Samantha Kinnish speaks to Supplement Judge

For this interview, Supplement Judge we were very lucky and privileged to speak to IFBB Ms Fitness Australia Samantha Kinnish. In this interview we will gain an insight into what it takes to become an athlete competing at the highest standard!

1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I have a very extensive background competing in sport at a high elite level beginning at the young age of 9years old where I was signed as a full scholarship holder at the Australian Institute of Sport for Gymnastics. During my career there I earned myself a spot on the Australian national team and had risen to compete on the international circuit representing Australia by age 12. Some of my greatest achievements includes, becoming a member of the 2004 Olympic Development Squad, qualifying for Junior Commonwealth Games (unfortunately I was later injured and wasn’t able to compete in either), silver medalist at Sydney Olympic Youth Festival, annually winning national & state titles and being flown to Kaohsiung in Taiwan to perform a special demonstration in front of a crowd of thousands for the Taiwan President.

I retired from Gymnastics in 2001 however my competitive hunger was still very much alive in me. I took up Sports Aerobics for a few years and was also wakeboarding and scuba diving as often as possible. I also became a member of our local health and fitness club and this is where my passion for the fitness industry ignited. Seeing the amazing journeys and transformations both physically and mentally people were under going was inspirational and I wanted to be a part of it! So I studied via correspondence outside of school hours and became a certified Fitness Instructor at the age of 15. I now operate my own Personal Training and lifestyle coaching business called Sapphire Personal Coaching. Being in the gym all day everyday at a young age is also were my interest for the Bodybuilding world begun. Whilst seeing my first bodybuilding show I knew instantly being on the competitive stage is where I belonged! The athlete in me suddenly got a new breath of life and was ready to do whatever it took to get there! I first stepped on stage in 2007 giving the figure division a go however moved to the fitness division as the gymnast in me wanted to play too. I won my first show being the National Title and have held onto it since.

2. How long have you been training for?

I guess you could say I’ve always been training since I was 6yrs old! : P However I’ve been in the gym hitting it hard seriously since I was 16yrs.

3. How did you get started in training?

My brother was the first person to say to me that I should give BodySculpting a shot. I didn’t really know much about it and was a bit hesitant as all I had seen before was the really big bodybuilding chicks. He suggested I should go watch my first bodybuilding show to really see what it was about and the different divisions as its not all like that. I did, I loved it and here I am today!

4. Who got you motivated to start training?

Im a born breed athlete. My whole life has always been focused on training hard to achieve a sporting goal so its all I know really.

5. What are your short and long term fitness goals?

Pro card – IFBB Fitness Olympia Champion!!

6. What workout routine has worked best for you?

I have a real mix. I do cardio first thing most mornings which alternates between a bike session, running or hill power walks. Then in the afternoon it will either be a weights session, plyometric power session or practising my fitness routine. I also throw in yoga, Gymnastics and Ballet. That’s all in one week!! Very busy!!

7. What is your favourite form of cardio for cutting bodyfat?

I love my morning power walks up the ocean headlands in summer to watch the sun rise over the ocean. It’s the best way to start the day and I always forget about those hard training/dieting moments.

8. Could you outline your basic daily diet?

A general day is:

1.½ Cup Oats on water
Egg Whites
1tsp Natural Peanut butter
2. 130g Chicken
½ Cup of Brown rice
Veggies
3. 130g Chicken
½ Cup Brown Rice
Salad
Almonds
4. Egg White Ommlette
¼ Cup of Brown Rice
5. 130g Kangaroo
Veggies
Prebed shake.

9. Do you use supplements? If so, what do you recommend?

Yes I do and I am lucky enough to be sponsored by an amazing company called BeautyFit. It’s a product line just for females! www.beautyfit.com

Pre-Cardio
• 1 BeautyHeat
• Apply BeautyBum
1St Meal
• 2 BeautyCleanse
• 1 Scoop BeautyGreens
• 1 BeautySlender
• 1 BeautyComplex
Pre-Trainer
• 1 Packet BeautyStrong
3Rd Meal
• 1 BeautySlender
Afternoon
• 1 BeautyHeat
• Apply BeautyBum
Last Meal
• 1 BeautySlender
30 Minutes After Last Meal
• 2 BeautyBurn PM
Pre-Competition
2 BeautyRetic

10. Do you have post/pre-workout meals? What’s your favourite?

I usually try time my meals in with training eg. Eat an hour before training then eat another meal within half an hr after. Offseason – Burger after a massive legs session! Dont tell my coach though…

11. How do you deal with cravings for junk food, sweets and salty foods?

I don’t! Haha I am obsessed with food and collect cookbooks. I read them from start to finish in detail. I’ve learnt to use my other senses like sight and smell to deal with food cravings. It’s a skill that has taken me awhile to master but now I can be around all foods and feel satisfied without eating them. However I am still that weirdo that stares at your food whilst you eat it

12. Do you have any cheat meals?

Yes. I am a massive foodie and I love love LOVE my food! Only once a week and they get cut out when im about 6weeks from comp.

13. What is your biggest motivation to get you back in the gym?

I tell myself you have a choice. Do not go and feel like crap and regret it which will always linger over you especially on comp day OR go, feel great and know when Im on stage I gave it everything I had regardless of the result.

14. If you could go back in time, what would you change in your training?

I’d still be doing Gymnastics.

15. Any advice for beginners or anyone looking to get back into fitness?

Everyday is a new day and a new opportunity. You can’t control the past but you CAN control the future. Give yourself that choice – stay the way I am and stay the way I feel OR give it a go with no regrets!

16. Anything else you’d like to add?

One of my favourites quotes is:
“I control my attitude, I don’t let it control me.”
I hope you can find it as useful as I have Xx

You can stay up to date with Samantha through her facebook page over at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Samantha-Kinnish-IFBB-Ms-Fitness-Australia/319678344726889 or through her twitter handle @SamanthaKinnish
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