Amber Glenn, a champion U.S. figure skater, has made waves not only for her skills on the ice but also for her journey toward mental and physical wellness.
The skating star has been vocal about her struggles with body image, and her weight loss journey stands as a testament to her resilience.
But what was the driving force behind her decision to transform her body, and how did she manage to shed the weight while juggling her career and personal life? Let’s explore Amber Glenn’s weight loss journey in detail.
The Beginning of the Journey: Struggles with Weight and Body Image
Amber Glenn’s journey toward weight loss was not something that happened overnight. In fact, she has openly discussed her struggles with body image for years.
As a figure skater, where aesthetics often play as much of a role as athletic performance, Amber’s relationship with her body became a source of personal conflict.
For years, she found it challenging to accept her body, which is not uncommon among elite athletes, especially in disciplines where precision and appearance are so closely tied.
“It’s hard,” Amber said in one of her interviews. “I’ve struggled with accepting my body for years. It’s something I had to face head-on. But it’s not just about weight. It’s about being healthy and strong, especially in my sport.”
This admission marked the start of Amber’s transformation, both mentally and physically. It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about building a healthier relationship with herself and her body.
Breaking the Toxic Cycle: Pressure and External Comments
Like many other athletes, Amber also faced external comments and judgment about her body, especially from fans and the media. At the 2022 Skate America event, a spectator made a comment about Amber’s weight, which, unfortunately, is something that happens far too often in the sports world.
This incident pushed Amber to reflect deeply on how much she had let other people’s opinions influence her journey.
While many would have been discouraged, Amber used these experiences as fuel to push herself further, both in terms of physical fitness and mental clarity. “It wasn’t about meeting others’ expectations.
It was about making sure I was feeling my best, both mentally and physically,” she shared. It was at this point that Amber realized the importance of focusing not on the number on the scale, but on how she felt and how she was performing.
The Health and Fitness Transformation
In an effort to feel her best and become stronger on the ice, Amber decided to commit to a new fitness regimen. Rather than using drastic dieting methods, she focused on creating sustainable lifestyle changes that supported her athletic goals.
Amber introduced a combination of strength training and cardio to her routine, prioritizing exercises that not only helped with weight loss but also boosted her performance.
Amber incorporated practices like yoga and Pilates, which are crucial for flexibility and core strength—key components of her figure skating routines.
Additionally, she worked with a personal trainer to create a regimen tailored to her specific needs. These changes gradually transformed her body, but what was more impressive was the change in her mindset.
“I’ve always believed in the power of mind-body connection,” she said. “I started focusing on feeling strong, feeling capable. The weight loss was just a byproduct of all the work I was putting in.”
The Role of Diet: Clean Eating for Maximum Performance
Nutrition played a crucial role in Amber Glenn’s weight loss. She worked on incorporating a balanced diet that supported her training. While she didn’t adopt extreme or unsustainable eating habits, Amber started paying closer attention to the quality of her food.
Amber’s diet focused on clean eating, emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
She was particularly keen on maintaining a plant-based diet and cutting down on processed foods, which made a noticeable difference in her energy levels and overall well-being.
“The foods I eat directly impact how I feel on the ice,” Amber shared. “I had to be mindful of what I was putting into my body because that was going to reflect on my performance.”
It wasn’t about depriving herself; instead, Amber focused on fueling her body with the right foods to support her intense training sessions.
Mental Health: Navigating the Emotional Struggles
While Amber’s weight loss journey was physically challenging, it was the emotional aspect that truly reshaped her life. Mental health became a crucial part of her transformation.
As someone who had struggled with negative body image and the pressures of being in the public eye, Amber began focusing more on her emotional wellness.
She began practicing mindfulness and meditation, which helped her manage the stress that came with her career and her weight loss journey.
“Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness,” Amber explained. “For me, it’s about being mentally strong and not letting outside factors control how I feel about myself.”
This newfound focus on mental health played a significant role in her ability to succeed in her transformation. Rather than obsessing over the numbers on the scale or the external expectations, Amber allowed herself to let go of the pressure and simply focus on being her best self.
Amber’s Results: A 20-Pound Transformation
Amber’s hard work and dedication paid off, and she successfully lost about 20 pounds. While the weight loss itself was significant, it was the internal changes that had the most lasting impact.
She felt stronger, more confident, and more aligned with her body and her performance.
“At first, it was tough,” she admits. “I wasn’t seeing the changes I wanted right away, but I had to remind myself that this was a long-term journey. Every small change added up.”
Her dedication to clean eating, balanced training, and mental health made her feel more empowered than ever. Amber’s weight loss wasn’t just about the number on the scale—it was about becoming a stronger and more confident version of herself.
The Impact of Amber’s Journey on Her Career
Amber Glenn’s weight loss journey has not only improved her physical and mental health but has also had a positive effect on her figure skating career.
She has gained strength, endurance, and confidence, all of which have reflected in her performances. At the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Amber showcased some of her best routines, impressing judges and fans alike.
Her newfound energy and improved performance were a clear reflection of her hard work both on and off the ice.
Amber has also become an inspiration to others, particularly young athletes, who struggle with body image and the pressures that come with competing at a high level.
She has shared her story to help others feel empowered and to let them know that their worth is not defined by their appearance or the opinions of others.
Amber Glenn’s Message: Strength and Self-Love
Amber Glenn’s journey toward weight loss and self-love is a story of resilience, self-empowerment, and breaking free from the pressures of society.
Through her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically, Amber has shown that true strength comes from within.
“I want to remind others that it’s okay to take your time,” she said, “to find what works for you, and to love yourself throughout the process.”
Her story is a reminder that the road to transformation is not easy, but with perseverance, support, and a focus on mental and physical well-being, anything is possible.
FAQs
How much weight did Amber Glenn lose?
Amber Glenn lost about 20 pounds through a combination of clean eating, strength training, and a focus on mental wellness.
What diet did Amber Glenn follow for weight loss?
Amber followed a plant-based diet, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Did Amber Glenn experience mental health struggles during her weight loss journey?
Yes, Amber openly discussed her struggles with body image and the pressures of being an athlete, but she prioritized mental health by practicing mindfulness and meditation.
How did Amber Glenn balance her figure skating training with weight loss?
Amber incorporated strength training, cardio, yoga, and Pilates into her routine, while also paying attention to the quality of her food for optimal performance.
How has Amber Glenn’s weight loss impacted her skating career?
Amber’s weight loss and overall transformation have improved her strength, endurance, and confidence, leading to better performances and greater success in competitions.
