Member Spotlight – Amanda Turner

Member Spotlight – Amanda Turner

Working out became a priority in my life once I realized it was more for my emotional and mental health and less about vanity. For me, fitness is about making me feel good and staying healthy so I don’t have to limit myself. I was very active from a young age, participating in dance and competitive cheerleading. I continued those activities through high school and then I taught step aerobics in college.

In 2005, I relocated from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC. I soon was searching for a physical activity that would inspire me to complete a goal, supplementing my career ambitions. I wasn’t an active runner and a total novice to the sport. The longest distance that I had run was probably, at most, three miles. So I registered for the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, DC anyway!

I loved the camaraderie of training with a group and collectively working towards a goal. After completing my first (and only!) marathon I quickly signed up for more distance races – mostly 10-milers and half marathons. However, a knee injury and a broken foot halted my running and I soon found my way to indoor cycling, which I quickly grew to love.

After several years of being that participant in the front row, my husband encouraged me to become certified as an indoor cycling instructor – thus the start of my side career in group fitness. Recognizing that I needed to cross-train and maintain a high standard of personal fitness, I sought certifications to teach Les Mills’ Body Pump, H.I.I.T/ Tabata, two more indoor cycling certifications, and finally the ACE Group Fitness certification.

When I’m not teaching group fitness at the ADAC, I’m often hanging with my husband, Blake, and our son, George (born June 2015). We moved to Columbus three years ago from Washington, DC so that my husband could work toward his MFA at OSU. You will usually find us at a restaurant in Clintonville or at an art event around town. We also have an art gallery in our backyard called The Shed. I also work full-time as the Director of Development for Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. I love teaching group fitness classes and being part of keeping our members active and healthy. So much so that I taught classes all through my pregnancy last year and up until three days before going into labor three weeks early!

Join me for Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:30am for spinning and Sundays at 10:30am for H.I.I.T.

The Arena District Athletic Club is more than just a gym, it’s a premier fitness facility located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus. We provide convenience and quality, featuring top-of-the-line equipment, top-notch personal trainers, spa-like locker rooms and a wide variety of free group fitness classes daily including Cardio, Spinning, Barre Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp and more. We offer free 2-hour parking and convenient contract-free memberships, to fit your healthy lifestyle needs. Don’t just join, belong