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Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Amy Allen
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: February 10
Hometown: Stonington Connecticut
Career: My professional career is in the field of Radiology, specialized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. I have worked in clinical care for several years and am now focused in education.
Competition history:
*Currently in training for Pro debut in 2013
2012 01st Place Bikini E - NPC NATS ATL GA - IFBB PRO Qualification Win
2012 01st Place Bikini E - NPC SAC
2012 03rd Place Bikini E - NPC USAs Nationals Vegas
2012 03rd Place Bikini E - NPC Jr Nationals Chicago
2012 Overall Bikini Winner Jon Lindsay Muscle Contest Grand Prix LA
2012 01st Place Bikini E - Jon Lindsay Muscle Contest Grand Prix LA
2012 04th Place Bikini E - Gov Cup Sac Open
2012 02nd Place Bikini E - Gov Cup Sac
2011 12th Place Bikini E - Miami Nationals
2011 05th Place Bikini E - Sac Pro-Am
2011 01st Place Bikini E - Titans Grand Prix Culver City LA
Next competition:
I work with Kim Oddo, we usually sit down and explore options as the season gets started. There are combinations of variables to evaluate, seeing that a majority of the IFBB Bikini Pro shows are out of California. This means a lot more traveling to other states. I would love my pro debut to be a local competition where family and friends can come. Jon Lindsay with Musclcontest.com really hosts some superb shows. I have an idea of a few I would love to compete in for personal sentiment as well. The IFBB has such an amazing selection of shows and hosts to choose fro
m. I am very excited!
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
When striving for success in something you set out to achieve, both motivation and confidence are EVERYTHING! The key to motivation is the measure of how bad you desire to achieve whatever it is. The greater the desire, the more you will push yourself no matter what. Fitness goals (like others) are not easy, you need to want it and love it. Confidence is king when all said and done. While pursuing whatever it is your confidence manifests in your belief in yourself. This belief actually manifests in a over confidence that “you will be successful”. By leaving no option, you push. The latter half of confidence manifests in fitness when you step on stage. Your confidence will make or break your stage presence, especially in bikini. This applies everywhere in life.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
There is something to be said about those with natural (in this case) athletic talent or genetics that support amazing physiques. I like to look at these individuals as blessed and gifted. However, I believe that we all have inside us the resources to do or be whatever it is we feel called to. I do not think an individual is called to something they have not been equipped to excel at. It gets back to the “work”. The work needed will be influenced by these natural gifts. However, I also feel talent (natural ability) can be beat out by an individual willing to work hard (harder).
Success formula for the top = HARDWORK + CONSISTENCY + DEDICATION
The successful fail and keep getting up, pushing through, and never give up. It is easy to be the winner all the time. True character is demonstrated in those that are humbled by falling.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I am a very passionate person; I attempt to give completely to everything I invest in. I happen to have a lot I juggle so that can become complicated. Motivating myself comes in different forms depending on the situation. However, it always comes down to two simple things, “remind myself why and how bad I want it”. I leave no room for options to the things that I know I need to accomplish, no matter what that means.
I then surround myself with positive thoughts, inspiring readings, and people.
Give some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
I have been on my own sense I was 17 years old. There has always been one thing that I have self-reflected on, that is, “life will always be what you make of it”. Having the confidence to move forward no matter what the obstacles have been has been a huge blessing. There have been a lot of them along the way. Thankfully, it has lead me to be
well educated, career driven and now to IFBB Bikini Pro status. I look forward to what is to come and how I can move others to success.
All too often individuals let themselves get caught up comparing themselves to others and why it will never be for them. By believing and maintaining confidence in their consistent efforts, all things can happen. Hard work and dedication always prevail!
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
I think the hardest challenge in a competitive physique is nutritional consistency. Finding a balance between a break and not allowing it to become consuming is hard. The other thing is keeping your emotions abbey. I am what people consider a “people person”, you have to accept that everyone is not cut from the same mold and because you are competing it changes what a “friend” is. You must keep your sensitive side at home.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Game plan and goal: I have to strategically layout in my mind what I am doing, write it down and own it. I then spend time analyzing and envisioning my outcome. Every day to follow there is not a day that I do not think about it and its positive outcome. This is something I continually am working on, it is not easy.
2. Nutritional consistency/dedication: nothing will matter if this is not in check
3. Dedication and intense training every time: making each workout count, the easy part. I love being in the gym!
4. Cardio intensity
5. Rest and recovery
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
Honestly, I am s
till on a hunt… help! <smile>
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
Everyone that follows me, knows that I have an abundant number of inspiring quotes that move me.
“The perfect day, going to bed with a dream, waking up with a purpose” – unknown
The beautiful thing about life is our dreams are endless; a thankful heart inspires happiness and contentment. I find the most pleasure in giving, which explains how I ended up in education.
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I have an endless thankful heart for my two guys at home who support my efforts and passions. I am truly blessed with their love, support and encouragement. That is also true of some of my family and friends who have been amazing.
A very special thank you goes out to Kim Oddo, my nutritionist and coach. This man is an epitome of what dedication, passion and support truly is. As a women and an administrator professionally, I can vouch that what he does is not always easy. It is hard work giving a piece of yourself and efforts to a large group of athletes. Then to consciously push and support each of them to be the best they can be is a challenge. He does it without skipping a beat. He is an amazing coach, therapist, friend and enemy when he needs to really push you. <smile> I confidently say, the Oddo Team is blessed to have him and his expertise.
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @MsAmy_Lynn
Instagram: Ms Amy Allen
Facebook: IFBB Bikini Pro Amy Allen
Photographers: Noel Deganta & Charles Omanney
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