Amanda Freeman

SLT founder and serial wellness entrepreneur Amanda Freeman takes us around the NoMad studio, shares her tips on staying motivated, and proves she can do it all - even in a fringe dress.

Tell us a bit about yourself! What was your inspiration for founding SLT?

I'm a serial wellness entrepreneur, unmarried mother of 2, control freak! My inspiration for SLT came from a trip to LA, where all of my best inspiration comes from. The boutique fitness industry was in its infancy and I loved the idea of these smaller, single-workout dedicated studios that offered the best version of that workout all day long. But the workouts that were offered in this format at the time weren't my cup of tea and they didn't get clients the results that I wanted from a workout. I wanted the Pilates body, but in an experience that was more like Soulcycle. An LA-based friend told me to check out a studio out there that she thought I'd like and the minute I saw the equipment and experienced the workout, I knew I wanted to bring a version of it to NYC. 

What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?

Hmm...there are so many things that I'm proud of when it comes to my career to date. Probably the #1 is how both of my businesses, SLT and Stretch*d, were able to weather the Covid pandemic and ultimately thrive again. Those were some of the toughest days of my life, dealing with mass layoffs, studio closures, landlord negotiations, and a tremendous amount of personal financial risk. But the fact that we got through it, brought back so many employees and are back in growth mode makes me feel incredibly proud of our resilience and determination. 

Who are the people that inspire you?

My biggest inspirations are my first and only boss, Jane Buckingham, and my favorite college basketball coach, Coach K. Jane is the only person I've ever worked for and I loved the way she ran her company like a family, but with high expectations. She is crazy smart, sharp, insightful, and funny, and inspires people to want to work with and for her. As a graduate of Duke University, I've always admired famed basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski. I love his loud, aggressive, profanity-filled style of motivating his teams to achieve greatness.  

You have a new studio opening shortly in Brooklyn - where do you think the industry is headed in the next several years?

Yes, we are opening in Brooklyn Heights on 11/11. Woohoo. I'm excited about the future of the fitness industry because of the focus on longevity. I love when my professional interests and my personal interests align. As I approach my 50th birthday (less than two years and counting), I'm increasingly focused on lifestyle choices that will enhance my quality of life as I age. I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in effective wellness practices and products and love so many of the things that are gaining traction in the wellness world - like red light therapy, heated workouts, low impact workouts, hot and cold therapy, and so much more.  

How would you describe your personal style?

It is probably best described as confused. Ha! Or Boho chic. I like nice (and often expensive things), but I also like being super comfortable. I'm often wearing workout clothes all day, so I will pair black leggings with anything from oversized hoodies to designer cashmere cardigans. 

What motivates you when you need an extra push?

I get most of my motivation from the need to accomplish things each day. I'm a big list maker and I use a handwritten daily diary to keep track of all I need to do in a day. I love the satisfaction of crossing things off my list. So, if I put "workout" on my list of to-do's, it is very unlikely that I'll let it go undone. I am also motivated by how I feel post-workout, accomplished, energized, happy and ready to focus on what's next.  

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Love this question and have never thought about it. I guess I'd be purple. Purple is a beautiful mix of red and blue and I like to think that I am a mix of a variety of attributes, interests, and experiences that make me more complex than simply a primary color.