Amber Bruehl is POUND’s Director of Movement and the OG ICON in every sense. She’s been with POUND since the beginning in 2010, embodying the true spirit of Fitness Rebel and helping shape how this community moves. From the scrappy early days to global stages, Amber has grown alongside the brand, shaping not only our choreography alongside Kirsten Potenza, but the way we teach, lead, and show up for one another. She leads with heart, unapologetic freedom-of-self, and that unmistakable rockstar swagger.
If you’ve ever had Amber in your corner, you know she always has your back. She’ll fix your lipstick before a shoot, hype you up before you walk on stage, and make sure you feel like your most powerful self. Equal parts movement genius, makeup artist, astrology lover, and potato enthusiast, Amber is woven into the fabric of who we are, and we’re better (and louder) because of her. 💚
POUND Journey 🤘
When did you first discover POUND?
I met Kirsten when POUND was just a crazy idea! We became instant friends, bonding over our love of live music, and went to a show together the same night after we met. Shortly after, I attended the FIRST ever POUND class at a little studio in Hollywood. Ripstix didn’t even exist yet! I was never a “gym” person and it was the most fun I’ve ever had doing a “workout”. I was sore for days in ways I didn’t know were possible and couldn’t wait to do it again.
What made you fall in love with it?
For me it was truly love at first strike. There were about 6 of us in class and the moment we all hit the ground together in unison I was hooked and knew it would grow into something bigger.
Favorite POUND program/continuing edu to teach (PRW / UP / GEN / Level Up / Pro Skills) and why?
My favorite program to teach is a live POUND ROCKOUT WORKOUT class. I feel freedom, joy in the connection with participants, and an unapologetic sense of myself that I don’t get to express in everyday life.
My favorite program to TAKE is POUND Unplugged. I’ve had some of the most profound experiences and breakthroughs during the Reset portion as a student.
And my favorite training to lead is Generation POUND, because we all get to channel our inner child and play games!
What’s a POUND moment you’ll never forget?
Before our Global ICON team had grown to what it is today, I had the privilege of traveling solo to the Middle East (Saudi and Qatar), bringing POUND to a new part of the globe. Those trips allowed me to see first hand that music and movement, like laughing and crying, is universal. Cultural and/or language barriers no longer matter when you’re moving to music and creating a unified beat together. It was incredible to be able to connect in such a powerful way and see the joy it brought to all those faces. That was my second big realization, that POUND is truly so much more than a kickass workout.
Fitness Background 
How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I started choreographing and teaching dance at age 15, but teaching POUND was my first introduction into the Fitness Industry at age 25. 15 years ago!
What did/do you teach besides POUND (if anything)?
Currently just POUND. I used to teach some fun rhythmic driven core/toning classes. Anything else I teach needs to be driven by music (thanks, POUND!)
One certification or course that changed your teaching?
ICON Generation POUND training in Los Angeles, I believe in 2018? I was on the fence about it, because teaching kids was not “my thing”, but it unlocked a new avenue and pushed me as an instructor in ways I didn’t expect. Teaching my first GP class was nerve-wracking, but stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning to connect to yet another new demographic made me more confident as an instructor.
What’s something you believe every great instructor should focus on?
NOT yourself first. Put in the work behind closed doors and practice your instruction until it feels like second nature. Once you step into that group fitness venue, the focus should fall onto the participants. Connection is key and will give you your edge.
Your community 
What’s unique about your fitness community or region?
I think any ICON and/or Pro could give the same answer, but in my area our community goes beyond POUND classes and events. Friendships, birthday celebrations, brunches, personal support, the list goes on. Some of my closest friends in LA and Southern California came out of the local POUND communities.
What’s one way you’ve seen POUND impact your local Pros?
See previous answer! Friendship, camaraderie, support. And to build on that, I’ve seen and heard personal stories from Pros who’ve gained a new kind of confidence and agency within themselves (myself included)!
Rapid fire (short answers only!) 
Coffee or tea?
I’m going to cheat because I LOVE an Earl Gray latte which has both 🙂
Salty or sweet?
I’m going to cheat again because there’s no better treat than dipping some salty fries into a chocolate shake. Fight me in the comments, or better yet, try it!
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl all the way
Favorite pre-class hype song (non-POUND)?
Raise Hell by Dorothy
Go-to post-class/training snack?
Carbs with a side of carbs.
One word your participants use to describe you?
I’ll pick a clean word… I think the most common is “crazy” 
One word you’d use to describe yourself?
Ready.
Personal side 
Something most people don’t know about you.
I’m not a natural redhead!
A hobby outside of fitness.
Astrology
A recent win (big or small).
Navigating life with a broken foot
A quote, mantra, or phrase you live by.
Approach life with curiosity over judgement
If you weren’t in fitness, what would you be doing?
What was Anthony Bourdain’s official job title when he was traveling the world in search of the best local cuisine in each region? In my dreams it would be that (minus the cameras, please don’t film me while I eat).
Looking ahead 
What does being an ICON mean to you?
So much. Being an ICON has taught me the true meaning of gratitude. This role has pushed me in ways I never expected and has blessed me with lifelong friendships all over the world. For me it means connecting to human beings on a soul level.
What’s a skill you’re currently sharpening?
Addressing conflict head on. Trusting my gut and speaking my truth even when it requires walking through a thick cloud of fear and anxiety.