Amber Knarr is someone who really impresses me. She went to the gym after a health scare and has never looked back. She has competed twice so far and plans to do it forever. At a young age, that means we have a long time to watch Amber continue to improve. I can see Amber doing well in bigger and bigger shows and really think she has the look to be a well known fitness model.
Q: Amber thanks for taking the time to do this.
Q: Can you start out by telling a little about yourself?
A: I am 21 yrs of age and I am a fitness bikini competitor, recently took 1st place at the Kumite Classic short division. My family and I live in a small town in Muncy Pa where there is not much to do but hang out with friends and family,shop, or hit the gym. I graduated high school and went to Beauty School where I got my Cosmetology Licence and about a year later opened my own salon. There is where I learned that training and hitting the gym was more of my interests then cutting hair for a career. Therefore, I took my training to the next level and started to compete in 2010. Not long after competing in my first show I knew this is what I wanted to do for many year to come so I became a member of Cathy Savage Fitness. With their guidance, I won first place in my second competition.
Q: Before the gym were you an especially athletic person? Play any sports or
anything?
A: I was a cheerleader in high school for 5 years and played softball for 1 year but I have always been a person to get involved in other outdoor activities.
Q: What initially led you into the gym?
A: Even though I was active, I did not watch what I ate and started to develop heart and medical issues which was a BIG wake up call after having to go through multiple health screening tests and 4 different heart monitors hooked up to me. I knew I had to make a change and from that day on I was HOOKED.
Q: Was training something you picked up fairly easy? How long before you started
to see results?
A: I started to train on my own for awhile not really familiar with what I was doing. I then started to research online. Through sites like Bodybuilding.com and reading Woman and Men's fitness magazines I was inspired to go to the next level. I started eating well, calorie tracking, and picking up my cardio. I have to be honest it took about a year to start seeing results that I liked but I started to feel better, my heart complications were completely gone and my skin was never clearer.
Q: What made you decide to compete for the first time?
A: It was something I had wanted to do for awhile but never knew how to get "my foot in the door." I think I was more scared than anything but knew I wanted to do it. So I just said to myself "Just do it! What do I have to lose?"
Q: Is competing something your family and friends supported?
A: Most of my friends do not understand why I do what I do but I couldn't ask for more from my family they really are great, especially my mom she is my biggest supporter and has been by my side since day one!
Q: Was competing what you expected or did anything surprise you about it?
A: It was all I expected and even more! I was surprised at how unprepared I was and nervous going in alone before C.S.F
Q: Can you share your contest history.
A: In 2010 I competed in my first show October 29th in Brooklyn NY, and my second show was in Pittsburgh, Pa at the Kumite Classic.
Q: As far as body parts, what do you feel is your best one?
A: I feel my best body part is my back and shoulders.
Q: Do you have a part you most like to train?
A: Favorite part to train is legs. I love waking up in the morning and not being able to walk, that's when I know I put in 200% at the gym!
Q: What is your normal training routine and diet like and how do you alter it
for contest prep?
A: Normal training routine is cardio 4-5 times a week along with weight training 6 times a week. One day a week I do a full body blast.
Diet consists of eating 6-7 small meals a day with protein included in each meal. I follow what my coaches give me for the time of my show and off season so sometimes it may vary week to week. Right now I am doing starches,fruit,protein,vegetables first three meals, and protein and vegetables only for my last three meals. Also tbp of good fats (mostly oils) a.m. and p.m.
Q: When someone sees your physique or hears you compete for the first time,
what is the most common reaction? More positive or negative?
A: More positive. I usually get a big smile from people who respect what I do.
Q: When they see it that first time, what is the one question or comment you
are most sick of hearing?
A: I mostly hear EAT A CHEESEBURGER or you don't live life the way you always eat clean.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about women who train and compete or the
one thing you wish people understood?
A: The one thing I wish people would understand is it is not a crime to eat clean and want to be healthy.
Q: What is the best and worst part of training for you?
A: The best part of training is the way I feel before,during,and after in and out of the gym. It really is my "drug" and I love everything about training so I do not have anything bad to say about it. I love what i do and would not change it for the world!
Q: Do you have any favorite competitors or any you admire?
A: There are so many but to name a few, Jamie Eason, Ava Cowen, Monica Brant, Michelle MacDonald, Michele Levesque, etc
Q: Do you have a favorite cheat food?
A: Peanut butter banana sandwiches, ice cream, pizza
Honestly I hardly have any of those, once a year if I am lucky,but I do have frozen yogurt once in awhile :)
Q: If another woman told you she wanted to start training, what is the one
piece of advice you would most want to give her?
A: Do not rush it, results do not come all at once. Be patient. It will all be well worth it.
Q: Do you think its becoming more common for women to use the weights as
opposed to just doing cardio and things?
A: No, I work at a local YMCA. There are only a few woman who will walk into the free weight room. Their reasons are the common statement "I will get bulky or look like a man"
Q: Outside of training, any other hobbies or activities you enjoy?
A: I love anything outdoors such as shooting targets, riding bike, running, etc.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in the life of Amber Knarr.
A: A typical day is I wake up eat, train, eat, run, eat, go to work and spend my free time with family and friends as much as possible.
Q: Describe Amber Knarr in five words.
A: Honest, Loyal, Hard Working,Responsible,Friendly
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I will do anything for anyone!!!! Know matter what, which sometimes is not a good thing.
Q: Any set plans for the near future as far as competing or anything else?
A: I plan on competing for the rest of my life. Well, as long a my body lets me. I have so many goals and things I want to accomplish in life. There is no stopping or slowing down!
Q: Anything you want to take this opportunity to plug or promote?
A: I am the hardest worker I know. I'm focused and dedicated. I won't stop until I reach the TOP!
Q: Are you looking for sponsors? If so how can they reach you and what are they
getting in Amber Knarr the athlete and competitor?
A: I am looking for a sponsor. They can contact me through my email AOK1322@aol.com.
They will get a hard working woman who puts 200% in everything she does and promises to never disappoint!
Q: Amber, again, I thank you for taking the time to do this. Any last words
before you go?
A: I thank you for your time. This means a lot to get the opportunity to do this interview with you!
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