Business profile – Soulful Fitness

Amanda Bracks

SOULFUL FITNESS

AMANDA IS THE FORCE BEHIND SOULFUL FITNESS, AN AWARD-WINNING SPECIALIST YOGA AND PILATES STUDIO LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE PRECINCT IN LANE COVE.

With over 20 year’s experience in the fitness industry, Amanda has written three books; has managed and developed fitness, leisure, personal training and yoga businesses; and lectured at conferences in both Australia and overseas. Amanda helped create BlueFit at the Lane Cove Aquatic Centre in 2007, working as its General Manager. Following this she worked as a business consultant, and then National Marketing Manager of Vision Personal Training. Amanda opened Soulful Fitness in 2015. What attracted you to Lane Cove? I’m very embedded in this community, so it was a logical place for setting up my business. I grew up in East Ryde, but we always visited Lane Cove and my Dad also grew up here. Why did you start Soulful Fitness? I was having a coffee in the Plaza one afternoon looking at everyone come and go when I realised that there was no fitness brand that existed locally offering low impact exercise that wasn’t mentally stressful. I could see a massive market for this business, so set about finding a space to set up a new studio. I wanted to create a space for people in the community to come and work on their strength, stamina or just stretch - whatever is most important to them at that moment, especially catering for people who don’t see themselves as ‘gym goers’. What makes Soulful Fitness different? Whereas traditional gyms can be quite impersonal, we have created a small boutique community here that is about physical as well as mental wellness. We provide a non-intimidating, non-gym feel. Our Yoga and Pilates classes are specialised and suit people who are looking to create balance in their lives. We want our clients to discover and connect with their inner child. How would you describe the current business environment? It’s not easy in Lane Cove, especially because of the current parking situation. We have clients who haven’t been able to find a park, so keep on driving. However, I’m optimistic that this situation will improve when the Rosenthal carpark opens. I’m very aware about how difficult it is for local businesses here at the moment, so always support them wherever I can. What do you enjoy most about running your own business? I love building and inspiring not only my team, but also my clients. We cry a lot here, particularly when we hear how we have helped our clients through difficult situations. Growth and development of my team is really important to me and I enrol them in courses so that they can constantly improve themselves. What’s one thing people wouldn’t know about you? I’m getting married on the weekend. I set an intention to meet someone a couple of years ago, and I met back with the boy I had a crush on when I was 11 years old. He has two sons and I have a daughter - we make a great family! What 4 words would you use to describe Lane Cove? 1. Conservative 2. Community 3. Easy going 4. Family