Since meeting Beth and Amanda over a year ago, they've both been my leading Broadway/ Fitness role models. I’m so inspired by how dedicated they are to both Broadway & fitness and totally in awe of their friendship bond. They're always supporting and cheering each other on, plus eating all the yummy desserts all over NYC together (we'll get to that in the interview). ;) If you're looking for inspiration and Fit for Broadway role models, these two beauties are it!

Find a daily dose of inspiration on their Instagrams! @amandakloots & @bethjnicely

Both Amanda and Beth have already been featured on Fit for Broadway (Beth was my 3rd feature! Pretty fun to time travel and see how far the blog has come since the beginning.) Check out their fun individual features by clicking their names below and then check out how their friendship keeps them empowered & Fit for Broadway!

BETH NICELY  |  AMANDA KLOOTS

INTERVIEW:

Q: This is the best! I’m so excited to have you both back on Fit for Broadway! How did your friendship start? What’s been the journey since you met until now?

A: Amanda: Our journey started on the 42nd Street tour. We bonded instantly! Our journey has been one filled with lots of highs and lows, great opportunities, change, hardship, success and fun! We've seen each other through a lot and stayed strong!

Beth: We met on the 1st National tour of the revival of 42nd Street in 2002!  We became instant friends.  We bonded over being from Ohio and loving desserts. It's been an awesome journey going from being young girls to adults in show business.  We've watched each other grow and become seasoned performers.  We've been there for each other in our personal lives & changes in ourselves as well.  It's cool to be friends with someone who can accept the person you are no matter what.  Everyone evolves and to have someone support you through it all is awesome.

Q: You both love fitness but equally love desserts (check out their blog, Just Desserts NYC) How do you find a healthy balance between fueling your body with healthy foods and indulging in delicious sweets?

A: Amanda: I follow this  amazing food program called Sakara life and it's through that I am able to keep a healthy diet on a day-to-day basis. It's a plant-based diet vegan and gluten-free. So on top of watching what I eat daily and then also being a fitness instructor I allow myself that sweet treat once in a while and I feel like that's my balance.

Beth: It's all about BALANCE.  I have a rule that I must get at least one serving of both vegetables & fruit everyday.  You'd be surprised how hard that is to do when you're on the go in NYC.  I'm a HUGE organic produce person so that makes it even harder!  After trying so many desserts I only eat a full dessert if it's actually worth it.  Besides that, my go to everyday is dark chocolate.  Everything in moderation is key.  Don't eat too many bad things, but you can enjoy a little.  I have to eat to make sure my body can function with all the heavy physical activity I do in Something Rotten! and training.

Q: Favorite Best Friend Broadway memory to date?

A: Amanda: My favorite memory would be doing 42nd St. with Beth on top of the staircase in lullaby of Broadway.

Beth: We sat next to each other in the dressing room at Bullets Over Broadway and it was the best.  We had never seen each other so much! And we are STILL friends ha!

Q: Beth, 3 words to describe Amanda.

A: Amanda is...

1. Kind

2. Confident

3. Strong

Q: Amanda, 3 words to describe Beth.

A: Beth is...

1. Energetic

2. Generous

3. Kind

Q: You are both fitness instructors at Body By Simone and teach killer, kick-your-butt-sore-for-days classes! Top 3 favorite moves to help you feel strong on stage?

A: Amanda: I feel the strongest after teaching dance cardio because it's such great endurance for your body. Cardio dance, jump rope and planks!

Beth: Anything that you hold your own body weight like a plank series or burpees!  Cardio, cardio, cardio!  The higher your stamina is, the better you can sing & dance in a corset and 20lb gown!  You must be stronger than your show.

Q: Beth, what’s the best advice Amanda has ever given you?

A:  Always ask for extra ice cream when a dessert is served a la mode!

Q: Amanda, what’s the best advice Beth has ever given you?

A: I think that we've always been grateful to have a partner during the low times in this business so the advice I think would be to always keep going and know in your heart that you are talented and that one day you will get hired again.

Q: What’s the best part about going through your Broadway journey with a best friend?

A: Amanda: The best part is having a buddy absolutely! Someone that is there for you that understands you! Knows how tired you are or how excited you are! And is there for you always.

Beth: We are each other's cheerleaders.  If we're at an audition together and one if us is cut, you better believe we keep cheering each other on.  I've been cut and Amanda got to stay and sing.  I stayed and we rented a studio so Amanda could sing her songs for me before she went back in.  It's just what you do.

Q: What’s the most challenging part about going through your Broadway journey with a best friend?

A: Amanda: Sometimes auditioning for the same things can be challenging but then I also feel like when Beth and I are auditioning together we are supportive of each other in the room and so then that helps to have your best friend in the room with you even if you are going in for the same job.

Beth: You never want your best friend to feel bad from not getting something or being cut at auditions.  We've both been through that and it just stinks. But then there's a best friend dessert date to be had!

Q: If you could be in one show together or play two leading ladies on stage who would it be?

A: Amanda: That's easy! Guys and dolls! I'm Adelaide and she's Sarah Brown!

Beth: Phyllis & Lorraine in 42nd Street because that's where it all started. :-)