Inspiring Conversations with Amanda Saddoris of Sincerely Amanda Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Saddoris.

Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s been a long road to get to where I am. I’ve struggled with body image from a young age. I was bullied early on, and even though I tried to act like it didn’t bother me, the truth is, it stayed with me. I coped by throwing myself into school. Academic achievement gave me a sense of control and identity. For a long time, being a “good student” was how I measured my worth.

I went to college thinking I was on the right path but in my third year, my student loans didn’t get approved, and I had to drop out. That moment completely shook me. I felt lost; unsure of who I was without school. I ended up working a handful of jobs that I didn’t enjoy, with no real direction or sense of purpose.

At 25, I started working out without any big plan, just as a way to feel better in my body and mind. What I found was so much more than that. I had a few incredible instructors who helped me feel strong, seen, and supported. They made a lasting impact on me, and I realized: I want to be that person for someone else.

My journey into teaching started slowly. I took a barre class in 2015, fell in love with it, and started working the front desk at the studio just to be around that energy. When an instructor position opened up, I auditioned and that’s where everything really began.

I got certified in barre and fell in love with teaching from the very first class. Since then, I’ve earned certifications in TRX, kickboxing, HIIT and Lagree. When everything shut down in 2020, I took that time to go through a comprehensive 500-hour Pilates certification. It took me eight months to complete and challenged me in the best ways. It deepened my understanding and completely reshaped how I teach.

Over the years, I’ve worked for a few different studios and met so many wonderful members but I also saw how often the focus was on profit rather than the well-being of the clients. I rarely had the ability to make meaningful decisions, and I often felt like the people in the room weren’t the true priority. That’s why in 2023, I decided to start my own business, so I could create the kind of space I always envisioned, where clients come first and creativity has room to grow.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During 2020, when everything shut down and I was out of work for six months, I faced a lot of uncertainty. Instead of letting that time go to waste, I decided to pursue my 500-hour Pilates certification. It was an intense eight-month journey, but it was absolutely worth it, both for my growth as an instructor and for my own healing.

In 2021, I hurt my back, which made teaching challenging. I pushed through the pain, determined not to let it stop me. During that time, I also gained some weight. Unfortunately, that brought its own struggles. I was judged by many because I didn’t fit the typical Pilates instructor mold, but I’m fortunate to have so many loyal members who valued my knowledge, experience, and credentials far more than my appearance. They know my body isn’t my business card; my skills and heart are what truly matter.

As you know, we’re big fans of Sincerely Amanda Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I host public Pilates events in unique and inviting spaces, including local breweries, wineries, and creative studios. By partnering with small businesses, I create community-focused experiences that support and elevate each other. I love creating events that feel less like a workout and more like an experience.

I also offer private training at my home studio in La Verne, for those wanting more focused, personalized support. I teach a variety of formats including mat, reformer, barre, strength, mobility, and restorative sessions. Every session is personalized to meet the needs of the individual whether they’re recovering, building strength, or just carving out time for themselves. In addition, I’m available for private bookings; perfect for Bachelorette parties, birthdays, girls’ nights, or any other special occasion. I can bring the energy to you with a private Pilates party tailored to your vibe.

At the heart of everything I do is inclusivity. My goal is simple: I want everyone who walks into my class to leave feeling better, stronger, more confident, and more at home in their body than when they arrived. I want to create the kind of space I once needed: welcoming, empowering, and grounded in kindness because everyone deserves to feel like they belong.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’ve never considered myself a risk taker. I’ve always liked structure; I’m a planner by nature. I find comfort in knowing what’s coming next and having a plan in place. But over time, I’ve learned something I remind my clients of all the time: nobody grows in their comfort zone.

Starting my own business was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It meant stepping away from predictability and putting everything on the line for something I truly believe in. I’ve worked countless hours behind the scenes and in the studio, not just to build a business, but to create a meaningful experience and a strong, welcoming community.
Taking this leap has taught me that sometimes the greatest rewards come from the scariest decisions. While I’ll probably always love a good plan, I now know that embracing uncertainty is where the real growth happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sawellness.net
• Instagram: @sincerelyamanda.wellness