VIE Active | Q & A With Amanda Freeman Founder of SLT

Published: April 13, 2014

We caught up with the amazing Amanda Freeman the woman who brought SLT to NYC. What’s SLT you ask? only the hottest fitness craze in NYC right now! An SLT class stands for strengthen, lengthen and tone and is done on a Megaformer bed- that’s like a super-charged Pilates reformer machine.

Tell us a little bit about yourself? (What’s your background, how did you get into fitness? What made you start SLT? What do you love about NYC?)

I started my career doing trend forecasting, market research and consulting. I’ve always been fascinated by people and I loved having a job where I spent all day trying to understand why people felt a certain way or did a certain thing. One of the trends I loved most was what we called, The Rise of Well-Consciousness.

I left the world of trend forecasting to start a daily e-newsletter that focused on the latest in fitness, nutrition, beauty and wellness called Vital Juice. I became immersed in the world of wellness and found an amazing workout that was only in LA. I decided NYers would love it too and I wanted to bring it to them.

I am a total NYer (even though I grew up in NJ), but I have a love affair with LA. I love the hustle and bustle of the city and find it impossible to be bored here. Plus, my family and friends are mostly here and they are most important to me. I do think it’s important to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city on a regular basis or I’d go crazy.

What or who is your biggest inspiration?

I find inspiration all around and in different places at different times. Other entrepreneurs are the most inspiring to me…people who think differently and create new things are my heros. I worship the founders of SoulCycle who created an incredible movement.

I am also inspired by beautiful places (travel), the water (My happy place is on a boat), pretty art and fashion.

How do you stay motivated?

I am a pretty motivated person, however when I’m in need of some extra motivation, I try something new. It’s great to get out of a pattern and spice things up a bit.

What’s your favourite way to stay fit?

SLT, obviously! I genuinely think it’s the best workout. I love that every class is different and I even learn new moves when I take classes from other instructors.

What’s your style like when you’re working out?

My workout style is eclectic and sassy. I like to mix and match fitness apparel with regular clothes. I like to wear accent bras and these days, printed pants. I’ve been known to wear a fur with spandex (Sorry PETA-lovers!).

What’s your style like when you’re going out?

I think I’m kinda eclectic at night as well – part boho, part uptown girl, part I still think I’m still 30 years old. I’m definitely a jeans girl and rarely dress up.

What are your makeup must-haves?
I’m very minimalist when it comes to make up…probably getting too old to pull that off too. I use Aquaphor on my lips, Bare Essentials powder on my face and Great Lash mascara when I want to amp it up.

The book on your bedside table right now:
Tony Robbins – Awaken The Giant Within – I’m in a self-discovery phase…ha!

What does living an active life mean to you?

I love being super busy and running around a bunch. I think it’s important to exercise regularly, eat healthily (for the most part), be social, travel, and try new things. Doing all that makes an active life.

What do you typically eat and what do you try to avoid?

I try to eat healthy 80% of the time. I love oatmeal with berries, lots of veggies, quinoa, peanut butter and chocolate. I try to avoid lots of packaged foods and I only eat bagels for special occasions.

What do you look for in active wear?

I want my active wear to be comfortable (that’s #1), fashionable, practical and unique.

Number one reason for taking care of your body:

Health is the most important thing you have in life. It’s impossible to be happy when you aren’t healthy. I take care of my body so I feel good, look good and hopefully live a long life.

Can you share your ‘signature’ healthy recipe?

Pretty much everything I cook that is healthy is from Gwyneth Paltrow’s book It’s all good! I have a famous (amongst my friends) recipe for a S’mores dessert, but it’s a family recipe that I’m not allowed to share.