Amanda Jessee, MA, PMA-CPT, CSCS
Amanda has been a leader in the health and fitness industry since 1987. She began her career as a group fitness instructor, and continued to teach all types of groups fitness classes, until she earned her comprehensive equipment certifice to teach Pilates in 2000. She holds a BA in Exercise Science and an MA in Higher Ed, Exercise Physiology. Prior to starting Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy (PBPIA), she was a full-time faculty member in the Physical Education Department of Santa Fe Community College. Having spent most of her career teaching higher education, she created PBPIA’s courses in a flexible, college curriculum format. The courses she designed have been recognized for continuing education credits for the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), the American Council on Exercise ( ACE), the American Aerobics and Fitness Association (AFAA), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Her philosophy toward Pilates instructor training is simple: to provide high-quality, exercise science-based education that is affordable, convenient and most of all taught in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Certified Pilates Instructor – Pilates Method Alliance
- Pilates Mat Instructor - Physical Mind Institute
- Pilates Equipment Instructor (500 hours) - PBPIA
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) - National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor - American Council on Exercise ( ACE)
- Continuing Education Faculty member - ACE
- Continuing Education Provider - AAFA
- Continuing Education Provider - NSCA
- Aerobic Kickboxing Instructor - Promise Enterprises:
- Yoga Fitness Instructor - Inner City Yoga
Since becoming certified to teach Pilates, she has continued her study with some of the biggest names in the industry, such as: Rael Ishikowitz, Elizabeth Larkam, Brent Anderson, Kathy Corey, and Mari Windsor.
When she’s not working with clients or mentoring new Pilates instructors, she and her husband love to swing dance, backpack and work on their log home in rural Kansas City.
Why she loves her job (in her own words)
I have been a professional in the fitness industry since 1987. I always lifted weights and taught aerobics as my way of keeping in shape. After living with chronic knee pain, I decided to try Pilates and loved it. I do not teach aerobics any more, devoting all my group fitness skills to mat classes. I lift weights in a much smarter way and have noticed a change in my body! Being a fully certified Pilates instructor is not something you can achieve with a single weekend workshop, or by watching a video. Our Pilates Instructor Training is a very challenging process, and requires a sincere commitment on the part of the student. But if a student is committed to the process, I believe it is my responsibility to provide the most supportive learning environment possible. I personally mentor each student through the entire process, and enjoy watching them grow as instructors.
