Amy Bream, Boxing With A Prosthesis

ABOUT ME

I’m 27 years old and I live in Nashville, Tennessee. I was born with one leg and am learning to stay active regardless. I love to share my story and let others know they can still be active with a prosthesis.

Follow me @onelegtostandon

BECOME MORE ACTIVE THROUGH BOXING

Over the past 5 years I've become much more active. My fitness journey has been about finding confidence in myself. When I moved to Nashville, I became a member of TITLE Boxing Club.

It was the first work out I felt I could really participate in and actually enjoy. It made me want to try new things.

"There are still physical and mental challenges when it comes to staying active, but I find that the more I do things, the easier it gets."

Boxing is great for my overall body and stress relief. My prosthesis goes all the way up to my hip, so I always assumed I would have to stay on a stationary bike or elliptical to get in lots of cardio, and I got bored easily. Boxing allows me to keep moving and get in a great cardio workout, and I feel like I can participate just as much as everyone else. My trainers are amazing; they don’t let me say I can’t do something, and they aren’t afraid to tell me to go beyond what I can do. The truth is, I’ve learned (in the last few years especially) that I can do a lot more than I ever thought I was capable of.

FINDING THE RIGHT PROSTHESIS TO STAY ACTIVE

There’s been a big evolution of prosthetic technology since I was born; when I was young it was all mechanical and focused on safety. As I got older and stronger, I started using hydraulic legs, and then, in high school, I advanced to microprocessor knees. Essentially, “microprocessor” means that the knee is computerized; I plug it into the wall at night to charge, and it has settings that are specific to me, measuring my stride and how fast or slow I tend to walk. I’ve had two new prosthetic legs made in the last 5 years, which is really what has allowed me to increase my activity level so much. I knew what features I needed, but there was still a lot of trial and error in the process of making each leg.

"Health insurance doesn’t always cover the kind of prosthesis you need to workout."

Because of that, I’ve never had a running blade or hardly any experience with running at all. I’ve recently discovered the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an NGO I’ve been getting more involved with, and realized they provide grants to give running blades to people who need them. I’m crossing my fingers as I get ready to apply for a running blade through CAF in the fall of 2019.

LAUGHING ABOUT THINGS

I grew up in a family where we loved to laugh. When I was younger I was less comfortable with my leg. I used to have a cosmetic cover on it. I finally realized people were uncomfortable because they were picking up on my own discomfort.

"So I turned to humor; it’s a great way to connect and make people relax."

And it makes my missing leg less of a big thing.

STAYING RESILIENT - JUST KEEP DOING IT

I think the most important thing when it comes to resilience is to have someone with you who you trust, someone who can keep you accountable and push you forward. There are times I’ve wanted to back away. For me this person is my roommate who I grew up with. She always keeps me focused on my goals.

"My other big tip is: “just keep doing it!"

Last week I had a bad training session, but I went back the next day and it was better. Remember that everyone is human so there are days you will fail and everything is terrible. That’s ok! But come back and do it again. Ask for help and keep coming back.

SKINCARE FOR MY ACTIVE LIFE

I first heard about FRÉ from Annie Miller through her IG. She was very convincing. I usually don’t buy things I see someone talking about on IG. But in this case I’m so glad I did! I really like the products. When my activity level went up I started sweating more and breaking out. I found that 123FRÉ helped a lot. I also love GLOW ME since I work at a gym and can’t wear heavy makeup. With GLOW ME on I feel like I don’t need any other makeup. I love that it has SPF 15, and since I started using it I’ve stopped buying expensive foundation.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

• Favorite exercise?
  Boxing
• What comes to mind when you think of FRÉ?
  Fresh & clean
• What are you most excited about in life right now?
  To try running!
• What excites you most about working out?
  Learning what the body can do and being able to learn things you might never have pictured yourself doing before
• Who do you admire the most?
  My parents
• What advice would you offer to your 16 year old self?
  Do it anyway because who cares what people think!
• What is an issue that you wish a lot of us would be talking about a lot more often?
  Balance. I work at a gym. Life is about being healthy but I often see people throwing the word balance around without practicing it. It’s important to remember it’s ok to have days off and to have fun!
• What does it mean to be a woman today?
  The world is at our fingertips - there isn’t a lot we can’t do! Today a lot more of the world realizes women are strong. It’s also quite possible to be strong and feminine at the same time.
• What is a skincare tip or trick you swear by?
  Making sure I always wash my face right after a workout and before bed.