Amber King, a personal trainer and fitness instructor, has transformed her passion for movement into a successful career over the past 18 years. Based in the small village of Princeville, Illinois, with a population of 1,719, she has built a reputation for her engaging and personalized approach to fitness.
King’s journey began when she took up teaching group fitness classes at the age of 23. What started as a way to save on gym membership fees evolved into a fulfilling career. “I actually started teaching group fitness as a way to not have to pay for my gym membership,” she recalls. “Little did I know that I would pay for multiple certifications and trainings instead.”
Building a Career Through Passion
With a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois, King emphasizes the importance of a personal touch in her training sessions. She offers clients the flexibility to train indoors or outdoors, focusing on fostering a mix of “friendliness, courage, movement, increased strength, mobility, and joy.”
King describes movement as a fundamental aspect of her life. Her experiences range from the softball field to the ballet stage, showcasing her lifelong connection with physical activity. “I’ve always found great joy in movement, strength, and connection with others,” she explains.
Since 2012, she has been associated with the Stephens Family YMCA, where she continues to inspire clients to embrace fitness. Her dedication extends beyond training; she is also committed to her role as a mother, balancing work with family life.
Philosophies and Leadership Insights
King’s approach to leadership is shaped by her experiences. She believes in the importance of working hard while also prioritizing recovery. “We work hard, but we recover harder,” she states, highlighting the necessity for fitness professionals to take care of their own bodies to set a good example for clients.
Her philosophy extends to meetings as well, where she prefers to keep them efficient. “If possible, make it an email or text. If not, what can I feed people while we meet?” Her ability to blend professionalism with a personal touch reflects her understanding of community-building in fitness.
One of her proudest moments in her career was witnessing a training client transition from being trained to leading her own fitness classes. “I loved having a front-row seat to seeing her confidence and competency grow,” she shares.
King’s daily routine starts early. “I’m up and at ’em every day by 6:30 a.m. — or earlier if my kids decide they are ready to be up,” she notes. Her commitment to fitness includes attending taekwondo classes twice a week, with a goal of achieving a black belt by the age of 50.
In her personal life, King enjoys indulging in second-hand clothing shopping, particularly from local stores like Karen’s Kloset. Her favorite lunch options include sushi from Harvest Market or a salad from Sun Singer.
As King continues to grow her business, she remains dedicated to fostering a supportive community and encouraging others to find joy in movement. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that passion and hard work can lead to a fulfilling career in the fitness industry.
