We recently connected with Amanda Katz and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
I first found my love for movement via group fitness when I was attending graduate school, working full-time as a communications professional in governmental and non-profit work. Prior to taking group fitness classes, I struggled with multiple eating disorders and the thought of exercise was unappealing. I was too concerned with perfectionism and experiencing episodes of deep depression and anxiety. Once I was nutritionally rehabilitated, I found strength-based classes specifically made me feel stronger in my body in a community setting. I started to feel as though my purpose in fitness went beyond just attending class. As I finished graduate school and was working, I “nerded” out on all things movement, gaining a few certifications to start and considered the idea of teaching on the side. It was specifically my cycling certification educator, Rachel Buschert Vaziralli who took a chance when inviting me to the audition process at the luxury fitness club I still work at today, Equinox. Rachel took a chance on me, never gatekeeping and remains one of my greatest mentors and now, friends today.
Finally, after nearly a decade in my profession, I pivoted to coach others full-time start as a cycling, total body conditioning and treadmill running formats. During the pandemic, I expanded my offerings to include private personal training and became a RRCA certified run coach. Building this leg of my business brought me incredible joy and seven years later, continues to today.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I currently training clients privately from the comfort of their homes in 1:1 sessions and work with runners on an individual basis to help them reach their next starting line or simply to find their joy on the run.
In addition to her private training services, I coach indoor cycling, treadmill running, and total body conditioning formats at Equinox in New York City.
My philosophy is based on the notion that all bodies deserve a fitness experience without punishment, guilt or shame. I approach my craft from a body neutral lens with humor, tough love and ultimately, wants my clients’ to leave feeling stronger and more capable.
Beyond my professional life, I am a lover of reading, lifting, distance running, and solo traveling.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My dry humor and complete honesty. I am known as the “real talk” fitness professional.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Having a good sense of humor, providing the science and health-promoting benefits that come from engaging in fitness and treating my clients’ as humans with real stresses and problems. Fitness should always add to our lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.amandaskatz.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amanda_katzz
- Spotify Podcast: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=4a540a4aba&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1796767273489261135&th=18ef6650c85fe24f&view=fimg&fur=ip&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9b4SboajpOM721U74sC45GkL27p2BZuPSOG2vPksMhOFe8MEkOLqRh8kImfg05sU7fZlFFywWX4F5GZZCNbWapS-ERV3AVKsiUPcMteqXicAOShkTfWwe-A7o&disp=emb