Looking to Get Fit? Get Your Mind Right First: An Interview with Latina Fitness Entrepreneur Kat Novoa

Photo courtesy of Kat Novoa

In South Los Angeles, Kat Novoa is motivating women of color to embrace fitness through her boutique fitness studio Babes of Wellness. Through her social media presence and in-person classes, she wants to empower these women to develop a physical, mental, emotional & spiritual practice rooted in self-love. Her journey into the wellness space began when she focused on her own personal healing. She talked to Cubicles to Cocktails about what it takes to shift your mindset during these difficult times and how to boost your confidence and unlearn toxic eating habits in order to crush your physical and mental goals.

C2C: Tell us about you and how you got started in the fitness space.

KN: I have always been pretty athletic with mostly soccer growing up, but didn't do much in my early 20s. Then a bad breakup/engagement happened, so I looked to movement as my medicine for healing. From there, I began volunteering at domestic violence shelters offering fitness classes and quickly learned they needed more. I began teaching them the tools that helped me heal like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, journaling, etc. 

C2C: What made you want to start your own Latina-owned business?

KN: At the time, there was nothing in the wellness space for Latinas. I wanted to become who I needed at my lowest point for others. I wanted to make wellness accessible to the South LA community that has been often overlooked. My community needs and WANTS health and wellness within their reach. So, I took the leap. 

C2C: This past year was tough on all of us, how did it impact you, and what did you do to overcome it?

KN: This one is very tough to talk about for me. I lost my sweet Papi (father) to COVID-19 in December. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions. However, I will say the beautiful community that we've built with Babes of Wellness really pulled through for me during this time with their unconditional love and support. If it wasn't for all of my babes, I really don't know where I'd be right now. I'm taking it day by day, and some days, hour by hour. The business has remained steady and I am so thankful for this.

C2C: How are fitness and mental health connected?

KN: Everything in this world is interconnected, as is within our bodies. We are energetic beings, and emotions are energy in motion that is sometimes stored in our bodies, so when we move, we signal our bodies to not only release but PRODUCE supportive and necessary hormones into our system like serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine. All of these help us live in a more pleasant place mentally/emotionally. It's our inherent right and gift to move. 

C2C: You have provided women of color opportunities to sign up for your monthly "challenges" - can you talk about the results you've seen both physically and mentally?

KN: Oh, my! This is by far one of the most special offerings of my business. The community, connections, and inspiration that come out of these challenges are wild! Watching women begin feeling nervous, lacking self-love and confidence, and finishing feeling sexy, confident, and stronger is an inspiration for me. The beautiful thing, we remove the pressure of having to lose 'X' amount of weight in 30 days and really focus on setting up habits, tuning into our bodies through movement, and healing our relationship with ourselves and as a natural result, our bodies change. 

C2C: Why should women of color prioritize exercise and healthy eating?

KN: I say why not? We deserve to feel and look good (and not just athletes!) When we take care of our temples, we show up differently in our role in this world, which enables us to fulfill our God-given purpose. It's a win-win for everyone, but especially ourselves. We can't leave it up to big pharma to care for us when we get sick (as we learned in 2020). We must be proactive in taking control of our health. We are so powerful, as are our bodies. 

C2C: What specific challenges do women of color have when it comes to self-care?

KN: There is a lot to unpack here, but most WOC come from immigrant and very oppressed generations of families that view self-care as "lazy" or selfish. Immigrant children have had to bust our butts off to be accomplished and be someone. This alone holds a lot of trauma for most of us. Toxic eating habits, toxic self-talk, toxic lack of work boundaries (the non-stop hustle) and the list goes on and on…. 

C2C: For those who hit the pause button on exercise during this past year and now want to get started again, what piece of advice do you have?

KN: Just start and don't let motivation be your driver. Motivation will come and go. Figure out your WHY (and no it is not "Hot Girl Summer"). Dig deep within yourself. Your WHY will be what makes this a lifestyle for you. Also, having a supportive community, friends, or family to do it with you is extremely helpful. Might be time for some of you to make new friends and let go of old ones. 

C2C: Tell us about your personal wellness routine. 

KN: It is always changing. I am always learning. This helps my mental health. I read for 10 minutes a day, drink warm ginger or chamomile tea in the mornings, stretch and strength train or do boxing 6 days a week for about one hour. My sleep routine is EVERYTHING to me. I turn off all notifications by 8:30 pm every day and lights out by 10 pm. For recovery, I do 5-10 minutes’ cold showers, red light therapy, and percussive therapy. Meditate for 20-30 minutes a few times a week (working on this one to become a daily thing again), see my therapist, and matcha lattes!

C2C: Recently you were a grant winner for the work you have done with Latinas, what is next for you?

KN: There are big things on the horizon. Our focus will always be on enlarging our impact. Spreading the message of healing and growth through wellness to our beautiful and deserving community! Stay tuned!