Amber King, a personal trainer and fitness instructor based in Princeville, Illinois, has transformed her passion for fitness into a successful career over the past 18 years. She began her journey at the age of 23, teaching group fitness classes as a way to offset her gym membership costs. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to establish her own personal training business and work at the Stephens Family YMCA since 2012.
King holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois State University and a master’s in urban planning from the University of Illinois. Her approach to fitness is personal and inclusive, offering clients the choice of training indoors or outdoors. She integrates a philosophy that emphasizes “friendliness, courage, movement, increased strength, mobility, and joy.”
“Movement has been foundational in my life,” King explains. Her extensive background in various physical activities, from softball to ballet, has shaped her belief in the importance of movement for both physical and emotional well-being.
Commitment to Community and Personal Growth
King’s career is characterized not just by her professional achievements but also by her commitment to nurturing community connections. She expresses pride in witnessing her clients progress from being trainees to leading their own fitness classes. “I loved having a front-row seat to seeing her confidence and competency grow,” she reflects, highlighting the joy she finds in her role.
As a leader, King believes in the power of balance. “We work hard, but we recover harder,” she states, underscoring the importance of self-care in the fitness industry. King emphasizes that fitness professionals must take care of their bodies to sustain their energy and serve as role models for their clients.
Her leadership style also includes a practical approach to meetings. “Make it an email or text if possible, and if not, what can I feed people while we meet?” she quips, demonstrating her personable yet efficient mentality.
Life Beyond Fitness: Personal Insights
Balancing her professional life with family responsibilities, King often transitions from training clients to playing the role of a dedicated mother. She describes winding down after work as stepping into her second shift as “chef, chauffeur, maid.”
King’s daily routine begins early, often by 6:30 a.m., and she remains active outside of her training sessions by participating in taekwondo classes. Her goal of achieving a black belt by 50 reflects her commitment to personal growth and discipline.
With a diverse range of interests, she enjoys grabbing sushi from Harvest Market or indulging in the almond crusted goat cheese salad from Sun Singer for lunch. She also values thrift, often purchasing clothes second-hand from local stores like Karen’s Kloset.
King’s professional journey has been influenced by mentors such as Ali Kreider of Ali K Fitness, who inspires her to cultivate community and promote joy in movement.
In her view, the most telling question during job interviews is, “How would you handle a client that is upset with you?” This reflects her understanding that conflict resolution reveals a great deal about a person’s character.
Amber King’s story is one of transformation, commitment, and community spirit. As she continues her journey in the fitness industry, her dedication to fostering strength and joy in movement resonates deeply within the Princeville community.
