CityView Magazine

parallel to the floor for what seems like minutes although it is only seconds. But her dance routine is not enough to win a national competition – it takes a body in excellent physical condition. While Byron and Chris go heavy on the weights, Amber’s routine is mostly aerobic though she also lifts free weights and runs the paces through several weight machines during every workout. She, too, works out six days a week, spending anywhere from an hour and 45 minutes to two hours each encounter. Amber also takes a spinning class – an intense workout on a stationary bicycle – at least once a week. Amber is 31 and a certified trainer with Cathy Savage Fitness, a national fitness firm. She attended a competition for the Miss Fitness Universe Pageant in Miami in June and finished 10th overall against some of the nation’s best talent. Jamel Jamel Kirklin is a 32-year-old Army lieutenant. Growing up, he played They are soldiers and civilians, parents and working folks, but in the early morning hours, they are also hardcore athletes who push their bodies to the extreme. They are soldiers and civilians, parents and working but in the early morning hours, they are also hardcor athletes who push their bodies to the extreme. football and basketball and ran track in high school. When he was young, he always wanted to emulate the “Incredible Hulk,” and he has come close as an adult. At 5 feet 9 inches tall and 185 pounds – very little of it body fat – his typical day includes morning PT and another hour and 30 minutes in the gym. Mondays mean chest and back weights. Tuesday, biceps and triceps, and by the end of the week his “super sets” and cardio have worked his entire body. Jamel has competed in and won several body-building competitions. He’s also a parent. Like Byron and Amber, Jamel balances time at the gym with family time. So when most of Fayetteville is into Top | Amber Ameredes is training for the Miss Fitness Universe competition. Above | For Jamel Kirklin, staying in shape is a job requirement. their second cup of coffee, these four are already full of energy for the day. They all say it’s addictive. If they fall off they all suffer. That is what keeps them motivated.CV CityViewNC.com | 63

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