Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Walters.
Angelica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Dallas, raised in Las Vegas, Nevada but God brought me back to Texas for college. I quickly fell in love with Dallas and found that my Vegas style made me stand out a bit. I had never felt like I fit in (like most teenagers), and when I came to Dallas, I began to appreciate what set me apart.
Rewind to my childhood, I grew up active in gymnastics and cheer. I started going to the gym right before my freshman year of high school and became addicted to Les Mills group fitness classes like Body Pump as well as spin. When I got cut from my cheer squad, I began to put all my energy into the gym. I was lost as to where I belonged, but I knew I loved the gym atmosphere. I found something that I could put my energy towards. Gymnastics taught me a disciple and it also taught me to appreciate the results that come from hard work.
But I didn’t see the results. While I was doing all the right things on the outside, I was damaging my body on the inside. I developed body image issues around 8 years old and an eating disorder came soon after. Around 17 years old I was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. The diagnosis answered some many questions, but it also left me feeling defeated by my own body.
Sometimes, we have to hit rock bottom before we realize we need to make a change. Sometimes, we have to experience the dark to appreciate the light. By the grace of God, I didn’t stay in the dark. I no longer wanted to be unkind to my body. I was given life and I wanted to make the most of it.
Through good times and bad, I have discovered that my body could do much more than I thought possible. And that perfection is not real or attainable. It took time and effort, but my goal is no longer perfection. It’s to honor the gift of life that I’ve been given. And that is a goal that reaches outside of my own life. Becoming an instructor is a way that I help people discover their fullest potential. Encouragement and a kind word is such a simple thing that we can share with others. What I do well is helping other do well. And I love truly doing it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Everyone has something they’re going through and has a story as to why they are who they are. In my struggle, I felt like i couldn’t win. But that was the key. I only felt like I couldn’t win, even though it wasn’t true. Instead, I learned how to shift my mindset and look at my health and being able to move and be active as a gift. I had to make moves towards getting healthier. It wasn’t an easy switch, but I knew I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing and expect to get better. Something had to change.
The change originated in my heart and head. I began to give myself grace. Once I stopped restricting my body, I learned how to thrive. I channeled my newfound energy into learning new ways of how I can thrive in mind, body, and spirit. I’m still learning, but what makes it all worth it is being able to understand someone who might be going through a similar situation. I want them to know that there is hope… you can thrive again.
Please tell us about Equinox.
I do a couple things. My full-time sales job at Peloton. However, what I really love is being a Motivator. I’ve been able to do this as an indoor cycling instructor at Equinox and an instructor at a Versaclimber studio, District Climb. People know me for a fiery personality and love of Latin remixes… but mostly, my ability to get other people excited about things. Whether it’s sharing excitement for a big life change or getting them excited about sweat session. I’m not just on the microphone to instruct, I’m there to help others discover that they are strong and capable of something amazing…. even if they didn’t know it before.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’m young but old enough to see how there was a purpose for every season of my life. I wish I had not worried what others thought for so many years. But even in that, I gained an understanding and a voice to help others dealing with the same thing.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 702-468-8268
- Email: angelicaleighw@gmail.com
- Instagram: angelicaleighw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angelica.walters1
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
