Balanced Bartender

Stay healthy, Bar Meisters

Amie Ward with Dana VanPamelen

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Amie Ward, with your Balanced Bartender pep talk!

Hello everyone! Welcome to our June Balanced Bartender Pep Talk! This month, we’re in the Big Apple talking with hospitality and Muay Thai badass Dana VanPamelen. Dana tells us about how her work in the industry introduced her to the world of Muay Thai and subsequently inspired her to open Hit House kickboxing studio in the NoLita neighborhood of Manhattan. Cheers!

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Press Play ▶️ on the Interview! Get to know Dana!
Scroll Down to Make & Indulge in Amie's Snacks & Sips.
Check Out Amie's EXRX For Bartenders

Tell us about your journey in the hospitality industry.

I started as a shot girl at a Mardi Gras-themed bar in 2008, trained behind the bar in 2009, and stayed with the same hospitality groups until 2018. When we opened the studio, I loved it so much, that my bar manager could not get rid of me.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. How did you get immersed into this kick-ass world of combat sports?

While behind the bar, I met awesome industry people that led me to work as a brand ambassador, mostly for food and beverage, but sometimes other gigs, like private parties, coat check, etc. One night in 2010, I showed up to a gig to be a round card girl for Friday Night Fights, the leading Muay Thai sports promotion at the time. That was my first time seeing Muay Thai, and I was blown away by the action. I remember saying, “I don't know what this is, but I need to do it.”

Tell us about your journey in the hospitality industry.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand. How did you get immersed into this kick-ass world of combat sports?

What motivated you to open Hit House, and how has the gym impacted the NYC hospitality community?

Muay Thai is a full-body workout with so many benefits, mental and physical. The NYC Muay Thai community is very welcoming and diverse but can seem intimidating from the outside. Hit House works to remove some of those barriers to entry by offering Muay Thai-influenced group classes to people of all skill and fitness levels in a boutique setting (Muay Thai, but make it bougie). Hit House runs a series of donation-based classes called Kickboxing for a Cause, raising awareness and funds for charities and organizations that mean something to those in our community. In the past, we have worked with restaurant groups and brands to host events that provide wellness experiences for industry folks. These are fun experiences, such as pre-shift workout classes paired with yoga, self-defense-focused strike discussions paired with mindfulness and meditation, and even a post-workout juice and smoothie tasting, which inspired future cocktails!

Every month I like to provide a wellness challenge to our viewers. Would you be so kind as to give us a challenge for June?

Customer service can be challenging at times. My suggestion for this month is to channel any frustration you may have into a positive action. At Hit House, we release all of our stress, anxiety and aggression on a heavy bag. If punching and kicking isn't your thing, find a healthy, safe activity for you!

How can people get in touch with you and access everything Hit House offers?

Website: www.hithouse.com

IG: @hithouse; @danavnyc

Thank you, Dana!

Book a complimentary class!

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Use promo code BEHINDTHESHOT, expires 10/1/22.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

Amie's Snacks & Sips

Dana's Jägermeister Cold Brew Thai Iced Coffee

Cocktail: Jägermeister Cold Brew Thai Iced Coffee

Recipe:

8 parts Strong/bold cold brew
Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee
Condensed milk (to taste)
1 tsp Almond extract
Pinch of cardamom

Method: Inspired by the strong and sweet staple of Thailand! Brew strong, bold coffee and chill or use non-concentrated cold brew. Pour cold brew over ice, then add Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee. Slowly pour in condensed milk to taste. Add a teaspoon of almond extract (a small yet key detail). Stir well. Finish with a pinch of cardamom and kickstart your day (or night).

Get to Know

Dana VanPamelen

Dana VanPamelen is the co-owner of Hit House, a Muay Thai-influenced workout studio in Nolita, NYC.  Dana started in the industry in 2008 as a brand ambassador and a shot girl, moving to bartending in 2009. She has a Master's degree in marketing (which she paid for through bartending), her favorite strike is the teep, and she loves small batch tequila. 

Get To Know The Healthtender

Amie Ward

Amie Ward is a Veteran Bartender, exercise physiologist and has been outspoken on her fellow service industry members' health and wellness. When she is not pulling trucks and training for Strongwoman competitions, you can find Amie appreciating the finer things in life like Jägermeister.

IG: @thehealthtender

Website:  The Healthtender

Amie's Bartender Workout

EXRX for Bartenders

June 2022