Tom was a guest on my Monday thru Friday 8-8:30 AM show Amazing Performances on KXXT 1010 AM. The topic was fitness.

Naturally Strong.

Tom Manno stands at 6’4 and weighs in at 305 pounds is over 50 years old and has been lifting and training for nearly 35 years. He currently can bench press over 720 pounds. Over twice his body weight he is getting stronger every year.  He owns over 90 American Records and over 60 World Records.  He is a member of NASA the Natural Athletes Strength Association. At one point he went undefeated in over 70 straight competitions and has held many Multi-World records.

He has always trained drug free. The New York native grew up with severe malnutrition, not being able to keep food down. At the age of two he contracted spinal meningitis and nearly died. The doctors said he would grow up small and be weak all his life.  He started lifting at 12 and it was a challenge lift by buddies which he doubled that got him started.

Tom was an All American football player at Saguaro High in Arizona as well as state champ in the shot put and in wrestling. He played football for the University of Arizona and in the NFL with the Cowboys and the USFL with Denver and Tampa Bay. After competing in all the Olympic styles of weightlifting he decided to specialize in the bench press so he could compete in more meets and claim more World and American titles.

His goal is to set world records in every federation in the world, even those that do not police drug use. He does not set a maximum goal because he does not want to get to 750 pounds and not be able to move beyond that. He trains a minimum of four days per week and has a regime that he calls “instinctive” and is an advocate of the three “R’s” Rest, Rest and Rest. He says most lifters do not give themselves proper recuperative time.

Tom’s knowledge goes far beyond the mechanics of lifting. He has worked with on of the world’s top scientist to create custom nutritional products and enzymes that not only enhance the quality of life, but have proven to save lives. When his wife Diane was stricken with cancer his enzymes and nutrition saved her life when others with the same cancer were dying. She, as a result of his involvement has now become a top power lifter and they became the first husband and wife team to be honored nationally for their achievements. She began lifting in her 30’s and is now training women to compete.

If there is a keyword in his training it would be hydration. He is asked what his secret is, his reply; “There is no secret, it is just a nutritious diet, healthy living and making sure I get the right fuel to work out and keep in the best shape I can.” He and his wife Diane were featured on a five part series on Amazing Performances radio where they shared their amazing story.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was hosting one of his expos a few years ago and was stunned that Tom Manno the only “clean” lifter in the meet was so dominant. He made a point to speak to Tom and find our more about his amazing achievements.

At an age when most men are trying to find ways to do less, Tom Manno is trying to set world records in power lift that men half his age may never break. Yes, he can train anyone at any age to achieve great things in the gym. You can get more info on the website listed below.

Submitted by: Kevin Pakos Producer and host of Amazing Performances which airs M-F, 8-8:30 AM on KXXT 1010 AM and can be heard live online worldwide.  http://www.azfl.com/amazingperformances/index.htm