Working in fashion, I’ve had the pleasure of learning so much about people. As part of my job, discovering a client’s story makes the experience personal, and essentially helps you style them the way they need to be. Chatting with my clients, I find out ALL different kinds of things like juicy neighborhood gossip, what the kids have been up to, not to mention, there’s always some life-long lessons. Throughout my years in the industry, one thing that I always realized is health and fitness plays such a vital role in most people’s everyday life. Some people choose to eat right but might not go to the gym; others may exercise all day long and eat like shit. I think personally I have a good balance of both: I work out about 4 to 5 times a week and maintain a healthy diet, but I also have a cheat meal once in a blue moon. One thing I do know is that a healthy body also creates a healthier mental state. I will admit, fitness is not my strongest or easiest subject to discuss. I mean I do an “ok” job at keeping myself together, but there are so many questions I have. Fortunately, I have people in my life to turn to when I am struggling with my weight, or just trying to stay healthy, and Amanda Margusity is my go-to fitness guru! I mean she is a beast! Not only that, she’s also extremely fashion savvy as she and I have worked together for many years in the fashion industry. Now that she has decided to redirect her focus to health and fitness, I have more motivation to stay on point. I know I can speak for all my readers when I ask, “How do we maintain the perfect figure during the year?!” I had the opportunity to sit down with Amanda, where she gave me all the tea on her transition to fitness, and how she remains sexy during the most tempting times of the year!
1, Coming from a background in fashion, what influenced the transition to fitness, and why was it critical for you to make that change?
My transition into fitness came at a time of questioning. I was really unhappy with my current career, I didn’t feel like I belonged and just felt high pressure and high stress 24/7. I went into work every day asking myself is this what I want to do with my life? Did I waste the last 5 years of college on this career? I stayed for the wrong reasons but eventually was forced out of the position which was a blessing! If that push did not happen I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was a great shove to finding me. When I lost my job, I started working the front desk at spin studio. I was a rider there and the owner offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse, free fitness and a chill gig. I used fitness as an outlet to destress and now I could destress for free- AWESOME! I quickly realized the fitness environment was for me, I felt super comfortable and felt free. I laughed and continue to laugh every day, I love the people I work with and more importantly when my alarm goes off at 430a I look forward to starting my day. I never had that in my fashion gig, I was the person running in late at 930am which to me now is super late in the day. I’m ready for my second meal at that time.
Now, why was it critical for me to make the change- well it was critical for me to stay in fitness for happiness. I went back into the fashion world for a hot second and quickly realized how it wasn’t a good fit. I had this aha moment one day sitting at my desk where I asked myself "what am I actually getting out of being here in a bigger scale besides money?" You can make money anywhere as long as you work hard, right? It was scary AF- my salary went from being super comfortable to ok was that a moth that just flew out of my wallet. But I took it day by day and worked my butt off. Fast-forward to 4 years later, I am happy, comfortable and have 0 regrets. Somedays I work from 5a-10p at night but those are the days that fly by and I come home with the biggest smile on my face. All the hours spent working are so worth it- my grind is so enjoyable and at 31 if it makes me happy I am doing it. If it makes me sad- I exit stage left. I've realized that in life we need to do what sets our souls on fire, we have one life to live so why waste the hours being unhappy and uncomfortable. This goes for people too-> DO NOT SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU UNHAPPY. If they aren’t clapping for you, leave their ass in the dust and find people who clap the loudest for you. Time is too valuable and precious. I have the best job in the world- I get to wake up every single day, sweat with a bunch of people, I get to high five, hug and just crush the day with strong individuals who support each other rather than scream at each other because they didn’t finger space a rack for a corporate visit. People ask me all the time would I go back to corporate America and my answer is an instant f*ck NO! I really relate to the quote “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. I never feel like I’m working!
2. As an expert, what are the benefits of actually living a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally?
There’s so many benefits to living a healthy lifestyle, the list is so long! But I like to focus on the following: increased energy, clear mind, healthier hair and skin, add years to your life, increase happiness and badassery, increase of confidence and a decrease stress. I also like to joke that you smell better but that’s not always true. When I increased my garlic, I did not smell better.
Working out regularly and eating a healthy balanced diet will drastically improve your overall life. When you eat like shit you feel like shit and have lack of energy which you can’t dominate life and the workplace with low energy or feeling like crap- no one is inspired by a tired human. When you feel your best, you are more confident and confidence is intoxicating and sexy. Seriously, you walk into a room feeling confident I guarantee you will see all the positive responses from people. I suggest finding a work out you enjoy, DO NOT go to a workout where you stare at the clock, count the minutes and dread the instructors face. If you don’t like to spin or box don’t do it, we are in the age of group fitness where there’s so many different methods to enjoy. Working out should be fun and when you start having fun is when you are really living your best life!
Once you start seeing results whether it’s strength base, weight loss or health that’s when the happiness comes in. You are proud of the hard work you put in and it’s going to motivate you to continue. That happiness will then morph you into this badass human- the superhero theory as I call it. If you can reach just one goal in the health category you can do anything. The journey to your ultimate self isn’t easy and if it was everyone would do it but that’s why the person who is dedicated to the journey is so special, they are badass.
3. What tips do you have for someone who wants to live a healthy life, but can’t really bring themselves to do so?
So many tips! However, I’ll focus on one. When you can’t bring yourself to switch gears find a friend. Find someone you are inspired by, who you trust and who would motivate you. Fit families and fit friends are real and they work. Group fitness classes are the new happy hour. Friends are grinding together like never before. Also, when you sign up for class with a friend you can’t be the one to cancel and be that person, right? Don’t be that friend, also don’t collect those late fees- they suck!
4 What are 3 ways to incorporate health and fitness in your daily life without huge life altering changes?
- Skip the elevator or escalator and take the stairs
- Increase your water intake. Skip the sugary drinks and order a water. 1 its free and 2 it’s refreshing. Add a lemon wedge for taste. If you can’t stand water think of it as an unlimited brunch beverage. We can throw back 5 mimosas in under an hour but it takes us 6 hours to drink a glass of water, too funny!
- Prepare your food. Make a grocery list, go grocery shopping and make your food. Pack your lunches and snacks. It will help to save money, you know what’s going in your food and you can control the menu.
If you live in a city and do not have to drive, walk to work- skip the subway and delete the uber app!
5. We all want to know! How do you stay in shape for the summer with all these festivities and temptations?
This is my favorite time of year for so many reasons! Rosé, rooftops, BBQs and I get to take my workouts outside. This summer I am super focused on spending as much time as possible in the sun. It recharges me. I like to bring my TRX trainers outside and do a hiit workout with them, go on a run or even yoga in the park. Living in NYC you can always find a workout outside either on a rooftop or in the park. With the weather being a mess these days I have taken my workouts indoors. Right now, my biggest guilty pleasure is the Megaformer at SLT- it’s such a hard workout and it is my goal to master it. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an advanced client you will feel the burn and get the shakes. It’s awesome!
Book a session with Amanda and stay fit by reaching to: Amanda@sitystrong.com
Follow her IG: @Afitnessmoment
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