FitLabPGH is a podcast about movement and movement opportunities in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Once a week we also highlight a FitLabPGH mover…someone who understands that movement is a lifestyle…not just an activity. The questions are lightly edited to allow for easy readability. Click FitLabPGH Features for more info if you want to be featured/know someone who should be featured.
This Week: Amanda Beckett
Are you a Pittsburgh native? If not, what brought you to the Pittsburgh area? If so, why are you still here? Pittsburgh born and raised! I’m from the city and went to Pittsburgh Public Schools. I also went to Point Park University. I guess you could say I’m Pittsburgh obsessed. I never want to leave! I think it’s the perfect mix between big and small city, culture, diversity, and hometown vibes. Also, I have a very large family who all live in and around Pittsburgh and I can’t leave them.
What are your three favorite movement activities in the Pittsburgh area? I love Endure Barre, obviously. I joined as a member last January and became an instructor in September. I also love riding bikes on the various trails around the area, and just walking the city. On a nice summer night, you can’t beat the city views.
Describe the best vacation you’ve ever taken? Where did you go? What movement activities did you include? My husband and I went to San Francisco, CA and Maui, HI for our honeymoon 5 years ago. By far the best and most active vacation! We hiked across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran and back. In Maui, we hiked, swam in the 7 pools, bikes down Haleakala, and zip lined! It was amazing. We can’t wait to go back in a couple of years with our children.
What is your favorite pre- or post-workout snack? I love peanut butter toast and a banana pre-workout and chocolate milk post-workout.
What is your favorite thing to eat in Pittsburgh? Note: it does not need to be healthy. I love good bar food. Take me to Fatheads any day over a fancy steak house. I love a good grilled chicken club, homemade chips, and ranch dressing. If a place has good homemade ranch you can count me in.
Do you have a movement activity on your “bucket list”? If not, what’s a movement activity/event you’re looking forward to in the next year? I’d love to run a half marathon again! I’ve run two in the past. I also am looking forward to Body Rock-currently cancelled, but hoping it is rescheduled! I also love any of our group events at Endure Barre which I know will be coming once this quarantine is over!
What do you think is the biggest obstacle to getting people to move more? Time. Isn’t that the problem with everything? I never feel like there is enough time in a day but I make sure to make time for movement. Even if it’s a quick walk on the treadmill. I also think people struggle with finding workouts they enjoy. I was a soccer player in college and in the best shape. After I lacked motivation to do it in the gym on my own and then had two kids. After finding Endure Barre, I have found my motivation again!
What do you feel is the most adventurous movement activity you’ve ever done? Biking down Haleakala Volcano in Maui. It was so much fun, fast, and something different to do. I also played soccer in Paris and Amsterdam in college with our college team. It was definitely an adventure.
What is your favorite recovery or self-care practice? I love taking hot baths. I’ve been using epsom salts as well for helping with soreness and recovery. I also love reading a good book and just being alone.
What is your favorite spot in Pittsburgh? (Bonus points if it is a “hidden gem”) My favorite spot is not a hidden gem whatsoever. Haha I love Starbucks. Green tea Frappuccino’s all day everyday. Specifically the one on Cochran Road. Great people work there and they are so friendly and amazing!
Contact info for Amanda Beckett:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandatrain/