At 58, Cora Kasperski is redefining what it means to be strong. A powerhouse in the world of fitness, she’s not just a trainer or a gym owner; she’s a living testament to the power of consistency. As the founder of Laguna Fitness—Laguna Beach’s premier private gym for over 25 years—Cora has coached thousands toward their health and wellness goals through a unique blend of personalized training, nutritional guidance, and unwavering accountability.
Every morning at 3:00 AM, six days a week, Cora begins her day with a fierce dedication to her regimen—pushing limits, building strength, and walking the walk she expects from others. As an IFBB professional fitness competitor, her discipline has made her stand apart on the fitness stage.
In this exclusive interview, we step inside Cora’s world to explore the mindset, mission, and the spirit that keeps her—and those she inspires—constantly moving forward.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you walk us through a typical day of eating for you? How do you balance macronutrients in your diet?
Cora Kasperski
I eat every three hours, times a day. Each meal is a mix of carbs, proteins and good fats to ensure I am always building muscle while supporting rapid recovery and repair. I try to never skip meals and eat the same time each day.
Namita Nayyar:
As a fitness trainer and IFBB professional, how important is nutrition in achieving peak performance?
Cora Kasperski
We talk about this a lot in the gym and it is the hardest thing for people to understand: nutrition and proper dieting is the MOST important part of fitness training and it is the hardest part for people to adopt. Getting to the gym is a change in your day. Nutrition is a change in your life.
Namita Nayyar:
What advice would you give to someone looking to improve their diet but who is new to the fitness world?
Cora Kasperski
My first piece of advice is always to take some time to learn about how nutrition works in your body. Keep a food diary and carefully monitor your weight and muscle growth. There are some basic principles, but everybody is different and you have to learn what’s best for you.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you approach meal prep and planning to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need, especially during intense training periods?
Cora Kasperski
I meal prep twice a week: Sundays and Wednesdays. My diet is carefully planned out and I try to keep it interesting by mixing in different proteins, so I don’t get bored and get off track.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you modify your diet during different phases of your fitness journey, like bulking, cutting, or maintaining?
Cora Kasperski
That’s a hard question to answer succinctly. Let me just say that each stage has very specific fitness and nutritional needs with the goal to be as prepared as possible to walk on stage.
Namita Nayyar:
Are there any foods or supplements you swear by for energy and recovery?
Cora Kasperski
For me. Chelated Glutamine is the supplement I trust in for rapid recovery. And for energy, I use OMG Freak both by Global formulas, but I couldn’t recommend that to everyone unless they have high tolerance with caffeine.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
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Namita Nayyar:
How do you structure your daily workout routine to stay fit and strong as a 58-year-old?
Cora Kasperski
Well, I have a simple daily fitness regimen. My husband, my dog and I all get up at 3AM and head to my gym to start our day. We do these 6-days a week and I work out until about 5:00AM and then I get ready for my first client who starts at 6:00 AM. I have always been an early rise me. I love being up and active while the rest of the world sleeps.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you incorporate both cardiovascular exercises and resistance training into your personal fitness regimen?
Cora Kasperski
Each day I have a plan for my workout and a goal in the gym. I am not someone who likes to wander sort or make it up as I go along; I am much focused and know exactly what I am there to accomplish. Each day starts with stretching. Then I move to resistance training and I finish with cardio and if I have time I incorporate infra-red sauna too!
Namita Nayyar:
What’s one exercise you believe everyone should incorporate into their routine, regardless of their fitness level?
Cora Kasperski
Tough question but I would say core exercises that work your abs. Tight, fit abs make everything else better and can be done at every fitness level.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you explain how your personalized fitness programs integrate cardiovascular workouts and resistance training?
Cora Kasperski
Ever personalized fitness program I create integrates both cardiovascular and resistance training workouts. The only exception is when I have a client that is recovering from an injury or surgery, and then we might decrease some part of the workout to make sure they are following their doctor’s orders.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you ensure that your workouts challenge your body without leading to overtraining or injury?
Cora Kasperski
This is an important question for everyone who trains. I tell everyone that our first goal in the gym is always to prevent injury. To that end, I always check in with my clients as to how they are feeling or if there has been any change in their status. Everybody heals differently so not pushing someone too hard is important and most importantly is to warm up before lifting heavy weights.
Namita Nayyar:
What role does flexibility and mobility play in your fitness routine, and how do you incorporate it?
Cora Kasperski
My client’s range in age from 20-something to 73 years of age. For my older clients, ensuring they have good mobility is a primary goal of training. Foot, leg and knee health is key to a long healthy life. Flexibility is important for all ages. I stretch and work on my flexibility every day and encourage my clients to never skip the chance to stretch before they begin their resistance training,
Namita Nayyar:
With your intense fitness routine, how do you keep your skin healthy and glowing? Do you follow any specific skincare regimen?
Cora Kasperski
I try to take care of my skin in the same way I take care of my body: consistent, daily attention. I protect it with sunscreen and thoroughly clean and moisturize in the morning when I awaken and before I go to bed.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you have any tips for protecting your hair from the effects of frequent sweating and working out?
Cora Kasperski
Luckily I don’t sweat much, not sure why! lol
Namita Nayyar:
How important is hydration for both your skin and overall fitness goals, and how do you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day?
Cora Kasperski
I drink 1 ½ gallons of water a day, every day. To make sure that I stick to this regimen, I always carry a thermos of water with me.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you share a bit about your personal fitness journey and what motivated you to become an IFBB professional?
Cora Kasperski
I have been lucky that through my life I have had several fitness mentors that taught me and motivated me to always push myself and reach for more. I first competed on stage when I was in my 20’s. When I turned 50 I thought it would be fun to do it again. I have always been a very determined person but I thought it might be just a dream to get my pro card. Getting my IFBB pro card was the culmination of years of work and was dreams come true.
Namita Nayyar:
What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Cora Kasperski
My challenges are the same for anyone who chooses to compete: the time it takes to truly be in competition shape is incredibly challenging. Life is so busy and there are always so many different priorities and friends and obligations fighting for attention. Being able to block that out and stay focused for months and months is hard to do but the key to success.
Namita Nayyar:
What has been the most rewarding part of owning your own gym and helping others reach their fitness goals?
Cora Kasperski
Just what you said: helping others to achieve their goals is the best part of my job and my life. I become super close with my clients, and I think of them as family. I feel like I am the luckiest person in the world.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you think are the keys to sustaining long-term success in fitness, both physically and mentally?
Cora Kasperski
Staying fit requires consistency above all else. Success in owning a gym demands that you create a place where people feel safe and respected. Plus, you have to make going to the gym a fun experience. We have a blast at Laguna Fitness.
Namita Nayyar:
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their fitness journey and might feel overwhelmed by the process?
Cora Kasperski
Learn all you can about training and nutrition and take baby steps. Improving a little bit everyday might not seem like a lot but it is the key to success.
Quote you live by.
” Make today your best day ever.”