Sure, when I'm 50, I may not be able to lift the same weight I did when I was 20, but that's OK. 'Lifting and leading a healthy lifestyle is something you can do forever. I think that's very important.'įantechi has been a fitness workhorse for almost 15 years, dating back to his high school days, when he played football and basketball, and swam.įitness, he said, 'just becomes a part of your life, part of your lifestyle, kind of like brushing your teeth in the morning. Whether you're a parent, an uncle, an aunt or cousin, or whatever, every adult is a role model, thus, we have to act and behave a certain way. 'To kids, I think every adult is a role model, myself included it just comes with the territory. The kids are just great to work with they're so much fun,' he said. The hours are great the environment is great. And ultimately, he got hooked on helping kids. But, because of his scholarship to New York University, he had to give back three years of working time. Ironically, Fantechi admits he first didn't want to work with kids. I treat them with respect and they see that I'm just a regular guy.' 'I interact with all of the students I talk to all of them.
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'I just try to conduct myself in a professional manner: dress professional, act professional, etc. 'They're just amazed,' at my size, he said. Some of the students don't know what to make of the muscle-laden Fantechi. 'I think I'm a good role model, and I'm happy about that.' 'I always tell the students that I just eat my vegetables, that I don't drink or smoke, and that's the reason I look the way I do. 'The kids really look up to me, especially since many of their teachers are females,' Fantechi said. 'You need a balance in life-you need to do something for yourself that you enjoy, but also something where you give back, helping others.'Īnd, boy, does Fantechi do that for the young New Yorkers, many who few him as a real-life superhero. They really keep you young,' said Fantechi. 'I love working with children, interacting with them. He spends time at an elementary school and a kindergarten.
Julian Fantechi splits time between two New York City public schools as an occupational therapist, a post he's held for seven years. This article shared 18994 times since Wed Jan 2, 2008