Sammie Kennedy never joined a sports team in high school, so at 22 when she embarked on a fitness makeover she faced some big hurdles. Here’s how she went from out of shape to starting a national fitness trend with her company Booty Camp Fitness.

1. Before we talk about your business tell us about the lifestyle makeover you embarked on in 2005/2006.

Back in 2004, I remember one day looking at my body and just not being happy with what I saw. For my 2005 New Year’s Resolution, I decided to be serious about getting fit and feeling great. My boyfriend at the time introduced me to a book called Body for Life and since I’d never really been to a gym before, he showed me around and how to use the machines.

Within a few short months, based on eating healthy and working out regularly, there were positive and huge transformations in the way I looked and felt. I was hooked on fitness! (Funny for the girl who’d never even done so much as play on a sports team in high school!)

Colleagues and friends asked how I did it so I decided to get certified as a personal trainer so I could help others with their health and fitness goals. Since then I’m proud to say that fitness didn’t end up being a forgotten resolution, it’s been a successful lifestyle change!

2.Tell us about competing in the FAME Fitness Model Competition. How does a competition like this work? And what was it like behind the scenes?

Fitness modelling competitions are exciting and challenging at the same time. A great deal of training prep goes in to making sure you look your absolute best on the day that you are in front of the judges. Nutrition and exercise become KEY components of your day-to-day life.

There are typically two rounds: a swimwear/ bikini round and a theme-wear round. In each category you are placed on stage in groups of about eight competitors. Each competitor is given their own opportunity to walk to the front and showcase their physique (kind of like a runway walk while making sure to show yourself from all angles). Then all of the competitors will be called to the front of the stage together to showcase their physique in four set poses (front, back and each side).

The competition is fierce in the sense that all women look fantastic however behind the scenes there is a wonderful camaraderie. Most women can be seen socializing back stage, helping each other adjust suits, apply swimsuit glue and last minute tanning products. There is an incredible buzz and everyone is thrilled and honoured to be in such great company.

3. What are some of the most common fitness obstacles and how do you overcome them?

A common one I see is doing the same routine day in and day out. It’s easy to get comfortable with certain machines or regimens, but for your body to respond continually, you need to shake it up regularly – add an incline to the treadmill, increase weight and decrease reps, use a new machine altogether! That way your body (and your mind!) don’t get bored.

So many women tend to avoid working out with weights. I know ladies, sometimes it can be intimidating to “cross over” to the other side of the gym, but weight and resistance training will make a significant difference to your work out! You’ll improve your muscle tone and definition, making you look fit and lean instead of just ‘skinny’. Also, muscle burns calories at rest so it’s to your advantage to incorporate resistance training to your routine – you’ll be burning calories even when you’re not actively working out!

Finally, make sure you do fitness that you actually enjoy! It’s not fun to continually do something that’s like a chore. Leaving work to go to the gym simply isn’t fun for a lot of people. Gather up a group of girlfriends and come to Booty Camp, join a team – I play dodgeball and that’s how I do my cardio but I’m still having a great time! You’re far more likely to stick to something you get pleasure from doing.