Interview With Amy Jo Palmquest
Rising Star of the Month - September 2010
Interviewed by: Carrie Ann
(WP): Let’s begin with you telling our viewers a little about yourself.
My name is Amy Jo Palmquest and I am 26 years old, a wife, mother, personal trainer, fitness model and NPC Figure Competitor. I have been a Personal Trainer for 7 years now and love every minute of it. My son, Caden, is 2 years old and a big brute of an athlete; just like my husband. I enjoy cooking, supplement shopping, Royal Caribbean cruises and grocery shopping alone. We are a part of a wonderful bible based church and look forward to volunteering with the high school group this fall.
(WP): What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?
I attended a private Christian school and graduated in a class of about 45, which I absolutely loved! I was raised in an athletic family and participated in almost every sport. I love competition and played volleyball, basketball and ran track in high school. My favorite classes were nutrition, anatomy/physiology and health sciences, which was where I discovered I was meant to work in the health and fitness field. I went on to play collegiate volleyball and got a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition as well as my ACE Personal Trainer Certification. I met the love of my life that had a passion for fitness/bodybuilding just as I did. He and I feed off one another and make each other better people. We got married and I became pregnant about 2 years into our marriage. This was such a turning point for me! I wanted more out of my physique and to find what worked best for me. Soon after having my baby boy, Caden, I decided I was determined to take my fitness to new levels. I began fitness modeling with a company in Seattle, WA, Moving Comfort and soon after signed with a modeling agency. I joined the Performance Ready Team with Carla Sanchez in January 2010 and I couldn’t be happier.
(WP): What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?
Maintaining my physique is ever-changing. My goals change from time to time, so as will my physique. I love setting new, challenging goals and what keeps me motivated to reach my goals is the mirror and looking back at old pictures. I take pictures/measurements every weekend and during competition prep, I’m sending them to my coach. I love comparing different body parts and seeing what they ‘once were‘. I also have a goal of modeling full-time and earning my Pro card in Figure!
One thing I’ve done different lately is cut down on leg training, which has helped me develop a more streamline look, which will compliment both modeling and competing.
(WP): Where do you reside now?
My family and I live in Lacey, Washington.
(WP): Have you ever played any type of sports or activities?
I’ve played or at least attempted to play almost all sports/activities. I’ve played volleyball, basketball, softball, cheerleading, and track/field. I enjoyed volleyball the most, and received a collegiate volleyball scholarship. I also love mountain biking, anything in the water and roller coasters!
(WP): Tell me about your family.
I was raised in a house full of girls, yes, my poor Father! I’m the middle child; I have an older and a younger sister. We all have wonderful relationships with each other and with my parents. I never really dated much, was taught and always believed there is a soul-mate for everyone. Well, my patience and determination found me exactly that, my best-friend and soul-mate for life, Ryan. Ryan is my biggest supporter and a wonderful Father to Caden. We will eventually have another, maybe adopt a third? It is all in God’s timing.
(WP): What has modeling taught you thus far?
Modeling has taught me to grow a spine and embrace ‘No’s’, and to never give up. I’ve developed a huge appreciation for other models or woman who are beautiful and deserve to be recognized.
(WP): What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?
The hardest thing for me to overcome was how come I’m not getting jobs like every day? Ha-ha! When I first started, I didn’t really get the concept of ‘casting calls’. I figured my agency had a portfolio on me and was now promoting me, so I’ll be booked and modeling everyday! Ha-ha! You have got to work for it and be camera ready 24-7. This actually didn’t take me long to overcome, it was a very humbling moment.
(WP): What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?
The hardest thing about my diet is cutting back on Peanut Butter. I love my PB and I certainly don’t want to have to measure it! But, you sacrifice and it’s all worth it in the end.
(WP): What are the key factors that dictate the way you model today?
I will always be classy, smart and respectful, never swaying from that. Modeling is a job, temporary and there are greater things like your self-respect and being an example. There’s certain things I’ll just never do and you couldn’t give me enough money to do them.
(WP): How has your training compare to when you model to when you do not? What do you do differently?
My training doesn’t change too much, I enjoy it. My duration decreases a little when I’m not modeling and I take more rest days.
(WP): What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.
By far my family is my greatest accomplishment! Having your best friend as a husband and the sweetest baby boy gives me such pride! My career as a Personal Trainer is so rewarding too. Every client that I have I want to make a difference with. I am so proud of all of them and I tell them “If I ever win the lottery I will train you for FREE!” All the lifestyles I have and am transforming is a huge accomplishment.
Another was my first time competing in figure; it was just a few months ago at the Northern Colorado Championships. I placed 1st and was astounded, it was certainly a great feeling of accomplishment. My second competition was the Emerald Cup here in Seattle right after the Northern. I placed 3rd in my height class and qualified for Nationals.
To name a few modeling highlights: My first magazine cover led to an exercise video and ab infomercial. Also, I was in a full page ad for Moving Comfort Apparel.
(WP): Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?
I see my husband and I having another child, I see us living in the same place and owning our own fitness club. I know in 10 years I will still love fitness, be in great shape and hopefully be modeling full-time.
(WP): Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?
I have worked with some amazing photographers. To name a few who really have made an impression on me are Kailas Images (Joseph Lindstrom) in Seattle, Ty Milford Photography in Portland, Chase Jarvis in Seattle, Rob Hawthorne Photography in Denver.
I can’t wait to work with Mike Byerly, Jason Ellis, James Patrick and many, many more!
(WP): What supplements do you currently take?
I love supplements. My husband and I have a butler’s pantry devoted to all our supplements. Everything is organized and we are pretty meticulous with our supplementation. We spend time researching and learning about new supplements to give us an edge. I know we are Nerds! With that said, VPX Sports Supplements manufacture our favorite products; they are high quality, with trustworthy, innovative ingredients. The masterminds at VPX back everything up with real science. After utilizing their products for over a year, I have recently become a VPX sponsored athlete. I want to thank them for all of their support. When it comes to supplements I encourage people to truly do their research. Supplementation can be an important piece of the puzzle in achieving one’s physique goals. I currently use BCAA’s, Glutamine, Fish Oils, Multivitamin, Whey/Casein Protein and Vitamin D. Pre/Post workout I prefer to use some combination of any of these quality products: Meltdown/Princess RTD, No-Shotgun/No-Synthesize and Clenbutrix (All VPX products).
(WP): What are your pet peeves?
One of my pet peeves is laziness; I don’t get it, just make it happen. Or how about people who love to point out how wrong everyone else is while they are a walking train wreck. Another one is cracking knuckles, can’t stand it.
(WP): What do you consider to be important in life, and why?
I consider what I put my faith and trust in as the most important things in life. God comes first, my family second and everything else follows. These things in this order have been the foundation of who I am and what I know is true. I also consider ‘what you do when no one is looking’ to be important when being an example in life.
(WP): What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?
I am 5’8, 133 lbs. My bust/waist/hip ratio is 36/27/37.
(WP): Any shout outs?
Of course! Shout out to my husband who is my rock and support. To my agency, Sports and Lifestyle Unlimited, who have given me so many wonderful opportunities, I am so very thankful. Also, to my Coach, Carla Sanchez, and my Performance Ready Team in Denver, CO.
(WP): Give me an example of your workout.
Running is one of my favorite forms of cardio. Not that I really enjoy it, but I’ve learned to enjoy the results it brings me. I run about 5-6 days a week/ 4-7 miles, as it’s my staple.
I like using different forms of equipment to mix up my weightlifting and do extra focused booty work almost every day. My favorite body part to lift is Shoulders and my least favorite is Biceps.
(WP): Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?
I eat every 2-3 hours, with about 6 meals per day and enjoy finding new ways to make unhealthy food healthy.
A typical day I love to start off with a Protein Pancake (egg whites, oats, and cinnamon). For a snack I’ll have a Protein shake and some nuts or rice cake/peanut butter (my favorite). For lunch I like to have any kind of lean protein, usually chicken or tuna and make a big salad with vegetables and quinoa. For meal #4, I have a small sweet potato with cinnamon and Splenda, Chicken and another veggie. Dinner is usually the smallest meal of my day and I love having grilled fish (sometimes Salmon) and veggies. My last meal of the day is cottage cheese right before I hit the hay.
(WP): Could you tell me about your future projects?
I am working on some stuff for a national magazine, which is an Ab editorial, so I’m getting my abs good these days. Another future project is with yet another national magazine where I have a full page model feature for. I hopefully I will be adding to this list with a few other opportunities, just don’t want to speak before they’re confirmed.
(WP): Is there anything I have forgotten to mention that you would like to bring to light?
I’m so thankful that I could be a part of World Physique and have the honor to be featured. I enjoy reading all of the other articles and consider it amazing to be a part of this, so thank you!
(WP): It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I wish you all the best of luck!
