The athlete we are going to meet this time on Global Profile has first of all made an amazing physical transformation. Over the last years she has lost 60 lbs and this transformation has taken her fitness lifestyle even further. A new lifestyle which has meant that she’s 
By that, it’s time to welcome the inspiring Amanda Keays to Rising Muscle for an interview.
Amanda Keays
Country: Canada
State: Ontario
Height: 5’5” ft / 165 cm
Age: 33
City: Oshawa
Division: Bikini
Occupation: Store Manager
Contest background: OPA Winton Roberts Open
RM: Amanda, do you remember the first time you trained at a gym and what that experience was like?
AK: It’s funny that I remember always disliking gym class in School but I had the chance to take an Aerobics class they offered. At one point I had an assignment to make an aerobics routine and teach my classmates. I was a very shy,
After some unfortunate events with my long-term boyfriend in my first year of College, emotional eating led me to gaining that freshmen 30! Growing up where fried, sugary and salty foods was a comfort. I had no real concept of eating healthy. My friend Andrea somehow coaxed me into joining a gym for 3 months. It was so intimidated and I clung to her at all times. I distinctly remember having an orientation with a gym representative. Needless to say some people can be cruel and I left crying! I didn’t go back for many years until a dear friend Scott motivated me to do so. At my heaviest, I started doing home workouts until I got the courage to attend a gym and it was then I found my passion.
After scrounging up the bravery to finally attend a gym, I fumbled awkwardly on the machines having absolutely no idea what I was doing! I was very insecure and would hide in the women’s only gym section and try workouts I found online. I did way too much cardio thinking that was the key, however my routine, diet and alcohol consumption was hindering my progress. The end result was the development of Bursitis and a 3 month hiatus from the gym with physiotherapy. I picked myself back up and had friends educate me on better routines. I may have looked goofy, even accidentally banging my head off the equipment but I never let that stop me!
There were times I fell off track and wanted to quit, but then I had this little voice inside me gradually getting louder, drowning out all the negative people and situations in my life. As my body grew stronger, my spirit did as well.
RM: You accomplished a tremendous body transformation the last couple of years, would you like to tell us a little about this journey and how you reaced your goals?
AK: No matter how many friends or family support you, it has to be a spark that radiates inside you. When you lose all the excuses you will start to transform your life mentally and physically. I was 180lbs and very unhappy with my life, so I took steps in order to change that. And there I was, sitting in that doctor’s office, being told what I really knew all along. It was time for a change, an unabridged change, for my mind, body, and spirit.
I began with small dietary changes, substituting soda for water, and fast food for healthy microwavables in the frozen food section. I began reading as much as I could on healthy living and alternatives to the foods I had grown to love. I took small steps in exercise, from wii fit, to home workout videos, to my fitness hero’s online tutorials.
As a dedicated fitness guru, my best friend Scott encouraged me to finally join a gym. He inspired me to be who I have always wanted to be. I became dedicated to achieving my goals with my body, and as the weight came off it became an addiction to see results and be proud of myself.
In 2010 Scott passed away in a tragic car accident. I was broken. My grieving process was an all-encompassing spiritual journey of self-reflection. Through all of this I found my most authentic self. Physical activity became a form of therapy for me, to release all the negative emotions that had accumulated through the years, and find who I truly was. I learned how unhappy I was with my life, and that Scott’s final lesson to me was that life is too short to be unhappy.
RM: What does your weekly training schedule look like?
AK: My training changes depending if I am off season or on season. However it consists of strength training 5 to 6 days a week, isolating muscle groups. I also incorporate High Intensity Interval training at the end of my routine during my on season. My favourite day is leg day!
RM: Do you have any specific future goals in the fitness industry?
AK: After losing 60lbs, last year I made the brave decision to compete in the Ontario Physique Association in Amateur Bikini. This was essentially taking me out of all my comfort zones, so why did I make this crazy decision? There was this fire inside me that didn’t want to settle with the life I was living. I wanted to make a difference in the world and show others that you can overcome any obstacle. By competing I felt that it would give me the opportunity to share my stories, inspire, motivate and help others on their journey to happiness. I received a great opportunity being featured on Journey to the Stage on www.eatsleeptrain.ca where I created videos blogging my fitness adventures! After competing in my first competition I hit a goal that many athletes have, being sponsored by Magnum Nutriceuticals. I have been extrem
RM: What kind of supplements do you use?
AK: Each day I have a vitamin and supplement stack to increase my development, improve my workouts and overall well being including: Magnum DNA, Quattro, HI5, Mimic, Serum or Rocket Science, Performance Greens and Primer.
RM: What other kinds of passions do you have besides training?
AK: If anyone has viewed my social media they know I am crazy about my two cats! Funny enough I am very passionate about food! I am always trying to experiment to create healthy alternatives to the snacks that we love. My last endeavor was Vanilla Peanutbutter protein ice cream bars.
RM: Where in life is Amanda Keays in 10 years?
AK: In 10 years I can only pray and dream that I will work hard enough to achieve a Pro Card and run Fitness related programs. I want my passion to be more than just my hobby or part-time venture, I want this to be my life! Something I would love to become involved in is a program for young women on building their self-esteem and how to battle emotional eating with a healthy lifestyle.
RM: Ok, it is time to round-up this interview. If there is anything you want to add or someone you might want to thank please feel free to do so:
AK: Well thank you for letting me share my story with others. I could not do any of this without the support of my family, friends, Coach, Magnum Nutraceuticals, Eat Sleep Train and even the fellow fitness enthusiasts online. Although they have never met me they have been so positive throughout my journey! I also thank God every day for those who have made such an influential impact on my life but can no longer be here with us.
RM: Amanda right back at you, and really, thank you for telling your fascinating story about will power and how you accomplished your physical goals. RM wishes you all the best in the future and with the fitness journey you have ahead of you!
How to reach Amanda:
Facebook Page: Keays2Fitness
Follow me on Facebook: Amanda Keays (I’m at friends max)
Instagram/Twitter: @Keays2fitness
BodySpace: Keay81
Inquiries: [email protected]
Youtube: Amanda Keays
