While scrolling through Instagram (one of our favorite job responsibilities), a vibrant image of a braided beauty taking a graceful yet athletic leap caught our eye. The woman that made nearly 400 sweat sisters do a double-take was 38-year-old Holistic Fitness & Wellness Coach Latisha Judie.

Suppose you take a look at her profile page. In that case, there’s evidence that she’s no stranger to living a healthy, active lifestyle, so you could imagine how surprised we were to hear that she had to learn how to walk again after being diagnosed with a degenerative joint condition.

Thankfully, incorporating new daily disciplines like healthy food, holistic techniques, meditation, and knee-friendly exercises, helped her find her way back to a healthier, happier & healed version of herself. And now she’s landed the coveted spot as our January 2021 photo contest winner!

We recently caught up with the Oklahoma raised, Dallas made fitness influenc(HER) to learn more about her pursuit of empowering women through wellness. From her pre-workout meals to her must-have deodorant, she shares it all with us.

Tell us how your winning photo came about?

I opened an email, and to my surprise, I had been selected for a magazine article interview. Soon after, I reached out to a photographer to update my pics for the magazine and get new content. While at the shoot, I was eager to capture an action shot. We accomplished the winning photo in one try.

Please briefly share your fitness journey with us.

My fitness journey has its accomplishments and its fair share of setbacks. I’ve lost weight, gained weight, felt confident, even been guilty of body shaming and through it all, learned something new every time. Overall, I’ve learned that fitness is a lifestyle, and making myself a priority is important. If I keep a consistent routine with nutrition and exercise, I feel empowered.

One of my greatest successes is learning to walk again after a health scare. That situation made me appreciate and be grateful for what my body CAN do over how it looks, no longer taking this physical body for granted. Therefore, I choose to celebrate it with mindful movements.

We believe fitness + friendship = FUN! What is your favorite group fitness workout?

Anything that incorporates great music and dancing like Zumba or Pole Fitness.

While working out is essential, so is eating the right foods. What is your go-to pre-workout meal? How do you refuel after a workout?

Pre-workout meals I like to keep very simple. Typically reaching for half a piece of fruit like an orange, banana, or apple and peanut butter gives me the boost of energy I need to get through my workout. Immediately after the sweat sesh, I am pumping plenty of water into my system and either a protein shake or leafy greens, whole grains & potatoes.

What is one item that is always in your gym bag?

Chewing gum. I feel like gum gives me superpowers while I’m training.

What are your top 3 fitness Instagram accounts to follow?

1. @mrandmrsmuscle
2. @danyelewilson
3. @_meccca

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m lowkey a comedian and love corny jokes.

What are your top three goals you hope to accomplish in life?

1. To empower and inspire millions of women around the world to make healthy a lifestyle & selfcare a priority.
2. Operate and own a wellness resort.
3. Create generational wealth.

Favorite quote:

“Don’t Say That! Would you want that to manifest? Words have POWER.* – Latisha J. 

What does PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT mean to you?

PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT means creating healthy habits in order to live a life of vitality.

Since PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, what is your favorite deodorant?

Let’s just say, on days I do decide to wear it, I like the Vanilla & Sandalwood fragrance by Native.

How can readers stay in touch with you on social media?

We can stay connected on all social media platforms: IG, FB, Twitter (@latishajfitness) and via my website latishajfitness.com.