The weather may be heating up in the northern hemisphere, but our Ohio Tour Crew team has been bringing the heat all year long. With 14 members, they continue to pave the way – showing up strong through POUND socials, classes, events, and meaningful community impact. We connected with several members of the team to hear their stories.
Your Ohio Tour Crew Team:
- Alexandra Troha (Marino) (@at_poundfit)
- Allie Mattey (@alliemattey44)
- Amber Newlon (@miniqueenmomma)
- Amber Weaver (@aweaver1920)
- Ashlee Phillips (@ashlee.phillips)
- Brandy VanHoose (@brandyvanhoose)
- Casey Vanac (@thecaseyvanac)
- Iris Mitchell (@iriss.em)
- Jamie Sipe (@jamiesipe2010)
- Jaysa Angles (@jaysaangles)
- Jennifer Sells (@Jennifer_sellz)
- Lindsey Buzzard (@buzzgrl)
- Lisa McManes (@mcmanespt)
- Madison Corna (@madison.corna)
Alexandra Troha (Marino)
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
My first exposure to POUND was in May 2016 while I was in graduate school, searching for an outlet to balance the weight of my responsibilities. One day during a lunch break, I was walking through the recreation center when the bright green Ripstix and loud music coming from the group fitness room instantly caught my attention. After just one class, I was hooked and continued showing up week after week.
After graduation, I found myself feeling a bit lost, and in January 2018, I decided to become a licensed Pro. That decision gave me direction, purpose, and a renewed sense of connection.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
In 2022, I expanded my journey by becoming licensed in Generation POUND and POUND Unplugged, and in 2023, I joined the Tour Crew team. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across multiple states – and even internationally – to continue my education and support fellow Pros.
POUND has been a constant through so many seasons of my life – from some of my happiest moments to navigating grief and everything in between. I’m passionate about using this format not only to grow and heal personally, but to create that same space for others. To me, it’s always been about more than just fitness.
Any recent or upcoming events
Since 2018, I’ve taught all formats of POUND across a wide variety of venues, including universities, YMCAs, local dance studios, assisted living communities, recreation departments, group fitness studios, gym franchises, summer camps, and more.
I’ve also led classes in unique spaces like coffee shops, breweries, wineries, athletic retail stores, and both indoor and outdoor community events.
Through these opportunities, I’ve been able to raise awareness for meaningful causes and connect with participants ranging in age from 6 to 98.
Words of encouragement
Always chase that “hell yeah” feeling – the moments that genuinely light you up. When you lead from that place of joy and authenticity, success as a POUND Pro naturally follows.
Allie Mattey
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
I found POUND completely by accident – but at a time when I needed it most. I was at one of the lowest points in my life, and POUND, both as a workout and as a community, truly helped pull me through. I took my first class in January 2020, and by September, I was completing my Pro training. Not long after, I had my own class on the schedule and was co-teaching with other Pros four times a week. I’ve since continued my journey with Generation POUND, POUND Unplugged, and LEVEL Up.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I recently moved to a new city and now have a brand-new class on the schedule! I’m so excited to introduce POUND to a new community—especially those who may have never experienced it before. I’m also looking forward to bringing POUND in an adaptive way to the City of Grove City in the near future.
Any recent or upcoming events
You can find me Wednesdays at 5:30 PM at the Evans Center in Grove City, Ohio. No events just yet—but stay tuned!
Words of encouragement
If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just in a funk, movement can be one of the most powerful ways to reset your mind and body. That’s what POUND has been for me – an outlet to release, recharge, and reconnect… and hitting a mat instead of people!
Amber Newlon
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
My POUND journey began in 2015 during a wellness challenge. At the time, I was in my second difficult year of fertility treatments, and my doctors emphasized the importance of improving my overall health to support the process.
A local dance studio was hosting a fitness challenge, and my very first class was POUND with ICON Rachel. It was truly love at first strike—and it hit hard. The music was incredible, my energy skyrocketed by the second or third track, and I was instantly hooked.
I became licensed early the following year and have been teaching weekly ever since, traveling to events across the U.S. whenever I can. I’ve also had the opportunity to bring POUND to CHAARG chapters at colleges throughout Ohio, which has been such a rewarding experience.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
One of my favorite hashtags POUND has ever used is #youcanrockwithus, and it’s something I truly live by. I strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome – where people can show up exactly as they are, let loose, get a little wild, and sweat it out together.
Any recent or upcoming events
Marietta is home to so many incredible Pros, and I’ve been lucky enough to co-teach some amazing events with them. Each year, we host POUND for Pink, where we shut down the street and bring the community together – attendance keeps growing every year!
We also host POUND for Paws to support our local Humane Society, and my personal favorite, POUND for Pride each June. As a queer woman, supporting LGBTQ+ youth health and safety is deeply meaningful to me. Being able to create space, visibility, and representation for those who may be navigating their identity is something I hold close to my heart.
This season is packed with exciting events – Tiffin, Ohio on April 11 for the annual F.A.C.T. Pound Out Cancer, Nashville on April 19 for POUND for Pathway, my 10-year POUNDiversary class on May 23 in Marietta, and POUND for Pride on June 14 at BrewDog in Canal Winchester benefiting The Trevor Project. Every single one is going to be epic!
Words of encouragement
Stick with it. Every Pro has experienced the ebb and flow of group fitness – yes, even those classes with just two people. Believe in the bigger purpose: creating a space where people can have fun with movement, rock out, and leave feeling emotionally lighter than when they walked in.
Brandy VanHoose
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
My POUND journey began in early April 2018. My best friend saw an ad for a local studio offering POUND classes, and we were intrigued. We went without knowing what to expect and found ourselves laughing at how out of place we felt at first – but love at first strike is a real thing! I became licensed a year later in April, and I’ve been teaching ever since.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I spread POUND by showing up every week to teach my class, no matter how I feel. I stay positive during class and actively engage with my participants – they are my biggest supporters! Two of my regulars have even gone on to get licensed themselves, and I believe my love and passion for POUND inspired them to take that step.
Any recent events you’ve hosted and/or upcoming events on the horizon
I regularly host POUND classes and continue to engage with my community through consistent, high-energy instruction. Sharing my enthusiasm and dedication each week creates an environment that motivates others to get involved and grow with POUND.
Words of encouragement
Always stay true to yourself!
Casey Vanac
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
I took my first POUND class in August 2017, fell in love at first strike, and became a POUND Pro just a few months later in November. I quickly started teaching at three different gyms and studios, and when COVID hit, I transitioned to teaching virtually from my basement.
During such an uncertain and scary time, it was incredibly powerful to still have my Posse come together – from our own homes – to move, connect, and support each other. That experience ultimately inspired me to open my own group fitness studio, where I now offer a variety of formats. POUND was the beginning of my fitness journey and truly shaped where I am today, both personally and professionally.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I live by the motto “come as you are,” and I carry that into everything I do. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and free to be themselves. And in all aspects of life, I firmly believe – there’s always room for a drum solo.
Any recent or upcoming events
We love hosting POUND + Glow-in-the-Dark classes, as well as special events featuring a live drummer. This summer, we’re also planning to partner with local bars and restaurants to bring POUND out into the community in new and exciting ways.
Words of encouragement
If you’re scared – do it scared. Whether it’s learning a new track, teaching at a new venue, or stepping outside your comfort zone, growth happens when you go for it anyway.
Iris Mitchell
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
I started POUND when it came to a small gym in my town, and it lit a wildfire – not just in our rural community, but in me. I instantly fell in love, and quickly realized it wasn’t just the workout – it was the community, the outlet, and the confidence it gave me.
As a self-proclaimed shy kid, that feeling doesn’t just disappear as you grow up. In many ways, it can feel even harder to find connection as an adult – especially without built-in spaces like school or sports, or if you work remotely and don’t have kids. So… where do you meet people? For me, it was POUND.
I wouldn’t know many of the people I now consider my closest friends if I hadn’t picked up Ripstix back in 2016.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
In addition to teaching classes and hosting events, I love spreading POUND through social media. I enjoy taking trends and “POUND-ifying” them through reels, posts, and stories – it’s such a fun way to blend some of my favorite things: POUND, makeup and fashion, and content creation.
I also love supporting fellow Pros by attending their events and capturing content for them. Often, they’re so focused on leading and pouring into their classes that they can’t document it and no one understands the best angles and beat drops like another Pro!
Any recent or upcoming events
We host a monthly POUND + Pour at a local winery, which has become such a fun and creative event to look forward to. We often build themes around it, planning outfits and Set Lists to match.
Next up, we’re hosting a community Sip + Sweat on our town square, partnering with a local yoga studio and coffee shop. It’s all about bringing people together, letting them try different formats, and creating space to connect, grab a coffee, and hang out afterward.
Words of encouragement
Show up for your fellow Pros. Take their classes, support their events, hype them up, and invite them into what you’re creating.
I’m from a small town with a lot of Pros, and instead of feeling competitive, it feels like a tight-knit family because of how we support each other. That means everything to me – my inner shy kid knows just how powerful it is to feel included.
One person’s success lifts all of us. When one wins, we all win.
Jamie Sipe
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
My POUND journey began in 2019 when I attended a class with my best friends. I didn’t quite know what to expect but I definitely didn’t expect it to be life-changing. “Love at first strike” feels like an understatement.
At the time, I was struggling with severe anxiety, which led to trichotillomania. That first class opened a door for me. For the first time in a long time, I felt a true sense of belonging. It was a space where I wasn’t judged – where I could simply be myself.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I try to be open about my experiences with anxiety and trichotillomania so others know they’re not alone. POUND can be such a powerful outlet for releasing emotions, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where people feel seen, understood, and free to express themselves.
Any recent or upcoming events
I have a few things in the works – nothing set in stone just yet, but I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Words of encouragement
Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.
Jennifer Sells
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
I was introduced to POUND in 2021 by fellow Tour Crew member Jaysa. I showed up to my first class, picked up the Ripstix, and was instantly hooked – I just kept coming back. Since then, POUND has taken me all over, from classes across Ohio to Delaware, and even Nashville. What started as trying something new quickly became something that truly changed me. It became my outlet, my confidence boost, and my community – and now I love creating that same space for others.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I’m spreading POUND by creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are and simply feel good. My classes are about more than fitness – they’re about energy, release, and connection. I also love using POUND as a way to give back. Bringing people together for a workout that supports something bigger than ourselves has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Any recent or upcoming events
In October, I hosted a POUND event supporting Toys for Tots, bringing the community together during the holiday season in a meaningful way. We raised enough to provide toys for around 20 kids in my community.
I also teamed up with fellow Pros—Jessie Haughn, Jamie Sipe (TC), and Brandy VanHoose (TC)—for a POUND Rockout Workout benefiting Blessings in a Backpack. It was an incredibly powerful experience to come together, combine our energy, and support local kids in my community.
Words of encouragement
Your energy matters more than you think. The way you show up can change someone’s whole day.
Lisa McManes
A brief description of your POUND journey and story
A little over 10 years ago, I was rocking out to the POUND DVD set in my basement for months and absolutely loved it. I remember wishing there were classes nearby, but the closest one was over an hour away. Instead of waiting, I decided to become a POUND Pro myself and I’ve now been teaching for nine years.
How you’re currently spreading POUND and creating positive impact
I currently teach several weekly classes, along with hosting events at local breweries and wineries. I also donate my time to four different university CHAARG groups, getting to rock out with them a few times each year. During the summer, I lead Generation POUND classes at local community camps, introducing younger participants to the format in a fun and empowering way.
Any recent or upcoming events
This August marks my seventh “POUND at the Prison” event, held at the Ohio State Reformatory. It’s my largest event of the year and draws participants from out of state. If you’re a Shawshank Redemption fan, it’s an especially unique experience – you can even tour the historic prison after class!
Words of encouragement
Always remember – you can rock, be fit, and feel strong at any age, size, or shape.
