An Interview with Pia “Slinkii” Muehlenbeck

Today, I’ve been lucky enough to delve inside the mind of Pia Muehlenbeck

Pia’s a model, fitness advocate, author of “How to lose fat in 7 days” and the editor of lifestyle website Slinkii.com.
Pia’s made quite a name for herself in a relatively short time and today she shares with us her insights into training, diet and looking ‘photo ready’ year-round.
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Thanks Pia for stopping by and taking the time to answer some ‘Crude’ questions.

Pia: My Pleasure Clint, Thanks for having me!

For those that don’t know much about you, mind giving us a run-down on how you started and made a name for yourself online and within the modeling industry?

Pia: Well, the two went hand-in-hand really. When I started working as a model I quickly realized that the biggest challenge of the job is to stay photo-ready all year round. This meant that I started doing a lot of research, talking to people that inspired me, and learning how to maintain a lean, toned shape.

There are so many different approaches and diets, however a lot of them are fads that might work instantly but are too difficult to maintain for long periods of time. I became much more interested in the health and fitness side of the industry, it intrigued me. I just love knowing that we are in charge of our own appearance, and with the right knowledge we can completely overhaul our bodies and look the way we want to look. But it takes that knowledge.

I just love knowing that we are in charge of our own appearance, and with the right knowledge we can completely overhaul our bodies and look the way we want to look. But it takes that knowledge.

Now, in no way am I suggesting that I possess this knowledge. I have learnt a little about a HUGE industry that is constantly evolving. But this is why I started SLINKII. It’s a site for women who are interested in learning more about fitness, beauty and a healthy lifestyle. We share tips, workouts, recipes, celebrity fitness news, and basically anything that interests us. For the women that like to get some motivation every day, like to stay on top of the news, and like to get some fresh ideas, it provides that platform.

What gets you motivated?

Pia: To be honest, I love being inspired by other women who have incredible physiques. I believe that goal setting is essential and I get motivated by looking at photos of what I want to achieve. That way I can set new goals, make a plan of action, and actually stick to it! It’s important to refresh that motivation constantly, which is why I interview inspirational people on SLINKII. I do this so we get ideas, learn new tips and renew our willpower to get off our butts and head to the gym!

You’ve just published your first FREE downloadable fitness ebook. What compelled you to give away your information for FREE?

Pia: For me personally, the hardest part of maintaining a healthy diet and fitness program was knowing what to cook!! I love cooking and I love food so I struggled to come up with meals that would be yummy and low in calories.
My body responds best to a diet that is high in protein, packed with vegetables and very little carbohydrates.

The problem I faced was that most recipes are based on some sort of carbs like pasta, rice, potatoes or bread- all the things I like to avoid. I wanted to create a book of recipes that were very nutritious, easy to cook and still delicious. That way my readers wouldn’t struggle to stick to a healthier lifestyle and still enjoy their food whilst losing weight.

The decision to give it away for free was simple. I knew my readers would appreciate different articles more, feel more motivated, and try the workouts if they had a meal planner to go along with it. It’s the whole package!

The problem I faced was that most recipes are based on some sort of carbs like pasta, rice, potatoes or bread- all the things I like to avoid.

You’re clearly passionate about your health – what does your weekly regimen entail?

Pia: I like to mix my regimen up a lot. It keeps me, and my body, from getting bored with my routine!

Monday to Saturday

I do between about 30-45 minutes of cardio training a day. This is usually intense interval cardio that alternates between power walking on an incline, to jogging, then fast-paced running.
Every now and then, I swap this out for a dance class like bodyjam or hip hop. (This works my abs really well because I’m laughing the entire time!!)

In addition to the cardio, I love doing pilates and yoga, so I practice these around 3 times during the week. The other 3 days I do light weights or a bodyweight workout circuit that focuses on butt and legs one day, back, arms and upper body the next, and then abs and obliques.

I do between about 30-45 minutes of cardio training a day. This is usually intense interval cardio that alternates between power walking on an incline, to jogging, then fast-paced running.

Sunday

I chill out… It’s my cheat day so I treat myself to things I wouldn’t eat throughout the week!

Have any KEY diet tips you adhere to?

Pia: I like to plan my meals in advance, otherwise if I’m out and about and I get hungry, I’ll just eat something to satisfy the craving but it won’t be doing me any favors. Diet is the biggest part of a health and fitness plan. For me, a high protein, low carb diet is perfect as I feel satisfied and energized but still light and not bloated or sluggish. A compilation of some of my favourite meals is in my free ebook.

What’s your own physical feature that you are most proud of?

Pia: Ooh that’s a tough one! I’ll probably go with my stomach. I have a killer ab workout that tones both the upper and lower abdominals as well as the obliques. I’m currently filming a few different workouts (this being one of them) so soon they’ll be available on my YouTube channel!

Diet is the biggest part of a health and fitness plan. For me, a high protein, low carb diet is perfect as I feel satisfied and energized but still light and not bloated or sluggish.

Can you give an example of a wrong piece of fitness advice that both men and women get from magazines, blogs and personal trainers?

Pia: Not really advice as such, but I always chuckle to myself when I’m at the gym and see out-of-shape personal trainers trying to educate their clients. I honestly have no idea why people hire out of shape personal trainers?

My message to everyone is when you choose a personal trainer, choose one with a body that YOU want. If the trainer can’t look after his or her own body, what chance have they got with you.
Think about it!!!

What are some of the other writers, artists, models and fitness leaders that have inspired you?

Pia: I love reading the food blog: thehealthyfoodie.net, they’re not super lean recipes but they’re made of natural, healthy and often organic ingredients. I get inspired and will often alter some of the great recipes a little to make something that suits my diet.

James Duigan also has a great philosophy with his Clean and Lean Diet – anything that makes Elle Macpherson look like, well, Elle MacPherson is worth a look at in my opinion!!

I’ve also recently discovered Rusty Moore’s Visual Impact for women, which is great because the ‘Hollywood Look’ thats not too bulky, but nicely lean and toned is the goal that I constantly strive for.

I debunk a lot of gimmicks and scams on this site. Is there anything fitness related that you’ve fallen victim to yourself and wasted your money on in the past?

Pia: OK, I admit… I once clicked (and paid for!) one of those ‘you can get ripped in 2 weeks‘ banner adverts on a website. After downloading a completely pointless PDF file that cost me $20, I realised there are no quick fixes to looking good. It takes time and determination along with a diet that works for you.

What’s a day-in-the-life for Pia Muehlenbeck like? Give us a run-down of how you eat, train and move on a regular day.

Pia: Being a student, blogger and model my days are always really different. I don’t have a day-to-day routine but I do follow the Intermittent Fasting approach which I actually learned here on Reveal The Steel. So, generally I like to get up and have a D-Fine8 which gives me a massive energy boost for the gym. I like to get the cardio out of the way in the morning, that way I feel light and fit for the day.

Then I go about my day, whether it be a shoot, uni, or at my desk blogging away. I eat breakfast at around 11am, I’ll have a small lunch at about 3pm, I usually try to fit in a resistance training session at about 5pm after work. Then have dinner at 6 and won’t eat after 7pm at all.

I drink a lot of green tea and usually one cup of coffee throughout the day.

After downloading a completely pointless PDF file that cost me $20, I realised there are no quick fixes to looking good. It takes time and determination along with a diet that works for you.

Your ebook is out, and your website is taking off – What’s next on the horizon for Pia Muehlenbeck?

Pia: Right now, I’m really focussing on making my website a top resource for women interested in health, fitness and beauty. I’m currently filming a load more tutorial videos to add that fun and personal element to SLINKII

Do you have a favourite quote?

Pia: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Thanks for your time Pia.

Pia: Thanks Clint, I appreciate it! :)

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Pia has a bunch of interesting content over at slinkii.com.
If you’re interested in Pia’s FREE ebook called “How to lose weight in 7 days”
Click here for Pia’s FREE book

Clint’s Note: Got a question for Pia? Ask it below.