Amber King: From Gym Membership to Fitness Leadership

Amber King, a personal trainer and fitness instructor, has built a thriving career from humble beginnings at the age of 23. Initially, she started teaching group fitness classes as a way to offset her gym membership fees. Now, with over 18 years of experience, King has transformed her passion into a successful personal training business while also working at the Stephens Family YMCA since 2012.

King resides in the small village of Princeville, Illinois, which has a population of just 1,719. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois State University and a master’s in urban planning from the University of Illinois. Her educational background, paired with her extensive training, allows her to offer a unique approach to fitness that emphasizes a personal touch.

Creating a Positive Fitness Environment

King focuses on a holistic approach to fitness, blending friendliness, courage, and joy into her training sessions. “Movement has been foundational in my life,” she states, recalling her experiences on the softball field, ballet stage, and dance floor. Her commitment to fostering a positive environment for her clients is evident in her choice of training locations, allowing clients to decide whether they prefer indoor or outdoor sessions.

When asked about her guiding principles, King says, “We work hard, but we recover harder.” This philosophy underscores the importance of self-care in the fitness industry, as she believes that fitness professionals must model healthy behavior for their clients.

Leadership and Personal Growth

In an interview with Editor Jeff D’Alessio, King shared insights into her leadership style and personal values. She emphasizes the significance of discipline over motivation, noting that the hardest aspect of her role is consistently delivering excellent service, even on challenging days. “Remembering that I work from discipline, not motivation,” she explains, highlights her commitment to her profession.

One of her proudest moments in her career was witnessing a training client evolve into a fitness instructor herself. King expressed her joy in seeing her client’s confidence and competency grow over time.

In her personal life, King balances her professional responsibilities with family. She describes her second shift as a mother, taking on roles such as chef and chauffeur. For her, maintaining this balance is crucial, and she enjoys indulging in sushi from Harvest Market or the almond-crusted goat cheese salad from Sun Singer during her lunch breaks.

King’s aspirations extend beyond her current achievements. She aims to earn her black belt in taekwondo by the age of 50, demonstrating her dedication to personal growth and fitness.

As for her professional role model, King cites Ali Kreider of Ali K Fitness, admiring her ability to build community and promote the joy of movement rather than associating fitness with punishment.

Amber King’s journey from a fitness instructor to a leader in the fitness community illustrates the impact of passion and dedication. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to turn their interests into thriving careers, reinforcing the value of personal connection and a positive approach to health and wellness.