Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Paige.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was a professional dancer in NYC for over 16 years, credits include Broadway, National Tours and Featured Films. After moving to AZ and teaching and choreographing all over the valley, I opened Tough Lotus as an aerial fitness studio where we have 9 different types of classes and over 35 per week. Three months after, I opened a video I saw of The Bungee Workout in Thailand (where it originates) and contacted them. We developed a relationship and I flew out for training in Bangkok. 2 weeks/132 hours and got trained as a Master Trainer and brought it to the United States as the first in the US to offer it. I now train others who want to become licensed studios. Shortly after we opened, we had a video that went viral and is at over 100 million views and business just completely took off. We are almost always booked a week in advance and sometimes longer and we have people that travel from all over the world to try our studio. Many people have made group trips to AZ just to spend a week in the studio.
I am so blessed that everyone loves it as much as I do. It is the most incredible workout because you are constantly engaging your core and leg muscled to resist the Bungee. The cardio is like no other because you end class dripping sweat and have so much fun you don’t even realize how hard you work. I absolutely love what I do and am honored to be able to be a part of peoples fitness/health journeys. I am always looking for new, fun ways to work out and I have finally found ones that are truly enjoyable and effective. Between aerial fitness classes and bungee classes, we are a unique, one of a kind studio that focuses on personal attention, an inviting and welcoming atmosphere and offering the only classes of its kind in AZ.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle was trusting my gut. I had just spent so much time/money on the aerial fitness studio, was a first time studio owner and then I needed to invest a lot moron an exercise that was only available out of the country, that I had never tried, and had no idea how it would do in the states or what it even felt like. It was a blind leap of faith and I am so grateful I took the risk. The first time I was on a bungee was for 12 hours straight during training. I knew that it was worth the risk and that I would regret it if I didn’t, even if it didn’t catch on… I am so happy it did! 🙂 What do you have to lose… life always seems to work itself out.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tough Lotus – what should we know?
One thing I can say is that I am known for pushing my clients in a very supportive and encouraging way. To most, the apparatuses we use are intimidating and we have a family atmosphere at the studio welcoming all athletic abilities. We are on this journey together. But, I definitely get the most effort I can out of my clients. If you’re going to take time away from your family and personal life to come to the studio… it had better be worth it right??? Many people travel pretty far to get here too.
Oh, we were also one of the top Googled fitness trends of 2017 google search and have been featured in Shape Magazine as well as many other tv and written publications
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The only barrier I feel is the one I put up for myself, the one in my head. Can I keep this up? How many hats can I wear today? Is it time to expand? What if I fail? That voice inside my head that is constantly questioning my thoughts and actions. Fear is my only barrier and it is combatted with faith.
Pricing:
- Single Basic Bungee class is $35 and 75 min. long
- Intro to aerial is $10 (must take before other aerial fitness classes) and single aerial classes are $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toughlotus.com
- Phone: 480-886-8823
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @toughlotus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toughlotus/
- Twitter: @toughlotus
- Other: snapchat: toughlotus1 Youtube: Tough Lotus
Image Credit:
Tough Lotus, Stories To Tales Theatre
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