June 1, 2006

Catching Up with Sandra Kies

Although Sandra Kies has been active for many years, she didn’t begin competing in figure competitions until she was over 35. Her debut year was successful, winning the first competition that she entered and then placing in the top three at two provincial-level events, which qualified her to compete nationally. Although she hasn’t competed in figure competitions for over a year, she’s stayed extremely active and has become involved in acting and modeling, enjoying success there too.

We feel that Sandra is an inspiration to other women, not just because she stays so active well into her 30s but because she does all this and is the mother of two children as well. We caught up with Sandra last month by e-mail to find out what she is doing now, and what her future goals are.

Doug Schneider: I first met you in the fall of 2003 at the Brantford Figure Championships where, I recall, you won the Short class. At that contest, I was unchivalrous enough to ask you your age. However, you didn’t seem shy about it, and I was amazed to learn you were 36 – I thought you were about 28. Then, I learned that you had two children as well! When did you start working out, and have you always kept yourself in great shape?

Sandra Kies: This answer will really show my age, but, no, I’m not at all ashamed to share how many years I’ve been blessed with.

Remember a show back in the ‘80s called "The Twenty-Minute Workout"? I used to rush home from high school to get into my legwarmers and one-piece bodysuit/thong over my tights (fashion was all backwards then) – I took a pass on the headband! I would pretend I was one of the stars on that show, sweating it out singing "Four more" and "Three, Twoooo…." Go figure!

I’ve been instructing fitness classes for 15 years now (although today I wear my thong under my shorts). I joined my first gym when I was 18 after watching the movie The Terminator starring Linda Hamilton. I was inspired that a woman could have those sculpted arms and still look feminine. So that’s 21 years of keeping in shape through weight training and cardio. Wow, now I feel old.

DS: In 2004, you competed at the Ontario Provincial Championships and the Ontario National Qualifier and placed in the top three at each show. At those shows you became good friends with Christy Wolfe, who had nice things to say about you in my interview with her. However, I haven’t seen you compete in figure since. Are you planning to compete again?

SK: Oh, the pressure! You will see me again, Doug, as I do have plans to compete in August of this year. It was nice to take a year off (not by choice), but I did so because I had some personal family commitments that took priority, and I was away in Germany for a month last year. However, I am back at it now, training hard, and dieting to get prepared.

When I met Christy Wolfe, we really hit it off and we have remained friends ever since. We’ve shared lots of laughs and even some tears together. Her inner beauty is just as abundant as her outer beauty. She is really a positive and outgoing person, and I appreciate all the nice things that she has to say about me.

DS: I know that you maintain a very active workout schedule, particularly since you teach "spinning" classes. I remember a couple years ago you invited me to join you in a spinning class, but I declined knowing full well that you could pedal me into the ground. You’re a "cardio machine"! Are you still teaching three spinning class in a row on Friday morning?

SK: Unfortunately I’m not doing the three-peater Friday-morning spinning classes anymore. Budget cuts at my gym have taken a bite out of my teaching schedule, so I’m down to only six classes a week. That’s okay, though, since the warmer weather is here again and I can take advantage of outdoor activities like running and roller-blading.

DS: Besides weight training and spinning, what other sporting activities do you involve yourself in?

SK: I love waterskiing, horseback riding, roller-skating, go-karting. Is shopping a sporting activity because I do train hard for that?

DS: I understand that you’re a "record holder" when it comes to running up the stairs at the CN Tower. Can you explain that?

SK: I wouldn’t call it "record holding" time, but I just recently did the CN Tower stair climb again on April 29. I was to the top in 17 minutes – not as good as my old time of 16 minutes – but it’s the challenge that’s the most enjoyable for me.

DS: I know that in the last couple of years you’ve become involved in modeling and acting, and you’ve appeared in some commercials and movies. Can you tell us which ones?

SK: I’ve done a few commercials that air in the States: Herbal Magic, Hair Club for Men, Sudden-Glow. On the Canadian side, there are Frigidaire and Becel commercials on air right now. I also did some print work for Canadian Linen Supply, and few small roles in a Robin Williams film Man of the Year, a made-for-TV movie called Perfect Recipe for Christmas, and I was also in the 50-Cent movie Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

DS: Who are the famous people you’ve met?

SK: I’ve met Jamie Foxx (a few parties with him), very cool guy; Terrence Howard; Vivica A. Fox; Curtis (50-Cent) Jackson (sang background with him); Tracy McGrady; Vince Carter; Mike Vanderjagt (drove his Hummer); Damian Marley; and Benz Antione. I’m good friends with Sherry Keane (‘80s Juno Award winner), and Andrea Henry (former Sugar Jones singer).

DS: Of all the famous people you’ve met, both male and female, who appeared to be in the best physical condition?

SK: As far as physically "looking" in shape, I would have to say 50-Cent, although he is not as huge as he looks on camera. He does definitely keep himself in shape. He travels with a workout trailer equipped with free weights and a punching bag.

DS: Do you think he could do three spinning classes in a row?

SK: Well, here is a guy who survived being shot nine times, so I would say that he has some pretty good odds going for him. Now, as for what speed he would travel at on the bike, that’s another story! I would bet my money on Vince Carter to keep up with me over 50-Cent.

DS: Who inspires you the most?

SK: My 82-year-old grandmother – she is physically and mentally together! She is awake at 6:00 a.m. doing her errands around the house, she keeps herself active, eats well, is very social, and she still loves to travel. Her sense of humor and sense of self are things that I’ve always admired about her.

DS: Today, you’re 38 and the mother of two. What advice and encouragement can you give to a woman who has a family and feels she might not have enough time, or perhaps thinks she’s too old, to start going to the gym?

SK: I think you are only as old as you allow yourself to feel. As a mother, your children always come first, but it’s important to never lose who you are as a person. You have to love yourself "first" in every way before you can love and teach your kids the same of themselves. You are setting an example for your kids when they see your efforts to balance your health and time properly.

If there is any advice that I could give, it would be to start with "baby steps." If you’re inactive right now, aim for two to three visits to the gym per week. Try to keep a positive body image in mind that you can accomplish. Look for the things that you like about your body instead of the things you don’t like and sooner or later you’ll LOVE the body that you’re in control of creating – and so will everyone else! It’s never too late.

DS: Thanks, Sandra.

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