Page 90 - Demo

90 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || JUNE 2015 || EDITION 1As far as booking for different projects and campaigns, it really comes down to exposure and networking. Typically, Amber will meet someone working on a project she may be interested in and will reach out, and sometimes it goes the other way. Social media is great tool for contacting the fitness duo of Brandan and Amber.hen the conversation turns to binge-eating and her efforts to help those suffering from the disorder, she becomes passionate. %u201cI strongly believe it is more rampant in the fitness industry than most people know and I have dealt with the hell of Binge Eating Disorder, personally. There is a great non-profit called Work of Heart that has shed some light on this subject and placed an emphasis on self-love and healing. So many girls in the industry are willing to destroy their mental state, physical health, and sanity, all for the sake of a plastic trophy, only to wind up miserable from their post-competition rebound.%u201d She has started a blog campaign called %u201cThe Struggle Is Real%u201d to shine some light on the %u201csuccessful%u201d competitors in this industry who may hold a story that could help someone else dealing with a similar situation. The campaign focuses on professional athletes and incredible transformations, but it unveils what was going on with them on the inside and behind the scenes. You can get more information on Amber%u2019s blog at www.ADOFitness.Net.Amber%u2019s level of success was not attained without a few setbacks. She has dealt with adrenal fatigue, low thyroid function, and low progesterone. It is extremely important to work closely with a hormone doctor when you are dieting to extremes. Adrenal fatigue can take years to recover from in certain cases. One of the other drawbacks in the industry is the constant pressure to stay lean, even when it is not in your best interest. Many girls lose their menstrual cycle from maintaining a too-low body fat for too long, which can be very damaging to female hormones and even cause setbacks in trying to conceive. %u201cPersonally, I took a step back from competing in 2013 to focus on allowing my body more rest and recovery.%u201d She has been working with a hormone specialist for the last two years and has implemented short-term hormone replacements to help her body bounce back. She keeps her hormone levels regulated and makes sure to take time off when needed, even if that means putting on more weight than preferred for the long term benefit of creating a family someday.