Amanda Charniga

Hello, my name is Amanda and I was born and raised in Michigan. I went to college for Special Education at the University of Toledo and currently work for the Higher Education division at Pearson Education selling courseware and products to universities.

I currently live in Bowling Green with my husband, two young kids, two dogs and chickens! Yes, I have eggs!

I grew up in dance classes from the age of 4 to college and was a competitive cheerleader (same group that is right next door to Fenix – Midwest Cheer Elite!). I love snowboarding, and a fun fact about me is that I used to ride dirt bikes. Also, my favorite movie is Billy Madison.

I started my fitness journey beyond dancing and cheerleading after I graduated college and met my husband. I then competed in several bodybuilding shows before finding CrossFit.

I started CrossFit because I was burnt out from bodybuilding and wanted a change. I heard CrossFit was all about the community and high intensity workouts, so I tried it out and fell in love.

When my husband and I moved back to Ohio in 2020 I received my Level 1 and began coaching CrossFit and HIIT classes. I LOVE being in a social setting and being able to push my body to limits I didn’t know existed. If I had to pick my favorite movement, it would definitely be the snatch!

CrossFit has not only helped me physically, but mentally as well. I struggled with body image issues after bodybuilding and through CrossFit I’ve learned to love being strong and I’ve become so much more comfortable in my own skin.