Interview With Amber Day
Competitor of the Month - September 2010
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee'
Photography by: LHGFX
Amber Day took the stage by storm at the New Mexico Muscle Mania. She won Overall at that show and won the Cover Model/Spokes Model for Hard Rock Café. I, personally, asked Amber to be our ‘Competitor of the Month’ this month. Since I have gotten to know and love her, she has impressed me so much! She is such an inspiration to so many!
Amber is a 27 year old Dental Hygienist, personal trainer, fitness model, National level bikini competitor and mother of a beautiful 8 year old daughter. Her life is quite a busy one! She currently resides in the small town of Farmington, New Mexico.
"...Diet! Clean eating is one thing but, competition diet can be brutal. It was tough to overcome it and realize it's all in my head. My motto for contest diet is, "Don't think; just do". It becomes easier once you start to learn how your body responds to things."
(WP): What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
I had always wanted to compete, but never really had the confidence to just sign up and step on stage. There was a small show in Albuquerque, New Mexico which was not too far from home so, I decided if I don’t just take that leap and do it. I never will; so I did and placed top three. I was addicted to the sport there after! I regrouped, changed my training program to improve my physique for a larger show. I competed in Arizona in March of 2010 placed top three again. Next show, I did fitness at New Mexico Muscle Mania, contracted with Hard Rock, for the event and this was a great opportunity to get a great sponsor and some exposure so, I did it. I placed 2nd in both divisions I competed in and won the Overall Cover Model/Spokes Model for the Hard Rock Cafe! I could not be any happier. From that, I qualified to go to Miami 3 weeks after for Fitness Universe. I thought why not?!
I trained and dieted so hard to get to this point and I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to go. I had no expectations coming into that show, but to have fun. I was runner up Ms. Bikini Universe Medium class; seriously, what more could I ask for?
Moreover, here I am today and just getting ready for my next show in Vegas, which will be Mr. Olympia Flex Bikini. I am blessed to work with the best nutritionist in the world, Kim Oddo, and I truly believe I would not be where I am today without his help. He is absolutely amazing. I also have a great support team out of Albuquerque, New Mexico called the Iron Divas; those girls are my rocks!
(WP): What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?
To be honest, maintaining my physique is a full time job. It is tough to constantly be in a lean state and to also turn your head from fun events with friends and family; such as BBQ, great restaurants, bars, etc. But, I can truly say it is worth every moment when I see the changes in my physique. Diet is 90% of the trick! If you don’t eat a clean diet day-in and-day out, the results just won’t come. One thing I have changed lately in my training program, because I am lifting much heavier and integrating cross-fit circuit style, I do a lot of Plyometrics, burpees; things that keep the heart rate up. It seems to be shocking the body and I am currently seeing a change in my muscle tone.
(WP): What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?
I mostly do a lot of weight lifting and conditioning, but I love outdoor trail running, softball, water sports, snowboarding. I am fortunate to live in such a great part of the country that all these activities are available to me.
(WP): Tell me about your family. In addition, are you married, single, or dating?
I am single. I truly don’t have much time between training, working, competing and being a mom to my daughter to date much. On the other hand, my family lives close and are supportive. They all help me out tremendously with my daughter so I can do some of the copious hours of training and food prep for my sport.
(WP): That’s great to have such supportive family. What has figure competitions taught you thus far?
It has taught me self-discipline, persistence, as well as, patience and strength! That is all that needs to be said! I am a better person because of it.
(WP): What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
Diet! Clean eating is one thing but, competition diet can be brutal. It was tough to overcome it and realize it’s all in my head. My motto for contest diet is, “Don’t think; just do”. It becomes easier once you start to learn how your body responds to things.
(WP): Great motto! What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
Flavor is pretty much gone in my diet and getting close to a show, I dread depleting carbs. I have no energy to get done what I need to in the gym with very little carbs in my diet.
(WP): What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
Leanness, symmetry, and muscular development; between these three things, I know what training I should do to improve weak spots.
(WP): How has your training changed over the years?
I have realized that no matter what I have to completely change up my training every 6-8 weeks so I don’t hit a plateau. I am now lifting much heavier and trying to put a little more muscle on to round out my body a bit.
(WP): Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
I hope to have my NPC Bikini Pro and continue with my modeling career in the fitness industry. I will always be in this industry because it is my passion. So, I want to pick me up an endorsement and continue to improve my physique and inspire others!
(WP): Are you doing any modeling?
I have shot with some amazing photographers and my portfolio is getting bigger and bigger. I have some magazine tear sheets and things, but I am just entering the arena. Ask me next year. Hopefully, I’ll be on top!
(WP): Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?
I have worked with LHG photography, PG photography, Gordon smith, Aaron Downing photography, etc. There is so many I would love to work with: Walt Ostarly, Andrew Nicholson, Satio, Sarah Picturegroove, Mike Byerly, David ford, the list goes on and on! So many talented photographers!
(WP): What supplements do you currently take?
Mostly basics, I try to get most my nutrition from solid clean eating food. I take digestive enzymes, CLA, ALA, Whey Protein, Glutamine, BCAA’s and a multi-vitamin.
(WP): What are your pet peeves?
My pet peeves are: Ignorance, bad teeth, slow drivers, and those who are not good on their word.
(WP): What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
Family, career, health, and then the rest fall in place. Without family, we wouldn’t be here and we would not possess the morals and values that were given to use by the ones who love us most. I am a dental hygienist and love my career. I enjoy helping others improve their dental health and educating those on the importance of preventative dental care. Plus, that is what puts food on the table and pays the bills. Last, but not least, without health we have nothing!
(WP): How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
I think right now in my life I’m trying to find a balance; balance between my career, being a single mom, and still wanting to live my dream. I am usually always focused on one thing and have to conquer that, and then move to the next. So, the past few years, I have been trying to find the balance between it all.
(WP): What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?
I’m 5’4” at 103 pounds. My measurements are 34-24-33.
(WP): Any shout outs?
My sponsors who support me and this sport:
Lestor Welton at Vizion Wear for all my amazing suits, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Albuquerque, Sohottmodels at www.sohottmodels.com, Iron Divas, Dr. Smalley and Four Corners Orthodontics.
(WP): Give me an example of your workout.
Sample Routine:
Monday:
40 minutes Stairmaster/ shoulders, back
- Shoulder press: 4x15
- Lateral raises: 4x15
-Pull-ups: 3x15
-Dumbbell reverse fly: 3x15
-Wide grip pull-downs: 3x15
-Pull-over’s: 2x20
Tuesday:
40 minutes cardio of choice/chest
-Incline bench press: 3x15
-Cable fly: 3x15
-Dumbbell incline press: 3x15
-Push-ups 4x20
Wednesday:
Stairmaster 40/ abs and calves. (This is my light day) -Hanging leg raises: 4x25
-Medicine ball crunch: 4x failure
-V-ups 3 x failure
-Standing calf raise: 3x25
-Standing heel raise w/dumbbell: 3x25
Thursday:
2 x 45 minutes of cardio
Friday:
Legs
Leg press: 3x15
Walking dumbbell lunges: 4x20 each leg
Box jumps: 3x20
Dead lifts: 3x15
Leg curls: 3x 15 drop sets
Saturday:
40 minutes on Stairmaster/tri’s and bi’s
Skull crushers: 3x15
Curl bar push-down: 3x12-15
Bench dips w/plate on lap: 4x15
(WP): Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?
Sample Diet:
Meal 1: 4 egg whites and 1/4 cup oats.
Meal 2: Protein shake with 1 tbsp. flax.
Meal 3: 4.3 oz. turkey or chicken and 1 cup veggies.
Meal 4: Protein shake with 1 tbsp. flax.
Meal 5: 4 oz. protein and 1cup veggies.
Meal 6: 5 oz. tilapia, small salad with no dressing, and 1 cup of vegetables.
Meal 7: Casein protein shake before bed w/ Glutamine.
I also drink a ton of water!
(WP): Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
That being a part of World Physique Magazine is an absolute honor. What a great publication!
(WP): Thank you so much! It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
