Interview with Fitness Competitor Nicole Amsler

1. Tell us about yourself. When did you start getting into fitness?

I’ve always been into fitness and working out, but never at the competitive level like I am now. I started playing sports in elementary school and continued throughout high school. But like any girl, gave that up when I went to college. I didn’t gain the freshman 10, but gained the sophomore 15. It took me a few years to see what I did to my body, but at the age of 22, I lost 20 lbs and never looked back. That is the point in time that started my true love of fitness.

2. When did you start doing fitness competitions? What was your first competition like?

My first competition was the NPC Excalibur in December of 2012. A huge show! If I would have known how large the show was before I signed up, I probably wouldn’t have done it. However, I’m glad I went through with it. I finished 4th in my division and was ecstatic that I placed in my first show!

3. How many competitions have you placed in?

I’m two for two.

4. Any tips for women who wish to start competing but don’t really know where to start?

If you are serious about competing, I’d suggest finding a good coach. I hired a coach immediately and know I never could have done this without her….at least I wouldn’t have had the success I’ve had without her guidance.

5. How do you handle being an entrepreneur and a fitness competitor? How do you manage your time between the two?

It is a very tough balance. I run my own marketing agency and I’m extremely luck that business is going very well. But that means my work days are 10-12 hours/day, 6-7 days/week and this makes it challenging to find the time to fit in my competitive lifestyle. The biggest challenge of the competitive lifestyle is the diet. It takes a lot of planning! I pack my meals every night and never go anywhere without my 6 Pack Fitness bag.

6. Do you have a specific diet?

Absolutely! I carb-cycle and focus on clean eating.

7. How do you incorporate your diet when you are out with friends who don’t have a healthy diet?

This is the most difficult part of competing. The diet is limiting and requires a lot of planning. However, I do my best to pick spots that serve healthy proteins or save my one cheat meal a week for family and friends.

8. Do you take any food supplements or drink any protein shakes on a regular basis along with working out to help you build your muscle mass?

My favorite protein is Nectar Chocolate Truffle. Matrix also has a great Cookies and Cream flavor. I don’t use the protein to build mass, but use it to ensure I meet my daily macros.

9. Do you work out every day? What are some routines that you do?

Right now I workout 6 days/week and do have specific routines that I focus on. The routines are designed to maintain muscle mass while loosing fat. I’m 8 weeks out from my first national show.

10. Do you have a specific part on your body that you like to focus the most on?

Right now, I’m focusing on everything, but personally I’m doing everything I can to tighten up my lower body.

11. You and Keith are a fitness couple. Would you say he is your work out partner?

No, we have very different routines.

12. How important is it for a person to find a partner who is also into health and fitness?

For me this is very important. A deal breaker. Working out is a big part of my life, so I need a partner who finds health and fitness just as important as I do.

13. Do you two motivate each other to work out regularly?

Absolutely.

14. Many look up to you and wish to have a body like yours. What are some tips that you can give to women to keep them motivated and determined to reach their own fitness goals?

One of the greatest misnomers out there today is that exercise alone will change your physique. This is not true for most of us. The food you put into your body is the first thing you should focus on if you’re looking to see your body transition. Also, cardio is not the answer. There are a lot of women out there who continue to eat less and add more and more cardio to loose weight. I used to be one of them! But what this process has taught me is that women can look and feel great with little cardio and a balanced clean diet.