My fitness instructor journey began in late spring of 2019. I was done coaching college cheerleading which I had done for most of my adult life. I loved to coach and the experience of teaching young people new skills and watching them be proud of themselves when they attained a goal. Looking back I realize how blessed I was that everything fell into place for me and I ended up at Cycle of Heart.
With my back ground in cheerleading I knew I could teach fitness classes. After talking with a college friend I bit the bullet and signed up for a Schwinn Cycle Certification almost 2 hours from my house in Virginia. I was nervous mostly because money was involved, and I didn’t have a job yet. I felt like maybe, if I get this certification I can find a place to work in town. After the certification, I called the local gyms where I was living in Harrisonburg, VA and was a sub for a couple of cycle classes, but I was lost on my next step.
The summer of 2019 I knew I needed to get closer to home in Kansas City so started planning my move. With my sales job I was able to take time to study and work towards my AFAA Group Fitness Certificate. At the cycle class I met some people and learned about how to become a Group Fitness Instructor. It would open me up for more classes then, just cycle. After selling my house in Virginia quickly I bought one in KC without ever stepping a foot in it. At the same time, I saw that the Liberty Community Center was looking for group fitness instructors, so I applied having just passed my certification test.
In just over a week, mid-September, I moved across the country, started working on my new house and had a interview at the Liberty Community Center. I became a sub for Cardio Strength and Conditioning and began attending the classes so I would know the format. I was excited that I had this opportunity to learn and substituted my first class in October. Around the same time my cousin told me about this cycle studio that was going to open in Liberty. Days later she sent me the contact information and I was in contact with Anna Allesi. After a phone call I met her in person and I was part of the upcoming business.
I was excited, but also nervous to be a part of a new cycle studio; one of the first in the Northland. I had barely taught cycle and had not taken a cycle class in months. Anna gave us all time to practice and get the vibe of the studio and things started quickly. I remember putting together a Halloween play list which ran right into the holidays. My classes were small but it gave me time to develop my style. I also was able to help open the studio at times and check people in so I got more equipped with people’s preferences.
I was just so blessed that things just really fell into place for me. What are the chances that I buy a house in the Liberty School District. I get a job at the Liberty Community Center and then a cycle studio opens up just minutes from my house. Those months in the summer of 2019 when I was uncertain of my path led me to right where I needed to be. I am so glad to be a part of a great fitness community and have met so many amazing people.
Amanda Hoppert