Oh Yeah! Sponsored Athlete Amanda Adams Talks To M&S

Major accomplishments in your career:

• Sponsored Athlete by award winning supplement company OhYeah! Nutrition
• 1st place in FAB Dixie Bikini Competition
• 2nd place in Atlanta’s Fit Sciences Bikini Competition
• Published in Oxygen Magazine, FLEX, Muscle Evolution, REPS, World Physique, Atlanta’s Get Fit Magazine, and Atlanta’s Jezebel Magazine!

What is your athletic background, and how did you get involved with fitness and bikini?

My first two years of college were not only a time of finding out I was an expert “party girl,” but also realizing how unhappy I was with my health and self-image. I noticed myself and other girls around me searching for quick ways to feel better about themselves and running away from personal problems. I wanted to get out of this vicious cycle.

I dragged myself off the bar floor and decided to get serious. One of my good friends was an amazing trainer and I started training with him during the week in between school and working two jobs. It was hard, but completely worth it.

I started researching everything in the fitness industry and came across Jamie Eason. I loved her look and what she represented. I wanted that! I set up a photo shoot with a great photographer, attended every fitness expo I knew about and competed in 3 local bikini competitions. I fell in love with the industry and never looked back.

The thing I love most about the industry is people I have grown so close too. Four girls that I met throughout the years in the industry ended up actually being in my wedding! I love hearing the stories of how everyone gets started, how each person stays motivated and keeps going.

The downfall about the industry would honestly be the unhealthy aspects of it. I’ve witnessed so many amazing girls that will compete or diet for photo shoots and afterwards develop eating disorders or ruin their bodies from years of overtraining and poor nutrition choices. I try my best to remind girls that IT’S OKAY to not look like you did in the magazine or on stage year round. I encourage girls to find a happy, healthy balance that works best for your own body and lifestyle! Everyone is different 😉

What keeps you motivated?

In the beginning, it was the goal of getting in the best shape I could for a photo shoot. I wanted to see what I could do with my body and I put 100% focus on it. Now, to be honest, all my followers/supporters on my social media sites and website motivate me every single day.

I turn to them when I need a little boost. They’ve all literally become friends in some technology connected way lol. Following their journeys of their first workout, first photo shoot, or just bouncing off ideas with each other is so fun! It’s all about accountability and we are all there for each other!

What are your future goals, dreams and plans?

I have so many goals when it comes to my career in “fitness” that I sometimes I have to force myself to just SIT and slow down! I want to continue to encourage girls and women to find a fun, healthy balance between life, nutrition and fitness! I want girls to understand that nutrition and training is important in their life, but it’s okay to have a cheeseburger and margarita every now and then.

On that note, I hope to get my name and message out there any way possible. I would love to land the cover of Oxygen Magazine, write a book on “Finding a Happy Balance”, have a monthly column in a fitness magazine for young women, give workshops and talks to girls and women on self image and to continue representing OhYeah! Nutrition as their sponsored athlete!

What does your current training and split look like, and what do you like most about it?

Since I’m not competing these days, I don’t train as “hardcore” and focus on just maintaining a more balanced look. I train 3-4 days a week at Body Design Personal Training club in Atlanta, GA with 3 amazing trainers. Here is an example of a week’s workout.

Monday – Chest, Triceps, Shoulders with 5 minutes of Abs and 20 minutes of Cardio

• Walking push ups (length of track or 20 yards)
• Ground Bench with Barbell
• Shoulder Circuit

Wednesday – Back and Biceps with 5 minutes of Abs and 20 minutes of Cardio

• Barbell Bent Rows
• Band Rows (on stab ball)
• Kettlebell Deadlifts
• Dumbbell Shrugs
• Barbell Curls
• Barbell Preacher Curls (on Stability Ball)

Friday – Legs/Glutes with 5 minutes of Abs and 20 minutes of Cardio

• Walking Lunge to Static Lunges to Jump Squats
• Med Ball Squat to Lunge
• Kettle Bell Sit to Stand (on bench)
• Kettle Bell Front/Back Lunge
• Foam Roller Wall Squats
• Straight Legged Deadlift

You can get the full detailed workout that I do each week on their website! Click here for more info.

What does your post-workout nutrition and supplementation look like?

Post workout nutrition is always my favorite. If I’m in a hurry after the gym, I just grab my Chocolate OhYeah! TPS Protein Shake. Since you only need water to mix with it, it’s so convenient.

If I have some time after my workout then I make my favorite post workout protein shake, Creamy Berry Goodness! The simple sugar/carb from fruit actually helps sweep the protein into your muscle instead of storing it as fat. The combination of protein and carbs make a perfect post workout meal. Try it out!

Creamy Berry Goodness

• 1 Scoop of Vanilla OhYeah! Protein Powder
• 1/4 Cup of Blueberries
• 1/4 Cup of Bananas
• 1/2 or 1 Cup of Almond Milk or Water
• 1/2 Cup of Ice

Blend, blend, blend and enjoy!

What does your cutting (eating) plan look like?

Since I work events and do photo shoots year round, I tend to eat healthy and stay lean year round too. I typically get 5 meals/snacks a day consisting of lean protein, complex carbs, veggies, fruit and healthy fats. A typical day for me looks like this:

• Meal 1: Spinach egg whites, oatmeal w/banana, peanut butter and cinnamon
• Meal 2: OhYeah! Protein Bar (Peanut butter crunch is my favorite right now!)
• Meal 3: Chicken salad with fruit, almonds, cheese, broccoli slaw, Ezekiel bread croutons and Farms Grove Sugar-Free Dressing
• Meal 4: OhYeah! Chocolate Protein shake
• Meal 5: Spicy lean ground turkey bowl (peppers, onions, broccoli, lean ground turkey, Greek yogurt and salsa)

**On the weekends, I am a lot more relaxed with my meals. I keep it healthy, but don’t ever make myself feel bad for having a couple drinks and pizza with my friends**

A week or two before a big event or shoot I just “clean it up” even more! I will take out any artificial sugars, extra condiments, less fruit, dairy, coffee creamer and no “weekend fun” lol

• Meal 1: Spinach egg whites, oatmeal with just cinnamon
• Meal 2: 4oz chicken, ½ cup of veggies, ¼ cup of sweet potatoes
• Meal 3:  Low sodium tuna, ½ cup of veggies, half a grapefruit or small apple
• Meal 4: OhYeah! Chocolate Protein shake
• Meal 5: Baked tilapia with asparagus sautéed in olive oil and pepper

What are your favorite cheat meals and foods?

Oh man, I love food! I’m from the South and I grew with a “more butter, sugar, salt, the better” attitude. Thankfully I have gained some willpower over the years. However, I will always have a love for ice cream, margaritas, chips with salsa and cheese dip and Chick Fil A!

Workout music – Don’t care, or MP3 player?

I’m obsessed with the FitRadio App! Especially during cardio sessions, the upbeat song choices really keep me going. My favorite FitRadio stations are Classic Rock and Party. They get me through any type of workout!

If someone wants to connect with you, where can you be found?

I’m an open book so join the party! You can connect with me on the following sites:

***Tweet/Message/Mention me that you read this interview***

Favorite activities and hobbies you enjoy when away from the gym?

I love nothing more than hanging out with my husband and our crazy, awesome friends! We love going out on the weekends, lake trips, game nights and trying out new restaurants. More fun, the better.

Which college or professional sports teams do you root for?

Since I’m from Atlanta, I’ve always been a fan of the Falcons. However, now that my good friend, Michael Palmer, plays for them, I actually keep up with the sport even more! I’m getting a lot better on learning the “football lingo” but still have a lot to learn. Fair Catch, False Start, Jump Shot? J/K! lol