| Where and when were you born? I was born 6/4/62 in Janesville Wisconsin.
What is your profession? I am a fitness and health consultant and mother of two. My son is 14 and my daughter is 11.
Were you involved in sports or fitness prior to bodybuilding and how did you get started with weight training? I’ve always been actively involved in sports. Since I was a little girl I’ve been doing something from running track, cross country to gymnastics in high school. Then I played softball and continued to run as I got older. Back in high school, I was the only girl in the weight room lifting weights. I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t in the gym.
Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? When I was about 21 I started teaching aerobics at a Spa Lady in Florida. I then taught again at the YMCA. After getting some experience, I started teaching at Gold’s gym. I would incorporate weights in my classes and my desire to compete grew as I lifted more and saw the changes in my body.
Can you give me your competition history? 2006 Missouri State Bodybuilding Championships, was my first competition. I did bodybuilding. I won first place light weight division. First place Novice, Best Female Poser and the “Overall”. Then I competed in the 2006 Caveman Classic. I won first place in the lightweight bodybuilding class and Overall Masters Division. I just did my first figure show at the NPC Continental in St. Charles, Ill. I won first place in the Short Class and won first place in the Masters Division.
Which contest has been your biggest success; which has had the most meaning to you?
To date, I would have to say the Missouri State. It was my first show and I felt I did what I set out to do…..WIN THE OVERALL! I’ve recently been accepted to compete at the ARNOLD AMETUER in Columbus Ohio. To do well at this show will set the stage for 2008, in hopes to get my pro card.
Please tell me something about your training routine (ie: how many days per week / training split /cardio, etc.) I train 6 days a week, up until 6 weeks from a show…then it goes to 7 days a week. There’s no rest for the weary, not if you plan to win! I always plan on WINNING!
What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don’t like so much? I love working shoulders. Chest….not so much, but I think that’s because of an injury.
Which body part is your best in your opinion? My back is the money shot….LOL! So, I’m told.
If you don’t mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? Best leg press – 580 lbs. Best Chest press – 145 lbs
Bicep 12 Ľ “, Calf 13 ˝ “, Quad/Ham 21”, Chest/Back 36D
What do you enjoy about training for competition....what do you enjoy about the 'off season'? I love to compete and knowing that it takes self-motivation, drive, discipline, dedication, sacrifice and HARD TRAINING that MOST cannot do, is almost enough to get me through a 12 week diet. Wanting to WIN and be the best, gets me to the stage. Off season, I enjoy having a glass of wine and eating as much sushi as possible.
Please describe a typical day in the life of Amy Kessler. My days are pretty busy and I’m always on the go. I wake up at 5 am to do morning cardio. Come home, eat my first meal, get ready for work and get my two children off to school by 8 am . Then it’s off to work. After work, I hit the gym again to lift and do more cardio. I get home to make dinner, help with homework, try to spend some time in with my children, in between the phone constantly ringing, cleaning, icing injuries, etc. And that’s just if there’s not a school activity that I need to attend for my kids. They are both very active in school with sports, band and friends. I try to be in bed by 10 p.m. to get a good night sleep, to do it all over the next day. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Please tell me about what you do when you don’t work out (hobbies, what do you do to relax?,etc.) Did I mention single mom with two children? There’s no relaxing. Haha. I Don’t’ do much outside of work and going to the gym. I do enjoying dancing, but don’t get out a lot. Especially when training to compete. I enjoy baking, but because I don’t eat a lot of what I bake, my friends benefit from that. A relaxing night for me would be to hang out at home with friends watching movies.
Tell me something interesting about yourself, something people may be surprised to hear. People are always surprised to hear that I’m 45.
What are your competition goals or personal future goals? I plan to compete in 3 shows in 2008. The Arnold Classic, Jr. Nationals, and Nationals. I would like to get my pro-card in 2008. If I can accomplish that in Figure, I would like to further my career and do bodybuilding again. Please note: Amy does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! |
