heather buchanan

Connect What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

At 16, I didn’t have a ride home after school. Raised by a single mom, I wandered into the YMCA across the street just to wait,and something clicked. The movement, the energy, the strength I felt building day by day became my anchor. That “one-time” visit turned into a lifelong love of fitness and teaching in Los Angeles, Texas, and Spain. Through every season, training has been my zen and reset. Today I’m proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the Arthritis Foundation. 💪

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

At 24, a severe back injury and herniated discs completely changed my life. What began as rehab through physical therapy, mobility, and careful lifting turned into a deep passion for strength training. Coming back from that setback taught me discipline, respect for form, and what true resilience feels like. I don’t just train to look strong—I train because I know what it takes to rebuild strength from the ground up. That journey from pain to power is what I’m bringing to this competition.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would donate a portion of the prize to the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, this cause is deeply personal, because I lost my step-father to a rare form of leukemia. My daughter has been accepted into her dream school, and this competition could be a turning point. As I’m currently out of work, the remaining funds would go directly toward her tuition and essentials to help make this next chapter possible.