“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of all kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that we may be complete.” James 1:2
While pro beauty makes up most of my business at Passion Squared, I also have the honor of working in the pro fitness and wellness worlds. Is the Universe trying to tell me something? Lol. I digress. I first met Amber through my awesome friend and former client Ashley Conrad, CEO of Clutch Bodyshop, and it was love at first sight. Amber is the real deal. Passion. Purpose. Bad Ass. Megababe and one of the most inspiring humans I know. Whether you are in beauty or fitness, there is so much we can all learn from Amber.
N. What does passion look & feel like to you?
A. Passion to me is anything you do that removes you from life’s pressure. That thing that you go to that sometimes is the only solace you have in finding peace- mindlessness even. To me, passion is finding a “therapist” without actually having to sit on a couch; it’s your release, your outlet. Your non-negotiable.
N. Why did you become an athlete & fitness coach?
A. Training and physical exercise saved my life. In my early 20’s I experienced a time that caused me to think that I would never be able to make it out of my circumstances. What pushing my body beyond its limits taught me was that pain was temporary and in fact, it was necessary for growth. It was this outlook that allowed me to keep going and ultimately grab a hold of everything I wanted for my life.
N.What is the biggest challenge you have had and how did you overcome it?
A. The biggest challenge specifically I’ve had has been against my own mindset. I think we all doubt ourselves and wonder if we truly have what it takes. There are daily battles I face so to identify one is hard…I would say that returning back to the fitness industry after I walked away was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. The tendency to shrink back in the face of expectation is so real- and coming back to the table to reclaim a career that I thought had ended was a huge leap of faith.
N.What is the greatest lesson you have learned?
A. The greatest lesson I’ve ever learned has to be “the shadow of our fear is always bigger than the actual thing.” Meaning, when you turn to face whatever might have you hiding…you realize how tiny and surmountable it is. Fear is like a projector casting a huge scary picture from a small concept.
N. What is one skill you believe all successful athletes + coaches need to have?
A. I think that successful athletes and coaches need to realize that succumbing to pain is optional. I think it’s important that we all experience what pain feels like- but the best athletes in the world feel it and continue on in spite of it.
N. Why that one?
A. I say that because it’s truly the subconscious mind that determines our reality. It translates to not only athletic but to life.
N. Why are you so focused on HIIT/Plyo?
A. I’ve been doing HIIT and Plyo workouts since the 5th grade. I was trained early on by an Olympic coach that happened to be on staff at my tiny high school. These workouts are how I was raised, I’ve tried all aspects of exercise and they always feel like home to me. This is beside the fact that daily studies are released supporting the fact that this form of exercise is superior in burning fat and building lean muscle. I recently read an article that stated that HIIT and bodyweight workouts are better than cardio, it just makes me so proud to share the truth with those that have battled the cardio machines their whole lives.
N. Favorite quote?
A. “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of all kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it’s work so that we may be complete.” -James 1:2
N. Starbucks or Coffee Bean?
A. Meh- Cabernet Sauvignon. :)
You can find out more about Amber and her new online training program at amberdodzweit.com.
You can also find her bad assery on Instagram @amberdodzweit and on Facebook.
Thank you Amber for sharing your awesomeness with us. I love you baby boo.
Love + Awesomeness-
Nina