Amber King: Transforming Lives Through Fitness in Princeville

Amber King, a dedicated personal trainer and fitness instructor, has built a successful career around her passion for movement and community engagement. Based in the village of Princeville, Illinois, King has been running her own personal training business and working at the Stephens Family YMCA since 2012. Her journey began at the age of 23, when she started teaching group fitness classes as a means to cover her gym membership costs. Over the past 18 years, she has transformed that initial gig into a thriving career, investing in multiple certifications and trainings.

King holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Illinois. Her approach to fitness is deeply personal; she emphasizes a tailored experience for each client, offering training sessions both indoors and outdoors based on individual preferences. King describes her philosophy as a blend of “friendliness, courage, movement, increased strength, mobility, and joy.” This holistic approach reflects her belief in the importance of movement in daily life.

Building Community Through Fitness

“Movement has been foundational in my life,” King explains. Her diverse background in sports, dance, and even circus performances has fostered a deep connection to physical activity, which she now shares with her clients. Each session is not just about physical training; it’s about creating a supportive environment where clients can thrive.

In a recent interview, King highlighted some of the core values that guide her work. “We work hard, but we recover harder,” she asserts, emphasizing the necessity for fitness professionals to care for their bodies in order to set a positive example for their clients. Balancing her professional life with personal responsibilities, she often transitions from trainer to mother, stating, “I wind down after work by starting my second shift as mom — chef, chauffeur, maid.” This dual role showcases her commitment both to her clients and her family.

Regarding workplace dynamics, King prefers to minimize unnecessary meetings. “Make it an email or text if possible,” she suggests, adding a light-hearted touch by asking, “What can I feed people while we meet?” She acknowledges the challenges of leadership, particularly the need to consistently provide excellent service even on difficult days. “I work from discipline, not motivation,” she remarks, illustrating her determination to maintain high standards.

Inspiring Change and Personal Growth

One of the most rewarding aspects of her job, according to King, is witnessing her clients’ transformations. She fondly recalls a moment when one of her training clients progressed to leading her own fitness classes. “I loved having a front-row seat to seeing her confidence and competency grow,” she reflects, emphasizing the profound impact of mentorship in her profession.

King’s personal life is characterized by her frugal yet thoughtful choices. She often shops for second-hand clothes, supporting local businesses like Karen’s Kloset. Her love for fitness extends beyond her professional commitments; she practices taekwondo twice a week, aiming for a black belt by the age of 50. “Exercise is not just a job for me; it’s a way of life,” she states.

As she prepares for each workday, King prioritizes her clients’ needs. “The first thing I do when I get to work is double-check my client schedule to see what equipment I need to get out,” she explains. Her daily routine starts early, often by 6:30 a.m., ensuring she is ready to meet the demands of her busy schedule.

In her downtime, King enjoys reading and recently finished “My Friends” by Fredrik Backman. She encourages others to explore his books, which she finds engaging and thought-provoking. Her professional role model is Ali Kreider of Ali K Fitness, who inspires King with her community-building efforts and her philosophy that fitness should be about finding joy in movement rather than punishing oneself.

As Amber King continues to grow her fitness business, she remains dedicated to fostering a sense of community, promoting wellness, and inspiring others to embrace the joy of movement. Her journey from a group fitness instructor to a respected leader in her field exemplifies the positive impact one individual can have on the lives of many.