gangster that helps you move with support and freedom?
The Love Sculpt Seamless Legging is SO soft and obviously the matching Amor Seamless Crop Tank. I'm also living in the Bridget Raglan Sweatshirt!