Amanda Schmidt is a Washington, DC ICON and has been in the fitness industry for over ten years. She originally discovered POUND at a very vulnerable time in her life, and since then it has become an irreplaceable form of empowerment and therapy that has drastically transformed her mental and physical health. POUND has also become her way of experiencing and spreading joy, and her goal is to share it with as many people as possible so we can all be lifted to new heights and new levels of self worth. When she isn’t rocking out in POUND class, Amanda also has a deep love for running, meditating and rescuing dogs.
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
John Lennon – Give Peace A Chance.
What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Finished my Master’s in International Affairs and decided to become a personal trainer. My heart had changed. Always follow your heart, especially if fear is trying to hold you back.
If you could choose your own rockstar nickname, what would it be?
Sparkles!
What’s something you never leave home without?
Gratitude for the day.
What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?
I hit rock bottom once. I say it’s the best thing that’s ever happened because it made me who I am. I was hospitalized for depression. Out of that dark time, I learned to be sensitive with people, I learned to carve my own destiny and I learned to seize the day and be myself. That is a gift I was given.
What’s one thing you’re certain of?
A person’s life is only limited by their imagination. We are capable of achieving any goal if we believe deep down that we deserve it and that we will succeed.
What’s one thing you’d tell your 13-year-old self?
Don’t eat Fritos for lunch and HOLD ON – it’s going to be a hell of a ride that only a badass could survive. Good thing that’s what you are.