Amy Rozier - Ms. World Physique

August 2009

Photos by: Tracy Hicks
Interviewed by: Leesa Paul

Amy is a graduate of Delta State University in Cleveland, MS with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She was a buyer for a specialty boutique for 14 years. She recently decided to stay home with her 2 beautiful children; Sarah Grace, age 8 and Alex, age 5. She is married to her best friend, Michael, of 11 years. She has never been an athlete or even a cheerleader, but has always remained active. She joined a gym, Anantomies, about 5 years ago after having her second child. Her workouts would consist of maybe 20 minutes of cardio and tanning. She would go 2 or 3 days a week, if that! She went to the gym only because she felt it was "the thing to do." Then in November 2008, she had two trainers at the gym approach her about competing. She thought they were crazy! Who would want to see her on state at her age? Then, she had another trainer come to her in January and she was finally put to the test. So, she decided that she would give it a try. After several weeks, she began to see results and was soon hooked. Here she is, 8 months later, and have competed in 3 figure and fitness competitions. “I hope to compete in many more”, say Amy.

Q. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
The support of my wonderful husband is the stepping stone that has gotten me where I am today. If it were not for his support I would not have been able to quit my job and pursue my dreams of becoming a fitness model. Staying home has allowed me to have more time to concentrate on my training. If it were not for my supportive family all of this would not be possible.

Q. What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?
Maintaining my physique takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It is discipline on my part, mentally, as well as physically. I train 5 days a week and during competitions I train twice a day. My diet also helps make maintaining my physique easier. It is very clean with lots of protein.

Q. Where do you reside now?
I was born and raised in Greenwood, MS. I now reside in Hattiesburg, MS.

Q. That is a wonderful story of how you began competition. Can you tell me more about it?
I competed in my first competition in April. I place 1st place in my figure class and 1st place overall. I was addicted after that. The feeling of getting on stage and showing off all my hard work was so rewarding. In May, I went to Houston, TX and competed in FAME Lone star. I placed 2nd in figure and 3rd in fitness model. Then in June I did my first NPC show in Jackson, MS. I won 1st place in my figure class and 2nd in figure 35 and older.

Q. If that doesn’t inspire moms, I don’t know what will! Are you planning to compete again in the future?
I do want to do more competitions in the near future. I plan on training harder and trying to improve for each show.

Q. What has figure competitions taught you thus far?
The most important thing competition has taught me is to have confidence in myself. I have always been a very quiet and shy person and this has helped me break out of my shell. I have learned that if you set your mind to do something you can do it. I also learned that hard work will pay off if you just stick with it.

Q. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
The fear of getting on stage in the "barely there" bikini was the hardest thing for me to overcome. I am a 36 year old mother of two children and felt this was not something I could do. After my first competition, I realized that I could do this. The support I received from the audience was reason enough for me to compete again. I was someone they could relate to. I was a supportive wife raising children with a busy schedule and still found time for myself. I realized that I could compete and compete against girls way younger that me.

Q. Didn’t you know that the 30 and 40 year old is the new 20? What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
My diet has been a gradual process of elimination. The hardest thing for me to give up was candy. I began to trade my candy for sugar free gum. I gradually would cut out things from my diet. I feel that this is what helped me to maintain it for so long. It is really not a diet but, a lifestyle change.

Q. What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?
My trainer and I focus on my individual body and what works best for me. We train differently depending on what type of shows I am getting prepared for. Some want a leaner body while others want a more muscular physique. We train with weights and cardio depending on the show.

Q. How has your training changed over the years?
Considering that I really did not start training until January of this year, my training has changed drastically. I went from barely working out to working out 5 days a week and sometimes twice a day! It is not only cardio but weight training as well.

Q. What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.
I Won 1st place in figure and 1st place overall at USM South Miss Classic in Hattiesburg, MS. I won 2nd place in figure and 3rd in fitness model at FAME Lonestar in Houston, TX, and I won 1st place in figure and 2nd in figure 35 and older at NPC Southern Classic in Jackson, MS.

Q. Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to as fit as I am today. Hopefully, I will be modeling for a fitness magazine or a major supplement company.

Q. I adore your photos! Can you tell me any photographers you've worked with, or someone you would like to work with?
Thank you. I have worked with Tracy Hicks Photography in Houston, TX., Flexphotos in Houston, TX, and J. Holmes Photography in New Orleans, LA. I would love to work with Terry Goodlad or Paul Buceta.

Q. What supplements do you currently take?
In addition to my diet, I take a Linberg Pink Pack multi-vitamin, CO Q10, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Calcium and during show, I take LIPO 6 fat burner. I love Optimum Nutrition's chocolate malt protein powder.

Q. What are your pet peeves?
One of by biggest pet peeves is when people workout, but eat badly and cannot understand why they are overweight and unhealthy. Your diet is a very important role in your well being. You are literally what you eat! Some people try to take the short way out and it just doesn't work.

Q. That’s so true! What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
My family and God would be the most important thing in life to me. Being a supportive wife and loving mother is my main priority to me. I also want to be the best spiritual role model for my children. Having a strong family is the backbone to a very fulfilling life.

Q. How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?
My priorities are different now than they were 8 months ago. I focus on my well being which in turn makes me feel like a better person. Feeling better about you helps with confidence and happiness. This can reflect throughout your whole family. I feel that am a role model for my children and I want them to live a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, we are all now very conscious of what we eat.

Q. What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?
My height is 5 feet and 3 inches. My weight is 120 lbs. My biceps are12 inches. My waist is 24 inches. My chest is 34 inches, and my hips are34 inches.

Q. Any shout outs?
I would like to give a shout out to Anatomies! They have always been a wonderful gym with all the latest equipment which makes my training easier. It is a great facility that has child care which has made it much easier for me to come in and train. Also a huge shout-out to my personal trainer, Crystal Green, for being my rock!! Her dedication and time has given me the ability to get into the shape I am in. She has always believed in me, which has meant so much! If it were not for her pushing me I would not be where I am today. She has pushed me harder than I ever thought possible. She has given me the confidence in myself to compete! Love you girl.

Q. Give me an example of your workout.
My workouts change from day to day. I rotate legs, arms, shoulders and abs. I also do cardio everyday. Sometimes we will "shock" my body with tons of plyometrics. We try to not do the same workout everyday to keep my body wondering what is coming next!

Q. Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

My diet varies slightly each day:

6am: 6 to 8 egg whites, 1/2 c. oatmeal.

9am: Protein bar.

12pm: Chicken breast baked and sweet potato or broccoli.

3pm: Raw almonds.

6pm: Chicken grilled on bed of romaine lettuce or baby spinach.

9pm: Protein shake (made with water this late).

It changes lightly but I do try to have protein with each meal and snack. And I try to get most of it from natural sources.

Q. Could you tell me about your future projects?
To be in the swimsuit issue of World Physique magazine or the Fit Mom Layout!

Q. Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
Believe in yourself and stick with a program. If I can do this anyone can!

Q. Thank you! It was a pleasure getting to know you.