Amanda Nigg’s Approach: Fitness as a Tool for Mental Health

Women's Journal Staff on May 23, 2024

In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the importance of mental well-being comes to the forefront of public conversation. For Amanda, the founder of Farm Fit Training, mental health isn’t just a topic; it’s a cornerstone of her life and business. Her journey through adversity and her innovative approach to fitness offer a powerful testament to the transformative power of exercise for mental health.

Amanda’s Personal Struggle with Mental Health

Amanda’s journey into the world of fitness and mental health advocacy began in the most unexpected of ways. In 2020, amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda and her family faced a devastating loss when their home burned to the ground. The trauma of losing everything was compounded by the uncertainty and isolation brought on by the pandemic. Amanda recalls feeling mentally numb for days, struggling to process the enormity of her loss.

Despite the overwhelming grief and stress, Amanda found a lifeline in fitness. Her background in health promotion and a lifelong love of athletics gave her a foundation to turn to when her mental health plummeted. The physical act of working out provided not just a distraction, but a therapeutic release, helping her to rebuild her mental resilience day by day.

The Birth of Farm Fit Training

In the wake of the fire, Amanda’s husband began bringing her unconventional workout equipment—tires, rusty old farm tools, and anything else that could serve as weights. This creative approach to fitness sparked the idea for Farm Fit Training. Amanda started sharing her workouts on social media, and the response was overwhelming. People from the agricultural community and beyond were inspired by her resilience and innovation.

Amanda launched Farm Fit Training officially in February 2021. The program focuses on quick, effective workouts that require minimal equipment, making fitness accessible to everyone, especially those in the agricultural community who may not have access to a traditional gym.

Integrating Mental Health into Fitness Programs

Amanda’s personal experience with mental health struggles deeply influences her approach to coaching. Recognizing the strong connection between physical and mental health, she ensures that Farm Fit Training addresses both. All the coaches at Farm Fit Training are certified not only in personal training and nutrition but also in mental health.

Amanda emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions to improve mental well-being through fitness. Here are some key strategies she employs in her programs:

Short, Effective Workouts: Amanda designs 15 to 25-minute workouts that fit into even the busiest schedules. These sessions are not only physically challenging but also mentally invigorating, providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting mood.

Community Support: The Farm Fit community is a crucial aspect of the program. Participants encourage and motivate each other, creating a supportive network that helps combat feelings of isolation and depression.

Holistic Health Focus: Amanda’s approach is comprehensive, addressing diet, exercise, and mental well-being. This holistic focus ensures that participants develop healthy habits that support long-term mental health.

Real-Life Transformation

The impact of Amanda’s program is evident in the success stories of her clients. One notable example is Tracy Johnson, who joined Farm Fit Training to improve her physical health. Through consistent participation, Tracy experienced significant mental health benefits as well. She was able to discontinue her high blood pressure and antidepressant medications, thanks to the positive changes in her lifestyle.

Another client, initially weighing 400 pounds, lost 180 pounds over two years with Amanda’s program. The physical transformation was paralleled by a profound improvement in his mental health, showcasing the powerful synergy between fitness and mental well-being.

A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience

Amanda’s dedication to mental health through fitness is deeply personal. Her own journey from the depths of despair to a place of strength and resilience fuels her mission to help others. Farm Fit Training is not just about physical transformation; it’s about empowering individuals to become their strongest, most resilient selves.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, Amanda’s story reminds us of the critical role fitness can play in maintaining and improving mental health. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to her community demonstrate that even in the face of profound adversity, we can find strength, purpose, and healing through the power of physical activity.

Published by: Martin De Juan

The Critical Co. Leads Female Entrepreneurs to Success

Women's Journal Staff on May 23, 2024

By: Jennifer Lang

In the dynamic world of business, where innovation and strategic foresight are the keys to success, The Critical Co. stands out as a beacon of excellence and empowerment. Founded by the visionary Phil Shalala, this Los Angeles-based venture studio has rapidly established itself as a powerhouse, driving transformative change across a diverse range of industries. As The Critical Co. continues to expand its influence, it offers a unique opportunity for female entrepreneurs to leverage its expertise and create lasting impact in their respective fields.

Phil Shalala’s journey into the world of business began with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “From early in my career, I’ve had the innate ability to find the pony in the pasture, turn it into a racehorse, and sell it.” This approach to identifying and nurturing potential has propelled The Critical Co. to the forefront of sectors such as hospitality, sports, entertainment, beverage, spirits, and technology. By consistently delivering impressive returns and setting new standards for excellence, The Critical Co. has become synonymous with innovation and success.

What sets The Critical Co. apart from traditional venture capital firms is its comprehensive, hands-on approach to business development. Rather than simply providing financial backing, The Critical Co. immerses itself in every stage of a project’s lifecycle. From initial concept development and strategic planning to market launch and scaling, the company ensures that each venture is meticulously crafted to lead its respective market.

Phil Shalala elaborates, “Our goal is to provide more than just financial support. We aim to be deeply involved in shaping each project, leveraging our expertise and network to accelerate growth and ensure success. This hands-on approach differentiates us and allows us to create real, sustainable value.”

A key component of The Critical Co.’s strategy is its ability to forge strategic partnerships. By collaborating with top-tier celebrities, influencers, and industry leaders, the company amplifies its reach and impact. These partnerships are not mere endorsements but integral parts of the business strategy, ensuring authenticity and deeper market penetration.

For female entrepreneurs, this approach provides a robust support system. By leveraging The Critical Co.’s extensive network and resources, women can break through industry barriers and achieve remarkable success. Whether you are venturing into hospitality, sports, entertainment, beverage, spirits, or technology, The Critical Co. offers the expertise and connections needed to thrive.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, technology is a critical driver of success. The Critical Co. leverages the latest technological advancements to enhance its ventures. From utilizing artificial intelligence for market analysis and consumer insights to integrating blockchain for transparency and efficiency, technology is at the core of the company’s operations.

This tech-forward approach not only gives The Critical Co. a competitive edge but also ensures that its ventures are future-proof. Female entrepreneurs can particularly benefit from this emphasis on technology, gaining access to tools and strategies that can propel their businesses to new heights.

Beyond financial success, The Critical Co. is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Phil Shalala believes that true business leadership involves making a positive impact on the community and the environment. This philosophy is reflected in the company’s projects, which prioritize eco-friendly practices and community engagement.

“Business success is not just about profit margins,” Phil notes. “It’s about creating a legacy that benefits society and the environment. At The Critical Co., we strive to integrate sustainable practices into everything we do.”

For female entrepreneurs, this commitment to sustainability offers a pathway to creating businesses that are not only profitable but also socially responsible. By aligning with The Critical Co.’s values, women can build enterprises that contribute positively to the world.

As The Critical Co. continues to expand its influence, the future looks incredibly promising for female entrepreneurs. With a slate of innovative projects on the horizon and a growing network of strategic partners, the company is well-positioned to support women in achieving their business goals. Whether you are an established entrepreneur or just starting out, The Critical Co. provides the resources, expertise, and support needed to succeed.

For those looking to invest or collaborate in sectors ripe for innovation and growth, The Critical Co. offers a model of how visionary leadership and strategic innovation can drive success. By combining deep industry expertise with a commitment to sustainability and social impact, Phil Shalala and his team are setting new benchmarks for excellence in the business world.

In summary, The Critical Co. is not just shaping markets but also inspiring a new generation of female entrepreneurs. With its unique approach to venture development and its unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, The Critical Co. stands out as a beacon of excellence in the modern business landscape. Female entrepreneurs should keep an eye on this groundbreaking company as it continues to lead the charge in transforming industries and creating lasting value.

Published By: Aize Perez