Amanda Rose Walsh

When I was young, I wanted to work in education.  I used to build a classroom out of cardboard boxes in my basement and teach an imaginary class.  I thought I would become a teacher but, for reasons unknown to me at the time, I decided to join the local YMCA.  I was fourteen years old at the time and soon began fostering a passion for fitness. Since then, exercise and health have played an invaluable role in my life, shaping not only my career but also my daily habits and overall well-being.  I spent the next four years working with a multitude of instructors, learning from each one unique methods of enhancing my physical and mental health. 

At 18 years old, after working with these various trainers, I sought to become one.  I earned my certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and was shortly thereafter offered my first personal training job at New York Sports Club.  I then realized that I had merged the two passions that filled the first 18 years of my life: teaching and fitness. The following five years were spent honing my skills, acquiring additional certifications (CPR, Pre/Post Natal) and establishing a loyal clientele base eager to learn ways to improve upon their lifestyles.  I also used this time to explore numerous fitness modalities including weight lifting, running, spinning, Pilates and plyometrics (training designed to produce fast, powerful movements).

I spent the next five years working at CRUNCH gym while pursuing a Masters Degree from Columbia University in Exercise Physiology. It was also during these years that I was exposed to amateur boxing.  I was intrigued by the rigorous training and strategy involved in the sport.  Once I began training, I became determined to compete as an amateur boxer. It was a fiercely intense, passionate investment, and ultimately led to my winning the 2008 New York Golden Gloves Championship in my weight class. This accomplishment served as proof that with proper training and determination, any goal is attainable. I carry this knowledge with me always and have seen how it has benefited every aspect of my life. 

With my accomplishments in boxing behind me, I yearned for a new challenge.  I again explored numerous training methods and was drawn to yoga.  I was intrigued by the philosophy that is at the essence of yoga and sets it apart from all other physical training methods.  Not just comprised of stretching and posing, as it is normally perceived, yoga provides a path to improve your life by focusing on the mind/body connection, and how each enhances the other.  I began practicing yoga daily and my passion brought me to Thailand where I completed an intensive one-month teacher-training program. The experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of well-being, peaking my interest in such topics as pranayama (the art of breathing control), meditation, and Ayurveda (a 5,000 year old natural system of healing).  

Recently, I left the corporate gym environment and began my own health and wellness company, teaching individual clients as well as groups ranging in size from 2 to as many as 15 people.  My approach is creative, integrative and fun because I implement an array of the different techniques and styles which I have been exposed to over the years to help each individual feel, look and live their best. I use my own life experience to share wisdom on healthy living. Additionally, I believe in a holistic approach, adding elements of personal growth to inspire people to reflect on and change all areas of their lives. I am thankful to love what I do and am eager to embrace the next challenge in my life.