Conversations with Amber Pugh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Pugh.

Hi Amber, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Where to start … Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up with a very fitness-centered mom and was always doing something active—basketball, karate, dance, and more. But I really started developing my own relationship with fitness in college at USC in Southern California. Moving to Los Angeles, meeting new people, and navigating so much change, fitness became a space where I could challenge myself, build confidence, and feel grounded.

I became especially interested in strength training and learning more about fitness. My friends and I would work out together in the mornings, sometimes putting together our own workouts and figuring out what worked for us. It was honestly just something fun that we looked forward to. But as fitness became a bigger part of my life, I started thinking that it would be really special if I ever had the opportunity to teach or coach in some capacity. I just never imagined that opportunity would come so soon.

My little sister is actually the reason I ended up teaching Solidcore. She saw that they were hiring instructors and applied for me (without my permission)! I probably wouldn’t have seen that opportunity for myself at the time, but she did. Less than a year after graduating college, while starting my first full-time job, I became a Solidcore instructor.

Teaching changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I was pretty quiet and shy at the time, so getting on a microphone and leading a room was completely outside of my comfort zone. But once I started teaching, I felt at home. My confidence grew, and I became so grateful for the opportunity to be part of someone else’s fitness journey—to encourage them, push them, give them advice, and share in something that could make them feel stronger.

Over time, I also realized how deeply my faith was connected to the way I experience fitness. When I’m at a low point, movement has always been something that brings me back to gratitude. I’m grateful to God for the ability to move my body, for the discipline to keep showing up, and especially for the people I’ve met through fitness. Once I recognized that connection, I knew I wanted to create spaces where faith and movement could exist together.

That’s what ultimately led me to create Scripture & Sweat, a monthly Bible study and heated mat class at Solarium Studio in Oak Park. In less than a year, we’ve filled the space to capacity multiple times, which has been such a beautiful reminder of how much people crave community and a place to simply slow down, connect, and grow.

What means the most to me are often the little things people remember, not necessarily the hardest workout, but something I said or how they felt when they left. Those moments remind me that what we do in these spaces can reach people in ways we may never fully see. I take that responsibility seriously, and I’m excited to keep creating spaces where women can feel stronger physically, spiritually, and emotionally and, honestly, just have a place to “woosah” and take a load off.

There’s so much more to come, I’m just getting started 🙂

Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest obstacles has honestly been myself—self-doubt and my own need for perfection have sometimes kept me from going after things I really wanted. But I’ve learned that the more I put myself out there and actually do the things that scare me, the easier it becomes to do it scared. (people say it gets easier, but I haven’t gotten there yet!)

There’s also a lot of work behind the scenes that people don’t always see. The fitness industry requires constant learning, and balancing that with a full-time career can be challenging. There are days I’m waking up at 4 a.m. to teach and other days I’m not getting home until after 10 p.m. It’s not always glamorous or fun, but I remind myself that I get to be part of an hour of someone’s day, sometimes the only hour they have for themselves. That makes me want to show up fully, regardless of what I may have going on in my own life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a certified Personal Trainer and Solidcore instructor focused on strength, intentional movement, and holistic wellness. What sets my work apart is my focus on weaving spirituality and wellness together, creating spaces where women can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’m most proud of Scripture & Sweat and the community it has created and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

What matters most to you? Why?
Honestly, impact. I care about making someone’s day a little better. Sometimes the hour I get with someone is the only hour they have to themselves that day, and I don’t take that lightly. Whether they leave feeling stronger, more encouraged, or simply like they got a chance to breathe, I want that time to mean something.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luma.com/user/amberpugh
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ah.duh/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-pugh-000
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ambgetsfit