Licensed physical therapist · Since 2012

Thirty years of helping people move again

People often ask why I chose a tree for my logo. It grows the way a body does, slowly, in seasons, from the inside out.

Protection
Beauty
Abundance
Strength
God’s Grace

Protection
Beauty
Abundance
Strength
God’s Grace

Meet Amanda B. Smith

As a licensed physical therapist and longtime pilates instructor, I believe everyone has the ability to feel strong and healthy. Sometimes all we need is a little guidance to find the right path.

My story begins in Oklahoma, where I grew up with my ten brothers and sisters. I first became certified to teach group exercise in 1990 while in college, just to stay in shape. Though nervous about leading groups at first, I quickly discovered my passion for motivating people through fun, energizing workouts.

Teaching brought me joy, but I wanted to help on a deeper level. Volunteering in a hospital's physical therapy department changed everything, from day one, I knew this was my calling.

Out of over 500 applicants, I was honored to be one of the 78 accepted into the University of Oklahoma's physical therapy program. I graduated in 1994 with a BS in Physical Therapy and moved to Cincinnati for big-city experience. There, in a sports and orthopedic clinic, I continued teaching group exercise. It had become part of me.

Amanda B. Smith, PT, founder, and the person who teaches every class.

2000 · PhysicalMind Institute

Discovering Pilates

In 2000, a friend encouraged me to try Pilates. I was skeptical, if I wasn't jumping and sweating, could it really be a workout? But in that first class, my muscles shook in brand-new ways. Pilates demanded focus on body and mind. I felt humbled yet empowered. By my third class, I was hooked. That year, I became a Pilates certified Instructor in Mat Pilates through the PhysicalMind Institute and started teaching at a health club and to seniors at a church. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'd never felt stronger or more centered.

A therapist-led approach

Pilates, folded into rehab

As a licensed physical therapist, I began weaving Pilates into patient rehab. It perfectly complemented recovery for issues like:

An instructor's hands guiding a client's knee into alignment on a Pilates Reformer

Total knee replacements

Build strength and mobility with joint-safe movement that supports lasting recovery.

ACL reconstruction

Restore stability and confidence through controlled, progressive strengthening.

Lower back injuries

Improve core support and alignment to reduce pain and move with ease.

Neck injuries

Relieve tension and restore mobility with gentle, focused movement.

Shoulder injuries

Rebuild overhead range and rotator-cuff control with graded, pain-free loading.

Advanced clinical training

More than 30 years in physical therapy, movement and teaching

To better treat back and neck issues, I earned certification in the McKenzie Method, a respected international credential, making me a Certified McKenzie therapist. My husband, daughters, and I eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio. While working in a sports and orthopedic clinic, my supervisor asked me to help start a Pilates program, which prompted me to complete my certification in Pilates equipment through Balanced Body University in 2010. I later earned my Health Coaching certification so I could support clients more completely.

Reformers and equipment in the ABS Pilates home studio in Sunbury, Ohio

2012 · ABS Pilates opens

Bridging the gap

In 2012, I founded ABS Pilates. Over the years, I witnessed a large gap between recovering from illness or injury and feeling ready to return to healthy movement. I wanted to help bridge that gap by providing a safe, supportive place for people to move again.

The studio is 1,200 square feet in our home, with seven Reformers. That is deliberate. Classes stay small enough that I can see every body in the room, and adapt on the spot.

My philosophy

“You have to get a little uncomfortable to see your body change, but you should always feel supported and safe along the way.”

Exercise, good nutrition, and strong relationships are the three most important components of a healthy, long-lasting life. So what are you waiting for?

A journey of growth and empowerment

Why I chose a tree

In more than 30 years of teaching and rehabilitating clients, I've seen Pilates reveal remarkable strength and confidence in people, even those who never believed they could feel that way. After just a few sessions, clients often begin noticing early signs of strength, growth, and vitality. Over time, I watch their confidence, control, and inner strength expand.

Just like a tree grows from the early buds of spring into the vibrant colors of fall, Pilates nurtures growth from newness to a mature sense of empowerment, in both body and mind.

The ABS Pilates tree mark: a burgundy trunk with spring-green leaves

Protection

Safe, intelligent Pilates that supports healing, longevity, and injury prevention.
Beauty

Strength that expresses itself through grace, alignment, and effortless movement.
Abundance

A growing sense of vitality, confidence, and possibility in both body and mind.
Strength

Resilient, functional strength built from the inside out.
God’s Grace

Movement that honors the body as a gift, fostering renewal, balance, and purpose.

“Pilates is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, the way you play, and the way you work.”

Joseph Pilates