It all started in 2016 when Amanda seriously injured her back as a vet tech at work, improperly lifting dogs off of the floor (oops!). While scary and ultimately avoidable, the injury propelled her into discovering weightlifting in 2017.
After a few failed attempts at big box gyms, Amanda felt lucky to finally find a trainer who didn’t focus on weight loss but rather strength and functionality. During her time lifting weights with that trainer, she learned that her body was more capable than she thought! She started accepting herself as she was, challenging the societal stigma of fat bodies, and found healing and gratitude for her bigger body.
Her own journey struggling to find a fat-positive personal trainer led Amanda to create that space for herself and others. She became a certified personal trainer in 2023 and began working at Above The Bar as a fitness coach. She started Big Bodied Baddies in 2024 to create a safe space specifically for fat and plus-sized people, and now offers one-on-one training, group trainings, and collaboration events like spin, pilates, and dance.
I believe that all bodies deserve a safe, judgement-free space to move freely without expectation or limitations.
My goal is to continue to create spaces in a variety of settings that allow for all bodies to feel safe to move freely. All of my classes, events, and collaborations are:
Queer & Trans friendly
Welcoming to all experience levels
Fun! (a passion of mine is to make exercise fun & enjoyable for all)
Adjustable & customizable to you
