In the wild: Amanda Freeman

Amanda Freeman is a force to be reckoned with. Founder of SLT and SLT tread, she spends her down time surrounding herself with other female founders + leaders. Go in the wild with Amanda at one of her SLT studios with her Sling Medium Blush.

1. What inspired you to start SLT and your new concept, SLT Tread?

2. I was inspired to start SLT was because of a personal desire for a workout that combined the fun, group dynamic of boutique fitness with the results of a Pilates-style workout. Prior to 2011, the boutique fitness boom had just started to take shape and I loved the idea of a studio that offered the best version of one workout all day long in a lively, music-driven group environment. However, I didn’t love the offerings and the results their clients got from the workouts. I wanted the “Pilates body”, but in a motivating, fun environment. When I tried a Megaformer workout in LA, I was hooked and knew this was what I was looking for. It was so hard and clearly very effective…and the class flew by. I knew I had to bring it to NY!

   We opened SLT Tread in January of this year based on feedback we’d been getting since inception. While we’ve always been fortunate to have an amazing clientele, I’ve also heard pushback from speed-lovers that a slow workout like SLT isn’t for them. They thought it wasn’t sweaty enough or fast-paced enough. All along, I’ve known they were missing out on the amazing results they could be getting if they could see beyond their traditional cardio bias. By combining our workout with a treadmill interval workout, we can appeal to a wider audience of both our core clients (PUN intended) and also speed-junkies.

3. What is the hardest part of running your own business?

4. The hardest part is also the most rewarding part…it’s the people. Managing a diverse team of corporate staff, studio managers, instructors and client services team members can be very challenging. Hiring, training, growing and managing people with unique personalities, motivations, and approaches gets more complex as the company grows.

5. What’s your favorite thing about the Megaformer?

6. What’s not to love about the Megaformer?! It’s the best piece of fitness equipment ever invented. It’s so effective, versatile and fun to play with…and you can’t cheat!

7. We love the idea behind Stretch*d – what’s your go-to quick stretch when in between meetings?

8. Psoas stretch

9. Where or when do you feel most empowered?

10. I love surrounding myself with other female founders and leaders. I derive inspiration from their creativity, vision and passion and it makes me feel empowered to tackle whatever obstacles lay ahead.

11. What's your go-to meal when you're in a rush?

12. Daily Harvest bowl (Spinach and Shitake Grits Harvest Bowl)

13. 5 things that are always in your bag?

14. My date book, chocolate, grip socks, Uni wipes, and something to work out on the go

15. What's a song that's always on your sweat playlist?

16. A Don’t Stop Believing Remix

17. How would you describe your style, in and out of the studio?

18. Comfy, casual bohemian

19. How will you be styling your Caraa bag this summer?

20. Solid pants (black, grey, maybe pink?!) with a pastel tank, muted bra, tie-dye sweatshirt, and Arizona Love sandals