Amanda Richard My Background (and What My Clients Say About Me)

Amanda J Richard

 

I am based in the Scottish Borders, my background career has been in Nursing and Midwifery.  I have worked in the fitness industry since 2003 following my Exercise to Music qualification through the NHS Borders Health Promotion Department., and then quickly became hooked on exercising!

Since then I have gone on to do other exercise training courses which now allow me to deliver a variety of different classes to suit different ages and in a variety of settings. Through my exercise classes I found a different way to help people that is positive, happy and fun! 

 

Award:

 

I was awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours For Services to the Health and Wellbeing of Older People in the Scottish Borders.

 

Relevant Qualifications:

 

BSc, RGN and RM

Level 2 Exercise to Music/Exercise & Movement Fitness Instructor

Level 2 Childrens Fitness

Level 3 Extend Teacher/Diploma for over 60`s

Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor -  including Ante-Natal & Post-Natal and Osteoporosis

Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Teaching Yoga

Zumba Instructor - Adults and Children

Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (Pink Ribbon Program)
Register of Exercise Professionals

Licensed Pilates for Buff Bones® Instructor

Jikiden Reiki Level 1 & 2

 

My Mission…

…Is to inspire people of all ages and abilities to have fun while exercising and to enjoy the benefits without feeling like it’s hard work!  For those who have ever felt lost and confused when exercising on their own then my fitness classes offer safe instruction in a friendly atmosphere, and are a good way to meet new people and have fun whilst exercising. I am a firm believer in the expression “what you don’t use - you lose” and that exercise makes you feel better emotionally as well as physically.  

 

 

PILATES

Amanda is constantly an enthusiastic presenter and encourager: she challenges, yet accepts personal restrictions.  It’s a pleasure to be part of her group, and over the years, her class has been very much looked forward to each week.  With her help and support, I feel I have maintained a good level of fitness and flexibility as my bones and joints are ageing.  Body maintenance is a strong feature of my ethos and values… Amanda has certainly supported this.

During this past year and more, with the presence of Covid, Amanda has moved classes online.  This has been fabulous.  I look forward every week to her class, and when time allows, I have been able to repeat her session at least twice in the week.  Thank you Amanda, I have appreciated your sessions more than you know, without them I would have struggled to maintain my motivation… and my personal fitness.

I look forward to many more years of exercising with you, and hopefully, in the not too distant future… the class group.

In appreciation

Agnes Scott

 

 

When I started aged 60, I was very stiff and could feel my movements were limited so Pilates had made a vast difference. My flexibility is much improved, my core strength helps when I load a couple of tons of logs into a barrow and wheel them round to the log store - I couldn’t have done that at 60 and it’s no bother at 76!  If I miss a week or two I can definitely feel a stiffness creeping in.  I love the social side, classmates are great fun and I’ve really missed that side since Coronavirus took hold.Pilates is the only exercise I have stuck with having tried so many others and given up, it is a real benefit to keeping an old body mobile and flexible! 

Beverley Strawson

 

After my total hip replacement 10 years ago,I was getting NHS  physio as my joint was weak and I was getting some pain.My physiotherapist suggested Pilates may help,and that is when I contacted Amanda. I’ve been going to Amanda’s pilates class for the last 8 years,and not only does it help my hip,all my joints feel nicely gently stretched,it has certainly benefited arthritis in my other joints too. I’ve kept this going online with Amanda due to COVID over the last year and hope to get back to her friendly class in person in the not too distant future.

Anon.

 

I have done Pilates for many years and came upon Amanda when I moved to the Borders. I really enjoy her classes as she works very hard to vary what we do each week which I really enjoy as I never get bored of my classes. I have lower back problems and Pilates has really been an essential part of my well being. I have arthritis in my thumbs and Amanda is always conscious of how exercises can be adapted for me as she does for the other members of my class who have health issues. Still having access to Pilates during the Covid 19 crisis (over you tube) has been invaluable for me both for my physical health as well as my mental well-being.

Kim Moorhouse

 

YOGA

Yoga always makes me feel stretched, balanced and re-energised. Amanda’s classes on YouTube have been SO good. Thanks Amanda!

Glynis Wilkie

 

Since joining in 2019, I am amazed how much I have enjoyed your classes. I have found your teaching friendly and caring, you give clear teaching of the movements of yoga poses. Having practiced your classes for 2 years now I have gained enjoyment that captures the philosophy and presence of movement that calms my mind and keeps my body healthy and strong. Thank you!

Melanie Pumfrey

 

EXTEND

I am now in my 12th year of attending your Extend class and can truthfully say that your classes have been fun and generally beneficial to my well-being.  Lovely classmates of all ages, shapes, and sizes:  you genuinely seem to motivate us all.  The Xmas Party and end of session get-togethers are likewise most enjoyable. And you have such nice proper music to exercise to. Here’s my little recommendation for you:

Let’s

Talk the talk,

                       Walk the walk,

                                               Exercise AMANDA’s  way,

                                                           Let’s keep the Zimmer frames at bay.

and we’ll save the NHS from treating us.

Sue Rutherford

 

The Extend class has helped us both with fitness and, of course, the Social aspect. We didn't know anyone when we moved here, almost 8 years ago, and through the class, plus our walking groups, now have quite a network! During lockdown it gave us a purpose and it certainly has helped keep us fit.

Jackie and Chris Ducksworth

Amanda Richard

Copyright July 2021 Amanda Richard t/a Funtastic Fitness
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