Smart, creative, and driven, Amanda Salinas is the total package, and the best part is she doesn’t even know it. Her stint as a desk jockey ended in her mid-20’s, then jumped the corporate ship and dove headfirst into the fitness community. Here, she dishes on training, who she was, and who she is—and the people that don’t recognize the change.
How’d you get into this lifestyle?
Amanda Salinas: I was probably the last person in the world that anybody expected to get into this. I was one of those skinny-fat girls. I ate junk, had a desk job, and did the nine to five. I was VP of a company and the stress got to be so much that I joined a gym, hired a trainer, and just fell in love with the changes I saw in my body.
What was your nutrition like before the change?
I’m embarrassed to even say. On the way into the office it was a McDonald’s biscuit or a bowl of cereal—something sugary. Then I would snack all day at my desk. I had the drawer with moon pies, chips, and all that stuff. I honestly cringe when I think about it.
Now that you’re fit, what’s different?
People I used to know don’t even recognize me. Nashville’s not the biggest town, so one time a guy was talking to me at the bar and he didn’t recognize me from high school. As we were talking I said, “Yeah, I remember this and I did go here and I was in this class with you…” and he lost it. He couldn’t believe it. He was so embarrassed.
It sounds like your interactions with men have changed a little bit.
I was a nerd when I was younger, so it’s still unusual when guys come up to me. I try not to make eye contact, because once I do I start seeing somebody walk over, I’ll pretend to write in my notebook. They come over and go, “Hey, you’re a trainer right?” They’ll usually start by asking for advice. Right after that, they say, “You know what, you should come to dinner with me tonight.” Instead of “would you like,” or “are you free?” Women come up too, and say stuff like, “I’d love to have an x, y, or z like yours,” or “how do I get that?” That attention to me is still kind of foreign and I don’t know how to handle it.
Did you ever think you’d be this person you are today?
Never! My sister was a star athlete, and I would sit on the sofa while she did her workouts. This was so far from what I thought I could do. I’m so proud of myself already, but I know this is just the beginning. I’m ready to compete and get serious about it.
