Meet FRÉ Ambassador Mariah Walker, Fitness Coach & Model

@mariahwalkerr

About me: I was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas and that’s where I live now. I’m a hard worker, and someone who doesnt stop until the job is done.

My fitness journey

In 2013, I lost 80 pounds and started training. This was right before getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. After I graduated, I got my trainers certification through ACAM. I have a background in dance and taught Zumba fitness.

I had my first knee injury at 14 years old from volleyball, then an ACL injury from softball. I experienced my third (and hopefully final) knee injury while teaching Zumba. I'm still fighting with arthritis and joint inflammation, but I try not to feel sorry for myself. After my injuries I discovered barre and yoga. The movements are still dance, but without the Zumba type intensity on my joints.

Resilience tips

Having gone through some serious injuries, I would say first of all, don’t feel sorry for yourself - so much is about our mindset and we can easily set ourselves up for failure. With my knee injuries, I can no longer run, but that just means I have to find alternatives. I got a Peloton bike. I found yoga and barre, both of which are intense, but not on my joints. Resilience is about finding another way and making it happen.

Resilience is about finding another way and making it happen.

Fitness tips

1. I always tell my clients to get a workout partner especially if they are doing something new.
2. I recommend starting with small and achievable goals. For example, instead of working out for an hour 6 days a week, start with 20 minutes a day 3 times a week. Achieve these goals then raise the bar when you’ve crushed them! We often make things very hard on ourselves mentally. It’s easier than we think it is if we set small goals.
3. Drinking water and sleeping help you do more when you work out. These things are key - and they are easy to do.

My day as a fitness trainer

I start my day at 4 or 5am - I have super early clients. Most of my clients are middle aged women who want to get a consistent routine, to tone and to lose weight. I recently got a lot of newer clients who want to learn the machines and build a program. I also have a small number of clients who want to gain muscle.

I train at the gym mostly, but sometimes virtually or at the park. I usually have 12-15 people a day and my day is on and off until 6pm. Most of my clients love HIIT workouts, but what I do depends on their goals and I try to mix it up. I incorporate barre a bit - I train a few people with a dance background, and I incorporate yoga in everything.

Most of my clients love HIIT workouts, but what I do depends on their goals and I try to mix it up.

Fitness modelling

I started fitness modellinga year and a half ago. I was discovered on IG by Athleta. I’ve been able to travel and work with different people. I live in a small town and there are no modelling agencies, so it’s been exciting to work with a number of international brands.

Skincare

I’m biracial - my Mom is white and my Dad is black. Sometimes, my skin is super oily like my Dad and sometimes dry like my Mom. Now with the cooler weather, my skin is dry. But in the summer, my skin is super oily and I sweat a lot! My skin is sensitive too. I sweat a lot on my face, and back, and upper body. In between workouts, I have clients so sweat often sits on my skin, and it’s challenging. I have to take skincare products with me to the gym or I break out. With the pandemic, I'm outside a lot more and I have to take wipes and sprays to keep my skin refreshed. I need to protect my skin and stay away from grass and other things I'm allergic to.

In between workouts, I have clients so sweat often sits on my skin, and it’s challenging. I have to take skincare products with me to the gym or I break out.

My daily routine

I wake up and wash my face with PURIFY ME and then use PROTECT ME, because I'm training outside. If I work out during the day, I wash my face again. I love REFRESH ME and I wear it a lot. Every night, I use DETOX ME. It makes my skin feel clear. After that I use BRIGHTEN ME along with I AM JOY and 100% Organic Argan Oil. I use PROTECT BODY and GLOW BODY at night too. My skin is very sensitive and I'm very active. I don't wear makeup much and I try to keep things minimalistic.

Rapid Fire:

1. Favorite exercise? A burpee combination
2. What does sweat mean to you? It means that I’m working hard and detoxing.
3. What comes to mind when you think of FRÉ? Natural
4. What are you most excited about in life right now? My new relationship
5. What’s something you’d still love to learn? Patience
6. If you were a hashtag, what would you be? #fullofenergy
7. What is your mantra? I enjoy keeping my body healthy and strong through exercise, my body is healing through every movement and breath and will continue to serve me in the days ahead.
8. What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received in your life? Slow down and enjoy every moment. This definitely ties in with patience.
9. What is an issue that you wish we spoke about more often? Self love - we need more of this and we need to compare ourselves to others less.
10. What does women’s empowerment mean in 2020? Coming together, encouraging each other and getting stronger together to keep supporting each other as we move further in this thing called life.
11. What are your dreams for the FRÉ community? I would love to see FRÉ expand and grow more. The products are so amazing.