Amy Buchanan - Personal Trainer and Ambassador
Please tell us about sporting events you have taken part in or have coming up.
I play football for XL Academy which are based in Kent and we have just got through to the Semi-Finals of a cup which will take place later on this month.
Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?
My fitness journey started really as a child, I took part in several sports such as football, jujitsu, swimming and Irish dancing. I have always been a sporty person and didn't care if I was the only girl playing football with boys. I took GCSE P.E in school and continued my sports education by attending college and completing a number of courses such as my Level 3 Personal Training. Since lockdown my fitness took the back foot, as falling pregnant and having COVID I was unable to train. I used my time wisely and gained new qualifications such as Pre and Post Natal, Metabolic Effect and currently working through my Level 4 Strength and Conditioning. I decided to come into the fitness industry as I loved the feeling of getting strong and feeling fit as well as helping others achieve goals they didn't think they could.
What are your training goals now?
My training goals now are to bring my fitness back to the best it can be after having my baby and get stronger then I ever have before.
Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:
My unusual fact about me would be that I have Greek ancestors. My great - great Grandad came from a little island of Kefalonia and was told to work at sea from a young age and made dock in Stockton on Tees, where he met my great great Grandmother and never returned to the island of Kefalonia. I have visited the island every year since I was 18 months old and visit family on the island whenever possible.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
If I could turn back the clock I wish I was not so stubborn and took opportunities while I was young, but being only 16 and wanting to stay with my friends I turned down some opportunities that would of helped me later on in life. My advice would be do not turn down opportunities just to stay with friends within a classroom, if you want to go for something GO FOR IT!
Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?
I do not specifically following a nutrition plan, being a new mum and a girl who loves her food, I like balance. I make sure I eat healthily and hit my macros, but I always like to enjoy a weekend night out with friends.
What do you do to keep your clients motivated? Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?
I keep my clients motivated by letting them know how far they have come and share their wins with them. I recently had a PT client who lifted 90kg deadlift which he has never done before and once I told him that it was a new PB he was shocked but amazed at the same time. I love sharing clients wins with them, it's why I enjoy my job. My top tip would be to use other ways of measuring progression such as lean body mass, measurements and pictures. Never just go by the scales.
Talk us through your training regime.
My training regime is quite simple. I do weight training 2-3 a week, hitting the compound movements such as squats and deadlifts etc depending on football training, along with a football match on a Sunday afternoon with football training on a Thursday night. I also like to squeeze in a boxing session with my boxing trainer to help with the cardio side.
How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?
I like to keep my fitness knowledge up to date by seeing what people are looking for/interested in and what makes me different from everyone else. I have recently qualified in Metabolic Effect which is a fantastic way for clients to work for 30 mins, but achieve weight loss and get fit and strong at the same in such a short space and the results are INSANE! I am also currently working on my Level 4 strength and conditioning course which I hope to incorporate with my football.
What are your top 3 trainer tips?
- Get a fitness tracker. For me personally I find this keeps me on track and a great way to see how hard your working within your sessions.
- Have balance, make sure you are working hard and eating healthy but also make sure you let your hair down and have fun.
- HAVE FUN and make training interesting.
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be NANDOS! LOL
Why work with Sundried?
I'd like to work with Sundried because they fit everyone, whether you are going to the gym, for a cycle, a run, whatever, then Sundried have the gear for you.
Favourite fitness quote:
Nothing will work unless you do.
To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.