Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Nirelli.
Amber, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Born and raised in San Diego, I first started this journey back in 2003. I originally went to school to become a physical therapist. During my first year of school, my brother in law was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. That same year, he lost his battle. That was a turning point for me. I knew I wanted to help people but not in a hospital setting. I wanted to build long relationships and make a permanent long term change in people’s lives. So, personal training was the perfect switch. I’ve been doing it full time since 2006!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I started my career in corporate fitness. However, I always knew I needed to start my own business to be able to help people further in the way I wanted to.
The road to where I am now has been gloriously full! I tend to approach all of life’s obstacles in a positive light. There definitely has been rough times, but those experiences have only taught me how to empathize with clients today.
I’d say the toughest moment in my career has been this past one. Engaged in May 2018. July 2018, my father/rock/hero was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. May 2019, he passed with all of us by his side.
Very soon, after July 21st (my bridal shower), my mother was found unconscious at home. She spent the next 3months recovering in the hospital also missing my August 11st 2019 wedding day. She has now diagnosed w cancer. However, she is home, getting stronger and I’m taking her to her daily radiation and chemo treatments until December 10th.
This year, I’ve experienced the worst day along w the best day of my life back to back. Never skipping a beat at work. That, I can thank my dad for. He taught his daughter to be one tough entrepreneur and woman! Also, I can thank my clients just as much. This actually has been a rare time where instead of me being there for my clients, they were there for me. Allowing me to stay busy doing what I love most that helped me get through this emotional year-long “shit show”… pardon my french.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
It’s so hard to talk about myself. I feel like I’m bragging. Here it goes in short. I care. I truly care about each and every one of my clients being as successful as they can in every aspect of their lives. We even travel together. In the past few years, I’ve organized many vacations around half marathons. The groups range in numbers. But we’ve done Iceland, Ireland, Vegas, Alaska, New Orleans, Nashville and so many more. I try to get my clients to turn their fitness routine into something more than just burning calories or counting down the minutes on a treadmill. It’s about experiences, health, friends and family.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
No luck. Just pure hard work and genuine care for others. 100%.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8812 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, Ca 91941 - Website: Www.irongirlpt.com
- Phone: 6195873523
- Email: irongirlpt@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Irongirlpt
Image Credit:
Jalea Photography
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