Recently selected as one of “YouTube’s Next Top Fitness Personalities”, health and fitness expert, Amanda Russell, has been booming with popularity as she shares her tips on achieving the ideal look for every type of woman. Through her channel on YouTube, Amanda has been reaching hundreds of thousands of people across North America and worldwide with her free weekly workout videos and fitness/lifestyle talk shows on AmandaRussell TV

Even with so many followers, Amanda has really added a personal touch to her teaching techniques by reading and writing back to those who comment on her videos as well as all her social networks. I recently chatted with Amanda about her take on the world of fashion and fitness. With so many designers such as Stella McCartney joining forces with our favourite sports brands like Adidas, we can all see that everyone wants to look fabulous even while they’re sweating their butts off!

Mijana: Have you seen a growth in the way fitness and fashion has grown in style?
Amanda: Definitely! Now, more than ever, fashion and fitness do go hand-in-hand together. People obviously want to look good and the gym has also become a new social scene. People are going not only to work out, but also to be seen while working out. Going to the gym is now something beyond fitness. Plus, what better motivation than to get excited and feel confident in what you wear!

M: Who are your favourite designers?
A: I do love Stella McCartney because she makes athletic pieces look edgy but still very functional and performance-based. I’m also a really huge fan of Lorna Jane, which is a brand from Australia. Her materials are really comfortable and just generally her designs are very ahead when it comes to sportswear.

M: What is the ideal look for you when you are working out?
A: Depends on the workout. Personally, when I’m on my own, it’s all about the sports bra and yoga capri tights. I’m a runner, so for me it’s all about the zip-ups and tights when I’m out for a jog. When I’m teaching a class though, I like to spice it up and wear more trendy pieces like bright active tanks or loose tops to breathe more when I’m moving around from person to person. The tights are still a must every time – that never changes.

M: Do you think having a fashionable outfit affects someone’s work out or even boosts their motivation to get off the couch?
A: Absolutely! No doubt about it! Everyone is different and there are still lots of ladies out there who don’t care and will feel just fine in their old shorts and tees because they know how much they’ll be sweating. For others, having a fashionable outfit is definitely a way to get excited and a great tool for getting pumped up even though that treadmill may not feel exciting during the beginning of a work out. What I also love is the fact that there is athletic wear for people of all shapes and sizes. You don’t necessarily need to wear a super tight tank and shorts. There are so many different cuts, lengths and materials.

So many things are in store for Amanda in 2013 and you can be a part of her fitness classes right in the comfort of your own living room! You can get a head start by gaining visible results in just 14 Days with Amanda’s 14 Day Diet and Fitness plan found here: www.theARfitplan.com. The plan has been esteemed for its simple yet transformative powers. Amanda has just come out with a brand new app on iTunes where you can choose from 7 full-length workouts in real time! Ranging from 10-20 minute cardio blasts, to videos dedicated specifically to abs, legs, arms and beyond, there is something for every woman!

Visit iTunes and start transforming!

For more information please visit www.amanda-russell.com or follow her on Twitter @arFIT today and Facebook!

All Images Courtesy of Amanda Russell

By: Mijana Veljkovic, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @mijanaveljkovic.

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