During the last 30+ years, we’ve certified over 130,000 health, nutrition and fitness professionals.
Meet one of our graduates of the month, Amber Smith, an AFPA certified holistic health coach & personal trainer.
How did you originally become interested in health and wellness?
Growing up, I struggled with low self-esteem and low confidence in myself. I grew up knowing that anxiety and depression come with unhealthy habits.
I always tried to be healthy, but I was always fluctuating in weight and found myself getting off track and falling off the wagon. Looking back, I wasn’t fully committed in finding a solution to the problem, and I didn’t know exactly how to change.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy. They told me I was at high risk for diabetes after my pregnancy because of my habits. I found this circumstance to be a blessing in disguise and decided right then I would change for the better. I didn’t want to live a life of needles and pricking myself every day.
In 2016, I had a fit pregnancy with my second son, however, after his birth, I started feeling different. I lacked energy. I was severely emotional. I felt nothing. I had severe depression and anxiety.
My pregnancies taught me a lot about myself and that I desired to break the chains of the beliefs around health that I only knew.
I wanted to use my experience for the better and help others do the same, that change is possible if you decide to commit to wanting growth and change in your life.
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Which certification did you choose? Why did you choose AFPA?
I chose the holistic health and wellness program with personal training. I have a love for nutrition and movement, and I wanted to help others gain an understanding of why these two are essential for living a healthier life. Alongside this, I have learned that mindset is key and very important to train your brain to want to grow. You have to change what you desire and through that process, I wanted to be able to coach others on those same mindset changes.
What are your favorite parts about your career?
Becoming certified has allowed me to become more confident in helping others live healthy lifestyles. It also has taught me new information that I can build upon the things I already knew from my experiences. Additionally, one of my favorite parts about my new career is inspiring and helping others live their most healthy and beautiful lives. It is so rewarding to be able to know that I was able to inspire and help someone become a better version of themself.
Additionally, leading by example for my kids and showing them what a healthy lifestyle looks like. To me, this is the most rewarding thing. I have a hope to inspire others to lead their families to become more healthy.
Not only has it given me the confidence to help others, but I have learned so much about myself through the certification process.
Do you have any client success stories you would like to share?
“I was freshly in my postpartum journey, and I was far from feeling comfortable in my skin. The way Amber cheered me on is what made me feel like ‘I could do it.’ She was always there, responsive and supportive, which always helped me stay accountable. She brings more to the table than just coaching and nutrition … she brings wisdom, positivity, and light.”
– Madeline
“I was 3 months postpartum and desperate to fit back into my regular clothes again. Amber guided me to try workouts, portion control, and follow her on social media. For a year, I portioned out my meals and did my workouts. It was super easy to implement. I wasn’t deprived of anything. I was more conscious of what I was fueling my body. Amber helped me realize that eating healthy is more than weight loss. It’s a lifestyle change that focuses on overall health, both mentally and physically. I am happier and the most confident I have ever been on my own.”
-Jamie
What advice do you have for others thinking about getting certified?
Follow your passion. If health and wellness drive you to become a better person, do it! Not only will you gain the confidence to help others but you will learn so much about yourself too. There is so much value in growth within yourself during the process of helping others. This is truly the most beautiful thing. Wishing you all the best on your journeys!
To stay up to date with Amber’s fitness and wellness journey, or if you would like to start your own journey with her help, take a look at her website & social media pages:
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