Prioritizing Physical and Mental Health in Agriculture | Amanda Nigg
Investing in Yourself: Building Strength and Resilience in Agriculture
Amanda Nigg’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. A fifth-generation farmer turned fitness expert, Amanda’s journey into the wellness world didn’t start in the traditional sense. She didn’t grow up in the fitness industry, but rather in the heart of agriculture, where she married into a farming legacy and became passionate about enhancing the mental and physical health of the farming community. After overcoming personal setbacks, including losing her home to a fire just before the pandemic, Amanda found her calling through FarmFit Training, a program she created to help farmers, ranchers, and their families prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
Amanda’s background is unique. She originally pursued a career in the medical field, becoming a radiation oncology therapist, driven by a desire to help people through medical crises. But after facing the emotional toll of the job, she shifted gears and spent over a decade in the insurance industry, all the while yearning for a deeper connection to agriculture. It was when she married into farming that she truly found her purpose, realizing the gap in health and wellness within the agricultural community. This sparked the creation of FarmFit Training, where Amanda blends fitness, nutrition, and mental health practices to empower farmers to thrive despite their unique challenges.
The need for physical and mental wellness in agriculture is often overlooked. As Amanda explains, agriculture is filled with individuals who are strong, hardworking, and used to "toughing it out." However, the industry’s shift towards technology has left the physical labor side behind. Advances like automated tractors and hay bale lifters have reduced the need for the same level of physical work that previous generations experienced. As a result, physical health has become even more essential, not only for productivity but also for longevity. For Amanda, creating a fitness program specifically tailored for farmers and ranchers was a way to help them take control of their health—both physically and mentally.
“There’s never going to be a perfect time to start. There’s never going to be this door that all of a sudden opens and you have all this free time. It’s just not there.”
FarmFit Training focuses on sustainable wellness by offering quick, effective workouts, nutrition guidance, and a supportive community. Amanda emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health that goes beyond just physical fitness. For her, mental wellness and self-care are just as crucial as building physical strength. As she notes, it’s not about achieving a perfect physique; it’s about improving energy, building strength, and gaining confidence—especially in an industry where confidence can make all the difference.
Amanda’s approach is centered on making fitness and nutrition fun and accessible, even for the busiest farmers. She encourages families to make health a lifestyle, not a chore. Her program teaches clients to make one meal that the whole family can enjoy while still hitting their fitness goals. It’s not about preparing separate meals for everyone; it’s about making health a family affair. Amanda's philosophy of “just start” resonates with anyone trying to make a change. Whether it’s a fitness routine or a new habit, the most important step is simply beginning.
Through FarmFit Training, Amanda has created a space where people in agriculture can connect, share their journeys, and support one another. Whether it’s through her personalized coaching or the growing community in her app, Amanda’s mission is to help others invest in their long-term health and wellness, ensuring that they’re there to lead the next generation of agriculture.
Amanda’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t have to be perfect, and wellness doesn’t have to be an afterthought. It’s about starting where you are, taking one step at a time, and building a sustainable, healthy life that supports not just your work, but your future.
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