It is hard to scroll through Instagram without seeing fitness guru Amanda Kloots — dressed in her signature stars — dancing and jumping her way through life and her fitness classes. Fitness trainer to some of our favorite celebrities and influencers, like Arielle Charnas, and instructor at Studio B at the cult-worthy fashion workout store Bandier, Kloots has secured her place as an expert in her field.
But it was not always the case. Kloots grew up dancing in Canton, Ohio and found her way to the Radio City Rockettes and the Broadway stage. “Fitness has always been a part of my life since dancing and performing are so physical,” she says.
When she received a notice that her Broadway show was closing — she was also going through an unexpected divorce — Kloots decided to start her own business. “I felt extremely lost and scared about my future and taking care of myself,” she says. “A power came over me even though I was very unsure of what would happen.”
Luckily for us, and the fitness industry, a star was born.
In 2017, 174.05 million people were members of a fitness or health club worldwide. With the numbers increasing and people focusing more on wellness — even Weight Watchers rebranded this year — it is no surprise that fitness trends are constantly evolving.
Kloots says she has rapidly seen an increase in boutique fitness over the past five years. “I think people are seeing fitness as a way to build a community instead of just going to a gym and getting on a treadmill alone.”
In 2019, Kloots sees a few trends rising above the others: activity trackers, live streaming workouts and recovery. Kloots praises both trackers and streaming as a way to “keep yourself motivated and accountable.” It is clear that the market agrees, as it predicts activity trackers to have $3.33 billion in sales by 2022. As for streaming, we can watch our favorite influencers and stars live stream their workouts on Instagram, but another option has recently taken over the fitness market: Mirror. The product, which at first glance is simply a full-length mirror, transforms into an at-home gym, minus that studio. Hannah Bronfman, Sara Foster and Haylie Duff are just some that are already singing its praises.
Recovery is trending in 2019, and Kloots is riding the wave. She calls out some of her favorites like cryotherapy, Shape House and Theragun, all while maintaining her love for the trend. “I am obsessed with recovery as it is so important to give your body a rest.” In fact, her top wellness tip? Sleep.
But her favorite beauty trend might surprise you, as it has nothing do with an actual class — she loves FaceGym, a new facial bar that recently opened its first U.S. location in New York City. “Do you know that we have over 40 muscles in our face that we don’t work out?” she says. “Why? We spend so much time on the rest of our body but then run to Botox and fillers for our face! Once you have a FaceGym workout you are changed for life.”
If fitness was one of your New Year’s resolutions — as it is for many, including The Sunday Edit staff — Kloots wants you to know it is possible. “I love making a calendar and checking each day off,” Kloots says. “It is so rewarding to see something accomplished each day.”
“Find a workout that you love to do! A workout that you change your day for, so you don’t miss it,” says Kloots. And, of course, you can always check out one of her Studio B classes (or look into private lessons), but do not expect to slack off. “I don’t allow cheating in my classes,” she says, “so come ready to work hard!”
