Elite triathlete Amanda Almond understands what it takes to go the distance. She credits consistency as the key to her success.
Despite an abundance of bumps in the road, transformations and unexpected twists, “fitness” has proven itself as an enduring demand among the masses, capable of standing the test of time. Through shifts in behavior, a digital revolution and a pandemic, a booming industry hasn’t just emerged, but persisted.
Amanda Almond, an elite triathlete and Senior Master Trainer for commercial equipment brand Matrix Fitness, has been there for all the ebbs and flows, increasing her own strength and resiliency all along the way.
Naturally, she understands what goes into establishing durability from her own past experiences and the best ways to help others pursue it.
Establishing Experience
Almond’s ties to fitness and athletics go as far back as she can remember.
“Part of what’s driven me throughout the years is that I love to be active,” said Almond. “I grew up in a family that was really competitive. We played family basketball outside at Memorial Day picnics. I grew up with sports. That was just part of my life.”
Almond carries an extensive track record both as a trainer and athlete, being a former collegiate water polo player, a Pre- and Postnatal Specialist and Level IIE USAT Triathlon Coach. Her role as a Senior Master Trainer for Matrix sends her cross-country to run live workshops, certify trainers on Matrix-exclusive programming and overall ensure impactful delivery as well.
Leading her 100th workshop for Matrix in a month, her early connection to fitness continues to shape her present life.
“Now, as a mom, the driving force is twofold,” Almond said. “It’s watching my kids follow that athletic footprint. I just ran the Boston Marathon. When I got home, my five year old was like, ‘Mommy, can you keep racing? Someday I want to run the Boston Marathon with you.’ I was like, ‘Oh man, I was gonna say I’m done with Boston, but now I feel like I have to run again.’ That’s what keeps me going.”
That foundation and those motivational factors also led Almond to become an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an IRONMAN World Championship athlete.
Education on Durability
With so much activity, Almond has long understood the value of durability. To achieve it, she emphasizes consistency above all, stacking workouts as the years pass.
“Durability is the ability to build over time and not get injured,” said Almond. “It’s how we can progress in training. The more years an athlete has under them, the more consistent they are day over day. Even if they’re not flashy, the more consistent they are, the more durable the athlete is.”
Strength training has emerged as a vital component of that. It took some time, but is now at the forefront of the durability conversation.
“I think prior to the last two or three years, strength training wasn’t seen as a key component of durability, especially in the endurance world,” said Almond. “That has shifted, and I believe that’s a proper shift. I think strength training, specifically, is a key component to durability and the science backs that up.”
Several studies indeed illustrate strength training as a key tool for building durability. A recent one from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark even found that this holds true for individuals of an older age.
“You’d be better off skipping a 30 minute run and getting in your second strength training session than skipping that strength training session,” Almond added.
But durability is also about more than just muscles. It’s something that takes a holistic approach to establish it in its truest sense.
“You need to have durability both mentally and physically,” said Almond. “We know that the body has more to give and the mind is often what gives up first, so in training, the ability to push yourself is super important. It’s harder on days that are cold, rainy and dark. It’s those days that build durability. It’s the sum total of all the workouts you’re doing — consistency takes a large mental component and degree of patience as well.”
How to Help Members Train for Durability
Matrix supports fitness facilities in fostering durability by lowering barriers that might make it harder for individuals to get back in the gym. Through hands-on education, machine enhancements and new programming, the brand puts physical durability within reach for consumers. Doing so benefits partnering gyms and studios thanks to the growing interest in longevity-focused fitness.
“With the strength equipment, Matrix strives to make it more user-friendly and available,” said Almond.
With strategic signage and cutting-edge technology, Matrix adds an extra layer of inclusivity and guidance.
“They fit more body types,” she added. “There’s pictures on the side showing instructions on how to use them, what muscle they’re targeting and then it counts your reps for you. It takes the guesswork out.”
Matrix also works with gyms and studios to make sure they maintain an efficient design while adding strength products — eliminating floor congestion to further enhance accessibility.
“Getting your strength set up in a really time efficient way is huge,” said Almond. “Matrix shares their expertise through facility planning and design. That’s consulting with the facility on how to best select and organize equipment so members could do a circuit and it would make sense — even if they are beginners.”
While strength training is a key element, offering a variety of ways to engage in fitness gives a wide range of members the opportunity to establish consistency. Almond often educates fellow Master Trainers at Matrix on how to help cycling instructors leverage the gamified features of the CXP Target Training Cycles so members are engaged and integrate cycling into their routines.
Her top durability tips for trainers center on a caring and uplifting approach, as well as a reminder to have fun.
“If you can reframe your mindset to how you can add value to your clients’ lives today, it really prevents burnout,” said Almond. “You’re more than just somebody telling them, ‘five more’ or ‘push harder.’ You have the ability to be a difference maker and I think that helps inspire people. I emphasize learning from others, sharing stories and being that inspiration. People want to know you care and want to have fun — so many times we forget that training can be fun.”
