Rosetta Mortati

The Big Apple couldn’t hold onto Rosetta Mortati for very long. At 2 years old, after she was born in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York, her family moved to Italy where she spent her formative years until 20 years old.

Life was not a bed of roses for little Rosetta, for her parents were of the old ways, making her tow the line in a very strict, disciplined Italian family structure. All the time feeling the strong hand of her parents, and not realizing until later in her life that this helped her develop into the amazing woman that she is today.

Rosetta was ambitious, athletic, and took up ballet, as well as gymnastics to appease her passion for sports. However, this did not rest well with her father who refused to let her continue dancing. The teacher realizing that she was no longer in class, went to the family and offered Rosette a place in her class because of what great potential she saw in this young girl. It was in her soul to dance!

Rosetta was soon sharing her dancing skills with other girls, which helped her bridge, the social barriers with new friends. While in high school, she met a wonderful boy, she claims was a deep, soul-mate, plutonic friendship that gave her strength and was always there to support her. This boy was not so popular, but Rosetta learned that it was more important to care about yourself and people close to you rather than trying to fit into the “in-crowd.”

After high school, off Rosetta went to college to pursue a career in Gemology and to work in the jewelry business. She wanted to learn how the jewelry industry worked in the town where she had grown up, Vicenza. This town is known for its gems, diamonds and gold. It was after she finished college that Rosetta moved back to the United States, but at that point was unable to speak English. She knew that if she wanted to get ahead in America, and to cope with the all the daily hardships she had to face, she had to learn the language. Without being able to read signs or ask for directions, life was very stressful and scary!

Rosetta needed a job and found it at her uncle's health club! This was her very first experience with something she was passionate about as a young girl, physical fitness. She really liked the idea of working in an environment of health, fitness, and dance, and being able to establish relationships with people to help them improve the quality of their life through the vehicle of exercise. She thought her dream to be a gym instructor had finally arrived!

Funny thing though, Rosetta was hired to clean the spa tub and not to work on the gym floor at all. Disappointed, she found herself working in a hair salon in order to learn the skills of a good hair dresser. But, nothing made her feel complete unless she was working out and doing something physical.

Rosetta knew her lack of English skills were hindering her from moving ahead and felt it was time to enroll in Boces School of New York. She wanted to improve her English skills for communication, reading, and writing the English language. She already spoke three other languages, Italian, German and Latin, but would soon find out that learning the English language would be her biggest challenge. She claims her best teachers were listening to the TV and music.

Rosetta’s dream began to fade when she found out that her uncle’s gym was going to close and realized it was time to find another profession. This opened up the doors for her to become an assistant to a renowned Long Island aerial photographer, Jim Mooney. As Mooney mentored Rosetta, she learned every aspect of the photography trade. Suddenly, she was the chosen photographer for socialites, politicians, and many celebrities. It was Governor George Pataki that loved her ambition and bright smile and always reminder her, “stop at nothing to achieve all of your goals and dreams".

Along with photography came modeling and make-up artistry. Rosetta was able to work anywhere with the talents that she was obtaining, however, they were all so far off from her dream of being a gym instructor. But, it was that one faithful day that she was taking pictures in Sayville New York, that she noticed a big sign up ahead of her, “Fitness Center Opening Soon!”

Rosette mustered up all her courage, she walked in and applied for a job. Paul Mastronardi, the gym owner, straight away took a liking to her and told her, "Rosetta, I’ll get back to you when I figure out the best place to put you, okay?" It wasn’t long before Mastronardi called her for the grand opening of his Maximum Performance Fitness Center, and Rosetta became his prize student, learning every aspect of how to operate a gym, sell memberships and to deal with people at the front desk. Between Paul Mastronardi and his partner, John Masarro, Rosette learned how to be a personal trainer. Finally, her dream was coming true.

Because of Rosetta’s love for her work, people felt her passion. They liked her crazy, funny, out-going attitude, and confidence, and soon members wanted to be there just to be inspired by her. During that time, Rosetta noticed an elderly man, with a hunchback, walking by the doors of the fitness center, and he would always be looking down. His name was Anthony Joseph and it was just another day when Rosetta decided to take the time to say hello to him. He replied, "Is it a holiday today?" "No, why?" Rosetta responded. "Well, people are usually nicer to me on holidays." With a big glow, Rosetta said, "Well, I’m just naturally nice to people all the time!"

This began a fast friendship and Rosetta found out that Anthony lived in a nursing home around the corner. They would run errands together, and knowing that he didn't have much in the way of money, she enjoyed buying him some food and watching him smile. She knew the food at the nursing home didn’t agree with his stomach.

In return, the frail old man, Anthony Joseph, gave her advice from his years of life experiences and knowledge, and it was these stories that had a major effect on Rosetta. Anthony’s words encouraged her to chase her dreams of being a great fitness coach, and to not make the same mistakes that others do. She’ll always remember his words to her, "No matter what sets you back, push though it, and this will make you stronger, no matter what!"

At that time, a professional bodybuilder came romantically into Rosetta’s life. But, not for long he was abusive and a negative personality. It was a huge disappointment in Rosetta’s personal life, however, she remembered the words Anthony spoke to her and decided to move on.

Again the doors closed for Rosetta as Paul Mastronardi’s gym did not last. Although devastated, she met a man, Mike R., who was the owner of the Powerhouse Gym in the area. Mike showed Rosetta how positive energy, strong influence, and training hard would get her into physique competitions. She had nothing to lose and all to gain, so she decided to go after competition with a vengeance. Rosetta continued to train strong and, with the guidance of her mentor, learned proper nutrition, diet, and exercise. She had also met someone who helped her with her posing routines and all the other aspects of contest preparation. Rosetta was then ready for her first contest.

With an overwhelming feeling of nervousness, anticipation, and excitement, Rosetta then walked into where the contest was being held, coming face to face with her disappointing ex-boyfriend. Rosetta’s remembers him saying, "You’ll never be successful in the fitness industry, so go out and get a real job!" As she walked out on stage, Rosetta saw him purposely sitting in the front row just to distract her. And it worked! She found herself walking off the stage with unbearable emotions, something she knew no performer should ever do. Collecting herself and mustering up all the strength, self-discipline and all that she had learned from her strict up-bringing, Rosetta walked back on that stage. When she looked back down at him, he was gone.

Rosetta not only completed her posing routine with exemplary style, but she was awarded 1st place and won the competition! Rosetta was on a roll, competing in many more competitions, and never looked back. Learning that she is not up on stage to compete with anyone, only herself.

Rosetta’s positive attitude and discipline was what paid off for her, and she is where she is today because of it. No matter what obstacles or challenges got in her way, she still did it! "Anyone who can place their mind towards something they want, what they feel deep inside, no matter what anyone thinks of you, no matter who tries to drag you down, no matter what obstacles you need to overcome, the big pay off in your own life is when you do what you are most passionate about, and the true prize isn't any material award you get... it is the feeling you get when you achieve what you set out to do. That feeling is second to none."

As Rosetta progressed in the world of fitness and competition, she wanted to expand her knowledge to boxing and martial arts. It was Grandmaster Vince Palumbo, IKBBF World Pro-Boxing champion from Australia, that instructed Rosetta on the fundamentals of boxing. GM Vince expressed, “Rosetta will make an excellent boxing coach for the students that want to use boxing as a way to attain fitness and good self defense skills, especially for the women in the gym.”

Rosetta trains numerous clients each year, and is successful with each of them. Her knowledge, strength, and the training discipline that she teaches, is an important factor in how she’s been able to help them accomplish their goals and change their lives.

Rosetta comes from a place of honesty. She is quick to tell you, "If you hear the things you don't want to face inside... you can't even begin to change the outside."

Rosetta is very active with the prevention of the use of the drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and an organization called PROJECT GHB. GHB is compound similar in structure and function to gamma-aminobutyric acid, used illegally in synthetic form for its euphoric effects and as a date-rape drug. Rosetta works closely with those seeking help from their addictions. She is very proud and appreciates the military and armed forces of the United States of America, and she is extremely active with fundraisers for the troop’s overseas, military families. Rosetta has also developed challenges for her clients that have been so hugely recognized and successful.

For any information on any of these or personal appearances, feel free to contact her personally!

Rosetta Mortati can be reached at: www.rosettamortati.com
Date of Birth: December 17th, 1973
Residence: Bohemia, NY
Birthplace: Port Jefferson, NY
Height: 5 "3
Weight: 116lbs Off-Season, 105 lbs. Contest
Languages: Fluent in Italian & English
Experience: Actress/Dancer

Since September 2002, Rosetta has won three fitness competitions:

• 2002 NPC Eastern USA woman's figure championship short class: 1st Place
• 2002 NPC natural New York State fitness and figure championships short class: 1st Place & Overall winner
• 2002 NPC East Coast bodybuilding championships woman's figure 1st place short class and Overall winner

Certifications:

• LAM fitness certification (certified by Johnny G./Spinning.)

Publication:

• Many including 'Fisica e Culltura' with Amedeo Marsan.

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