One lesson I’ve learned as a woman is that putting your goals at center stage is necessary to achieve your dreams. Amanda Kloots sets the example of what you can achieve when you become the star of your own show. The former Broadway dancer and Rockette persisted to the top in a highly competitive field and went on to use her talents to develop her brand. As a celebrity trainer and CEO of her own fitness business, Amanda Kloots uses her determination to teach women how to empower themselves through fitness.
Amanda’s classes are a mix of dance and cross-training with special attention on form and details to create a unique, fun workout. When she isn’t at her New York City studio, she travels teaching classes throughout the country. She’s also developed a jump rope made for ultra-effective and engaging workouts.
For today’s #WomanCrushWednesday feature, I had the chance to chat with Amanda and learn more about what drives her as a performer and a professional.
When did you first find your love for dance?
I fell in love with dance in 4th grade. I transferred to a performing arts middle school and dance class was an elective we could choose. It was love at first step!
I’m a huge Broadway fan. Can you tell us about a rewarding moment working on Broadway and/or the Rockettes?
Every moment on Broadway is quite rewarding. I think there is a crazy statistic that 1% make it on Broadway?! One moment that sticks out is my Broadway debut, opening night of my first show, Good Vibrations. My whole family came to see me and sat in the front row to cheer me on!
What’s the one piece of advice you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?
Change is good! Don’t be afraid of the downs because the ups come right back at you!
What led you to start a jump rope class? It’s so innovative!
I created the class while teaching a private session. I knew I had something special because the class did not exist! Jumping rope is one of the best exercises you can do for your body and it is something that you can do anywhere.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced? How did you overcome it?
Going through my divorce was pretty hard. It was something I never expected to happen in my life. It was a huge shock, a very big disappointment and a challenge to get through everyday at that time.
Can you walk us through your average day?
My average day starts off with training private clients and then I usually head down to studio b at Bandier to teach a class! In between training I spend time creating playlists and classes, play with my puppies, and relax. I’m 26 weeks pregnant now so I take relaxing very seriously!
Fitness allows you to see the growth and determination of your clients. What’s the best part of your job?
I LOVE seeing my clients grow! Not just their bodies change, that happens a lot, but I love when I see their confidence grow or when their form changes and I see them get stronger!
What tips do you have for busy women looking to stay fit?
Buy my jump rope! Ten minutes of jumping rope a day tones your entire body and burns 150 calories!! Who doesn’t have ten minutes?
As an Ohio-native turned New Yorker, what’s your favorite NYC gem everyone should visit?
Central Park for sure!
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I love that you’ve incorporated prenatal workouts into your program. While I’m not an expecting mom, I know my friends all wonder about the rules of working out when pregnant. Can you tell us your #1 tip?
Don’t be afraid to work out during your pregnancy! We are Wonder Women and just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t sweat, jump, dance, and make your body stronger! Giving birth is the most physical event your body will ever go through so you have to prepare for it!
What’s one of your favorite moments in your career that you can remember?
It is either being flown to LA to shoot a huge spread for Cosmopolitan Magazine or an essay in Time Magazine about my life and starting my business.
Performance and fitness are both two very different fields. Can you share a lesson you’ve learned from each?
Actually, I believe I am the teacher I am and the CEO I am because of my performing career. Performing shapes you into a person that doesn’t take no for an answer, a person that even if you are having the worst day you have to turn “it” on and make it work, a person who believes in themselves 100%, and someone who can stand in front of a group of people and lead a room!
What’s one tip you have for women looking to start their own business?
Ask for help! Just because you are starting your “own” business doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone!
Learn more about Amanda on her website. If you’re ever in New York, definitely check out a class!
