By Laura Bijnsdorp
The much-anticipated 3rd Annual Fittest on the Rock takes place on May 30 when dozens of the best athletes compete in various workouts that will test their strength and endurance. Amy Isis is one of the competitors that you should keep an eye on. She won first place in five categories last year, and is planning to take even more bragging rights home this year.
I sat across from Amy last week to chat about het fitness lifestyle and the upcoming competition. Looking at the strong woman before me; I was surprised to see her get shy when I started asking her questions. “I am a lot more confident today; but it still feels a bit strange to talk about myself,” she smiled.
Have you always led a healthy lifestyle?
No. I have always been an active person, but I did not start treating my body right until a few years ago. After high school, I had trouble figuring out what I wanted to do in life. I studied business in Miami and then moved to New York to try city-life, but nothing really stuck. I came back to the island and started working in nightlife; the money was good, but the late nights take a toll on your body and mind. I wasn’t healthy, happy or confident.
How do you exude such confidence?
I am confident now, but I struggled with my body image for a long time. My issues with body dysmorphia started when I was about 12 years old. I thought skinny people were happy; thus I starting linking my own happiness with being skinny. This went on for years. It got to a point where I was just eating one unhealthy meal a day; combining this with my long nights at work; I started to look and feel like a ghost. I actually went to the gym to get even skinnier, which was in 2013. Although I went with the wrong intentions; this decision saved my life.
How did the gym turn your life around?
Initially, I did nothing but cardio, refusing to lift weights, scared to “bulk up”. Ryan, who is my partner today, introduced me to weights. He motivated me and reassured me that my fears were just in my head. After a few months, I noticed a change in my body, but most importantly, in my mind. I felt strong as the gym gave me something I was good at; a purpose I had not had before. It helped me clear my mind and slowly my anxieties faded.
How did you get into fitness competitions?
Other regulars at the gym motivated me actually! They saw my transformation and aptitude. I initially thought it was too soon; but my competitive personality also thought: “Just try it!” So in 2014, I entered my first bikini & bodybuilding competition and competed three times that year.
How did you feel at your first competition?
Nervous! The mere 20 seconds on stage seemed to have lasted forever; but once I was done, I was very proud of myself. I knew how hard I had worked to compete and that made me feel great. The table full of junk food I could pig out on instantly made me feel even better!
Why do you enjoy competing?
I have six brothers, so my personality is competitive! Competitions provide a challenge to push myself. They teach you how strong you are and push you out of your comfort zone.
What is the hardest part of preparing for competitions?
The strict diet! Sure I have been pushed to my limits and cried during a workout or two, but I have shed a lot more tears over having to limit or push my eating patterns.
Are you excited about Fittest on the Rock 2017?
YES! After bodybuilding, I actually grew more interested in fitness competitions as they incorporate more chances to use and show off your technique and true fitness level. I really like that Fittest on the Rock is set up as a truly honest competition; there is no cheating! In 2015, I entered two categories; seven in 2016; and I’ll be entering 10 this year. I am going to give it my all!
What would you tell people who are struggling to live a healthy lifestyle?
I remember this quote that really spoke to me on this topic: “A baby will fall down 50 times before he/she can walk, YET it won’t even cross his/her mind to give up.” Yes, it is hard to get “fit” – especially when you need to change habits – BUT there is such a great reward when you do push through. You will gain confidence in your body and mind; something that will shine through and help you in every aspect of your life.
What will Amy be up to in the coming years?
I would love to help others turn their life around through the gym like it helped me. I want to provide more personal training, fitness classes and educate as many people as I can on nutrition and diet. It would be a dream-come-true if I could one day open the doors to my very own gym!
Can we already get fit with you?
Yes! You can contact me for personal training sessions by looking up Sxm_fitness on Facebook and Instagram or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. My partner Ryan and I also have great spinning and sculpting classes that you can book on www.sxmspin.com. Try my booty-class on Mondays; you will definitely feel the burn and see results!
