Amber Strauser
Although born in Indiana and currently a resident of Los Angeles, Amber, age 24, considers herself a Texan. Amber began dancing at age 5 and furthered her training at the Arts Magnet High School in downtown Dallas. Only months before graduating in 1999, she became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. While cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, Amber attended Southern Methodist University as a premed student. At SMU, she entered the Ms. SMU Body Building 2000 competition and won the title and "Best Poser" award. This contest inspired Amber to attain her personal training and biomechanics and resistance training certifications from Coopers Clinic as well as her yoga certification.
Amber placed school on hold to perform on cruise ships; she traveled the world for a year and a half, literally stepping foot on every continent except Antarctica. She then took a contract as a showgirl in a magic show called "Sandcastle," located on the tropical island of Saipan. She was also a showgirl in "Midnight Fantasy" at the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Miss., and she occasionally performs in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel's "Fantasy." Recently, she toured Italy in a cabaret show entitled "Made in America." Once a year, Amber travels back to Texas to set choreography on the Dallas Desperados Dancers. She was a member of the 2004 Lingerie Football League's team Dallas Desire. She is currently performing with the Purrfect Angelz at biker rallies, and, she recently returned from Kuwait and Iraq, where she performed for the soldiers for the fifth time.
Q: What's your favorite time of day to work out?
A: Morning, otherwise I will continue to put my workout off later and later and end up never working out.
Q: What's your favorite workout?
A: Targeting my back and triceps. I despise leg workouts because I'm forced to work the hardest.
Q: What song really gets you in the mood to work out?
A: 80s rock music and hip hop
Q: What is your greatest motivation to stay in shape?
A: Well, since I'm a dancer and am always wearing body-conscious clothing, I see my reflection in the mirror constantly, which encourages me to stay in shape. Also, living in LA I am constantly surrounded by beautiful people who also inspire me to look great.
Q: What part of your body do you like best? Least?
A: My favorite body parts are my calves and lower back. I get many compliments on my butt so I guess I like my butt too. I hate my thighs. I just think they are too big.
Q: Is there any additional training advice that you may be able to share with our online audience?
A: Sometimes I'll carry a picture of myself when I really liked the way I looked physically to help keep my focus on training hard. I'll also create collages of inspiring words and beautiful body parts in a journal where I keep track of my food and exercise routines.
