We hear so much in the news today about children who are obese and lazy. Can you remember what it was that got you interested in sports in the first place when you were young?

For me it was always the challenge, the competition of sport. I was encouraged by my family to take part. I think times were different back then, it was more about socialising, taking part, contributing to your school and community. Now computer games and the Internet are more interesting to kids as they are easily accessible where as sports aren't sometimes. Parents and teachers need to be involved in balancing our youths lifestyles and attitudes to sport.

What do you think made the difference with you? Why don’t you think you became obese and lazy?

I have always been an achiever and perfectionist. Being bad at anything really gets me going!

When you were younger (not that you are very old now!) what were your favourite sports?

I really enjoyed tennis, but most of my activity was swimming, which I won medals for!

What sort of training regime did you adopt to make sure that you were good at what you did?

Get training or face an Italian Mums frying pan.

Have you ever been involved in competitive sports? Can you remember the first competition that you won? How did you feel?

I remember when I played basketball for my school team, I scored the luckiest shot at a game that had the team mystified. We won, it felt amazing and I quit while I was at the top, let's face it, the shot was a fluke.

I understand that you hold a gold medal. What was that for?

I have 3 gold medals for an official Italian Olympics event that was running in the U.K for many years in my teens.

Can you remember what you used to eat as you were growing up? How do you think being involved sports affected your approach toward food and nutrition?

Being Italian, it was all carbs - pasta then bread for the sauce! I had lots of energy but as my routines became more intense I had to balance it out with protein.

You have started to build up quite a reputation as a personal trainer, and specialise in kettlebell training. Why do you think that Kettlebells are so good?

Because they work everything that you need to work. Being very busy, I train efficiently. I want fitness, fat burning and muscle stimulation in one hit. Perfection!

What would you say is your main claim to fame? Sports, personal training, modelling? Or what?

Personal training for sure, but I'm leaving that world behind for a career in acting. I still train people but part time.

How often do you train now?

I spend a lot of time working now with acting, so any time I can fit it in. Usually 3-5 days a week.

What would a typical day look like in your training calendar?

I do whole body workouts now to stimulate my metabolism and keep fit - so lots of circuits and supersets.

As someone with a body that has pretty good muscle definition, what are your views on the debate about the importance of stretching (or not!) either before or after exercise?

Stretching is extremely important for recovery, injury prevention and muscle function. After training is the right time but a dynamic warm up and stretch gets the body firing and ready for action.

You are a "Hero" with USN (Ultimate Sports Nutrition). What role do you think supplements have to play in helping people change their approach to nutrition and improve their health and fitness?

A huge role. I was taking supplements before my sponsorship. When I first starting training, I struggled to see gains until I starting taking a protein supplement. That says it all!

How old were you when you started to take sports supplements? In hindsight, do you think that this was too young?

I was 19. I think if could do things differently, I wouldn't.

Against this, where do you place eating fresh, natural, wholesome foods?

Supplements are exactly that! Whole food is king but not always accessible on the go, so supplements are really useful.

What would your typical day look like in regard to food - tell us about what you would eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks?

Breakfast: USN IGF shake and wholegrain cereal
Snack: USN Shake and Apple
Lunch: baked potato and tuna in oil with vegetables
Snack: USN Protein Bar
Dinner: fish and salad

What has been your proudest moment?

Winning Personal Trainer of the year 2009 for Great Britain

In all your years in sports and modelling, who has given you the most inspiration and why?

My inspiration is the possibility of achieving something to be in a position to help others. That's what drives me.

Do you have a vice? If so what is it?

My mothers food is to good to turn down, and dangerous too!

Quick fire questions:

Fave Drink? Cognac
Fave Food? Oxtail in tomato sauce
Fave Hotel? Marriott
Fave all time action hero? Bruce Willis
Fave sports woman / man? Usain Bolt
Fave Designer/Clothing Company? Paul Smith
Fave Sports Clothing Range? Gasp
Fave Sports Footwear? Asics