Amanda Kloots, a dancer, fitness instructor, and former co-host of the television show *The Talk*, is leading an initiative to transform how people view pain and recovery. Her personal experiences, particularly following her C-section in 2019, have prompted her to advocate for a shift in mindset regarding strength and wellness. Kloots has partnered with Advil to launch The Strength Shift, a campaign aimed at redefining what it means to be strong.
Traditionally, phrases like “no pain, no gain” have dominated the conversation around fitness. However, Kloots challenges this narrative by emphasizing that true strength lies not in enduring pain but in recognizing and addressing it. “Strength should be more about acknowledging the pain, and shifting whatever you are doing,” Kloots stated during a recent conversation in New York City.
Reflecting on her journey, Kloots shared that her perspective on recovery has evolved significantly over the past few years. “It wasn’t until the last couple of years that I have taken stock of my body and when I need to pay attention and not push through pain,” she explained. The realization that pain serves as a critical warning system for the body has been pivotal in her recovery approach.
Understanding Pain as a Warning
Pain is not merely an inconvenience; it acts as an alert from the body. It signals issues such as inflammation, torn tissue, or fractures, prompting individuals to seek care. Kloots emphasized the importance of heeding these signals. “Your body will often tell you when something’s wrong,” she noted. By acknowledging pain and its implications, individuals can avoid exacerbating existing injuries.
Kloots elaborated on the concept of recovery, stating that it plays an integral role in overall strength. When engaging in activities like weightlifting, micro-tears in the muscles occur, which can lead to soreness. With adequate recovery time, these tears heal, resulting in stronger muscles. This principle applies not only to physical training but also to mental health.
“It’s essential to consider mental recovery as well,” Kloots advised. Repetitive training without adequate rest can lead to burnout and decreased motivation. She highlighted the necessity of incorporating rest days into routines, sharing her personal practice of dedicating Sundays to recovery. “That’s my day with my son. It allows my muscles to recover,” Kloots explained.
Shifting Perspectives on Recovery
Kloots encourages others to embrace a broader definition of recovery. “People can be fearful of acknowledging pain because they think it means that they have to stop doing what they do,” she remarked. Instead, she advocates for adapting workouts to accommodate pain. For instance, after experiencing a shoulder injury from boxing, Kloots focused on lower body exercises while managing her discomfort with anti-inflammatories.
This adaptive approach is reflected in Kloots’ diverse fitness routine, which includes activities such as tennis, boxing, and dance. To further promote recovery, she has collaborated with Advil to develop a resilience-building workout as part of The Strength Shift. This workout, which combines low-impact strength-building exercises with cardio, aims to be accessible while encouraging individuals to stay active.
Kloots also emphasizes gratitude for physical capabilities. “It used to be that a good workout was at least three hours,” she recalled. “Now, post-COVID, I am 43 and so grateful for the strength in my body.” This shift in mindset is crucial for maintaining motivation and focus in a world filled with distractions.
Looking ahead, Kloots continues to expand her endeavors. In addition to her collaboration with Advil, she launched a supplement company called Proper Health in January 2025 and is set to appear in a reality TV show later that year. Her journey serves as a reminder that acknowledging and addressing pain can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling approach to wellness.
Through her efforts, Amanda Kloots is not only redefining strength but also inspiring others to prioritize their health and recovery in a meaningful way.
