Amber black a native of texas shares how she got her start in bodybuilding
and the transition to figure. She also gives a lil insight on how she stays
focused on training.
Name:
Amber Lynne Black
Born in:
Houston, TX
Current residence:
Houston, TX
Occupation:
Personal trainer
What age did you start lifting and getting involved with
bodybuilding/fitness:
Got involved with bodybuilding when I was 21.
What made you stick with it and continue to pursue competing?
After becoming involved with pro and amateur bodybuilders I started to
really love lifting. As I continued to train and learn I began to see the
results that I wanted to achieve.
I was motivated to stick with it and
strive to achieve more as I continued to train. I completely transformed my
physique and within a few years of dedicated training I entered my first
bodybuilding competition.
Glad that you did?
Yes, I am definitely glad that I did.
What have you learned about competing and staying focused when outside
things influence your training?
I have learned how important it is to remain centered and focused during
easy and difficult periods in life. If something external begins to
influence or compromise my traning I have take a look at the big picture and
put the situation into perspective.
If the external factor is unavoidable I
have to adjust to the situation in the best way possible. This way my
training doesn't suffer and I can take care of what I need to - inside and
outside of the gym. I have learned that involvement of any negative
influence is detrimental to overall well being.
I have learned to sever all
ties in that type of situation. it is vital to let go of unhealthy people
and atmospheres in order to continue to move forward.
What made you transition from bodybuilding to figure?
I transformed from bodybuilding to figure because I wanted to try something
new. I also have a small frame and keeping up with the larger women of
bodybuilding was becoming tough for me.
Figure allows me to remain more
mainstream, keeping a feminine, yet muscular physique.
Do you enjoy competing in figure?
Yes, I enjoy competing in figure. It's great making new friends and
traveling to different venues.
What's your thoughts on the judging of figure on an amateur and professional
level?
My thoughts come down to consistency. I don't feel that there is consistency
with what look the judges want. some girls get ripped to compete and some
girls come into a competition softer. So, if a ripped look is what the
judges are looking for then the competitor that comes in a softer doesn't
have a chance. Then visa versa in this case.
I believe there should be
tighter guidelines for figure judging on both levels to let the competitors
know exactly what the judges are looking for on both levels. Then there
won't be any confusion for the competitor during her training up to her
competition date. She will be able to train exactly the way she needs to to
come to the show at her best.
Who's inspired you outside of the sport?
Honestly, I don't have any one person in particular. However, I would have
add that I am inspired by those who overrome difficult periods in their life
to achieve what they are passionate about. "Those who don't give up".
Favorite competitors in the sport?
I don't have one particular person in the sport that I would call my
favorite.
You seem to be a very spiritual person, how has this helped you in life and
being able to apply it to training?
Wow! Great question. I have become more spiritual in the last 2 years of my
life after experiencing a truly very difficult time in my life. I could fill
up this interview with this question alone.
I'll try to keep this a little
shorter than doing that. The best thing that I can tell you my spirituality
has done for me along the lines of competing and training purposes is that I train mindfully and have more patience and compassion for myself. Thus, giving me strength to remain focused and strong through any circumstances in my life.
What is your next competition?
My next projected competition will be this coming april. "God willing".
Turning point in your life that has helped you stay focused:
The turning point in my life that has helped me stay focused was becoming
aware of the spiritual path I have learned about through my spiritual
advisor. He helped me get through the most difficult period in my life. I
was going through a complete transition in my life, moving andwalking away
from my home and overcoming a severe physical injury after two surgeries.
He encouraged me to continue competing in the summer of 2003,and i'll admit it
wasn't easiy. I didn't give up and I trained to compete in my first figure
competition where I qualified to go to nationals. I have learned that if you
can pull through a hard time in your life you will become stronger and
wiser, and you can achieve anything you heart leads you to.
If god gives you
the opportunity in your hands nobody or situation can take that away.
Pulling through this period has given me the confidence and courage to
persue anything I want to despite the hard times.
What do you do in your free time?
I study the dharma in my free time, and I enjoy spending time with my close
friends.
Socks and sandals or no socks?
Both! socks "depending on the type of sandal", and no socks if it is hot or
the socks look weird.
All those men in the heart of texas want to know... are you single and
available?
Yes, I am single.
Sponsors:
I have two great sponsors who have hlped me out tremendously. Gus
samuelson and the performance fighting center in Richardson, Texas as well,
as Dr. Jim Weiss at the Longevity Institute Of Houston.
Anything else you'd like to share with those reading this?
Yes, believe in yourself and follow your heart.
Thanks amber. best of luck to you in your personal training as well as your
future competitions. you can learn more about amber by visiting her web site
at: http://www.amberblack.net.
Thanks,
isaac@liftstudios.com
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