Sweatworking: The ultimate virtual workout created by Amy Christman, Founder of The Fierce Collective

By Emily Merrell

With the world turning upside down during the pandemic, the fitness industry took a massive hit. The gyms closed, we were social distancing, quarantining and our workout buddies were nowhere in sight. That’s when Amy Christman steps in the spotlight by creating The Fierce Collective where sweating and networking – sweatworking, became virtual.

SDS: What is The Fierce Collective and how did it come to fruition? 

AMY CHRISTMAN: The Fierce Collective is a virtual sweatworking collective made for women in wellness. We offer once a month virtual sweatworking sessions where everyone has the opportunity to work out together, connect, and grow. This was a pandemic project of mine that has turned into a full fledged business! I missed connecting with my fitness community during the pandemic. So I created a platform where we could all come together virtually and still get a good workout in – learning something new or meeting someone new in the process. 

I also took a step away from the fitness industry altogether in 2019 only to realize how much I missed working with fitness pros. So, I started my coaching practice this year as an extension of The Fierce Collective and I offer 1:1 coaching to help fitpros make an impact but also make a living, through my signature 10 week 1:1 coaching program. 

SDS: What are some of the biggest frustrations you see fit pros make with their business?

AC: NOT GETTING PAID! So many people were forced to pivot so quickly during the pandemic that many people were offering virtual classes online for free and have kept that model ever since. Of course we appreciate how hard everyone worked to pivot literally overnight, but virtual fitness is here to stay and it’s time to adopt a platform where you can get paid for your work. 

Teaching fitness takes so much preparation, time, and energy. There’s more than what people see in that hour workout your instructor is putting you through. There’s playlist preparation, workout creation, plus all of the other things that come with running a business. Compensating fitpros fairly for the work that they’re doing is so important.

SDS: What is sweatworking and why is it important? 

AC: Sweatworking is important because it is a different approach to networking but it’s also fun as hell! It allows everyone to experience a workout together and what better place to build your community than around something we all enjoy doing – moving our bodies! It’s also another platform for women in wellness and fitness to promote their brand and potentially find collaborations, partnerships, or clients. We also don’t limit it to just women in wellness, anyone is welcome to join in on the fun! 

SDS: As a mom, what are some of the biggest lessons learned from navigating both motherhood and your business? 

AC: Being a mom and a business owner is like having multiple kids. It is hard to juggle everything but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to keep my mindset in check daily. I remind myself when I get overwhelmed that I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough – I am enough. My mindset shifted so much when I became a mom. I knew I wanted to set a really good example for my son, which is part of the reason why I started my business. 

How could I tell him he can be anything he wanted to be if I wasn’t pursuing that for myself? Motherhood also reminds me not to take myself too seriously. Life is chaos as both a business owner and mom, but you have to enjoy the ride and embrace the chaos with joy! 

SDS: Sweatworking always incorporates wine— what are your favorite wines? 

AC: Oh yesss, we love to wine down after each of our events! Right now I’m loving Spirit Horse wines. Especially the Goddess Reserve Albarino, and I always love a good Oregon Pinot Noir or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc like Kim Crawford. 

SDS: Where can individuals find out more information about The Fierce Collective and upcoming events? 

AC: All upcoming events are posted on our website at www.the-fierce-collective.com and of course we are on the gram @thefiercecollective