Amber King: From Gym Member to Inspiring Fitness Leader

Amber King has transformed her passion for fitness into a thriving career as a personal trainer and fitness instructor. Based in the village of Princeville, Illinois, King has dedicated the last 18 years to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, all beginning from a simple motivation: to avoid paying for a gym membership.

At just 23 years old, King started teaching group fitness classes, a decision that would change the trajectory of her life. “I actually started teaching group fitness as a way to not have to pay for my gym membership,” she recalls. Despite her initial intention, King has invested significantly in her professional development, obtaining numerous certifications and training throughout her career.

Working at the Stephens Family YMCA since 2012, King has built a dedicated client base. She combines her academic background—holding a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois State University and a master’s in urban planning from the University of Illinois—with a personalized approach to fitness. King emphasizes the importance of tailoring her sessions to each individual, offering training options indoors or outdoors, depending on the client’s preference.

Personal Philosophy and Leadership Style

King’s philosophy on fitness extends beyond physical training. She believes in creating a joyful experience for her clients, stating, “Movement has been foundational in my life. On the softball field, the ballet stage, the dance floor, or in the circus, I’ve always found great joy in movement, strength, and connection with others.”

Her approach fosters not only physical strength but also emotional well-being. She emphasizes the necessity of recovery, stating, “My one unbreakable rule of the workplace is … we work hard, but we recover harder.” This principle reflects her understanding of the demands of being a fitness professional, as well as her commitment to modeling healthy habits for her clients.

King also highlights the importance of effective communication in her leadership role. She believes meetings should be purposeful and often questions their necessity, asking, “If not, what can I feed people while we meet?” This lighthearted approach underscores her belief in creating a positive atmosphere in her work environment.

Inspiring Growth and Community Engagement

One of King’s proudest moments in her career was witnessing one of her clients 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 reflects. This experience exemplifies her commitment to empowering others through fitness and fostering a strong sense of community.

Her admiration for fellow fitness professionals is evident, particularly in her respect for Ali Kreider of Ali K Fitness, whom she cites as a professional role model. King appreciates Kreider’s ability to build a sense of community and promote the joy of movement rather than viewing fitness as a punishment.

In addition to her professional pursuits, King maintains a vibrant personal life. She enjoys cooking for her family, often taking on various household roles after her workday. Her daily routine starts early, rising by 6:30 a.m. to ensure she is ready for the day ahead.

As for her future aspirations, King is setting an ambitious goal for herself: achieving a black belt in taekwondo by the age of 50. She continues to balance her professional ambitions with her personal interests, including reading and enjoying healthy meals, such as sushi from Harvest Market or salads from Sun Singer.

Amber King’s journey illustrates the power of following one’s passion and the impact that dedicated leaders can have on their communities. Through her work, she not only promotes physical fitness but also encourages a holistic approach to well-being that resonates with her clients and inspires those around her.