Amy Ward with Raina McCluer

Tell us how you got into both worlds of bartending AND personal training

Personal training is a job that found me. I started my fitness journey about 10 years ago. I had a routine of going to the same gym every day at the same time. After a couple years the trainers there started asking "when are you going to work here?" I always told them I didn't want to mix my hobby with work. At that time, I started competing in bodybuilding and met the manager of a women's Boxing/Circuit training studio. She insisted I should try a class and then come coach. After one class I was hooked. As for bartending, I have worked in restaurants since I was 18. So, I held many roles - starting as a hostess, then server and bartender (or beer-tended) for a short period back home in Arizona. Once I decided to get back into the industry in San Diego, I wanted the challenge of learning a new skill that I could take anywhere. So bartending was the natural progression. Luckily that brought me into Sandbar.

How do you strike balance in your personal and professional life?

It is a very delicate balance that takes conscious effort. I try to be very intentional about making sure I plan ahead. Being in the industry means there is always something fun going on and likely drinks to be had. When I do go out, I like to be present and enjoy the time with everyone but keep in mind that I don't want to let today's fun interfere with tomorrow's training. It doesn't always go to plan, but having an overall goal really helps keep me in check.