Monique Walker’s wellness journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and community impact. At 45, she stands as a pillar of health in Memphis, having shed over 100 pounds in a life-changing transformation. Today, as the Group Exercise Coordinator for the City of Memphis, Monique leads free classes across community centers to encourage Memphians to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

REDISCOVERING A LOVE FOR MOVEMENT
Monique’s path wasn’t always paved with success. In her younger years, she was active in cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. But after high school, like many, she faced the challenge of maintaining her fitness. “I gained the freshman 15, but it was more like the freshman 30,” she recalled.

It wasn’t until she relocated from California to Memphis at 30, following the birth of her daughter, that things began to change. The turning point came unexpectedly when she was invited to audition as a dance fitness instructor at Life Time in Collierville. “I was green and had never taught this style class before,” she said. Despite her inexperience, the manager saw potential in her and hired her on the spot. That opportunity sparked her love for fitness and set her on a course to becoming an influential voice in the space.

FINDING HER GROOVE
Monique dove into teaching with enthusiasm and especially enjoyed dance cardio. But when she started exploring new class formats like strength training and yoga, she found them difficult to master. “I had to decide if I was going to dig in and do the work to get better,” she stated, “And that’s exactly what I did.” Monique’s persistence paid off as she took the time to learn from veteran instructors and refine her skills. She became a certified yoga teacher, AFAA Primary Group Fitness instructor, and Schwinn Indoor Cycle instructor.

However, the journey wasn’t without obstacles. Monique battled with imposter syndrome, feeling out of place in an industry that often highlights a particular physique. “Fitness wasn’t always body-inclusive,” she explained. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m fooling myself because I don’t have a societally approved physique.”

But over time, she recognized that her story and authenticity were a source of inspiration for others. “There is no destination island that we are going to arrive at. Instead, we press forward and don’t worry about what’s behind us.”

BEYOND THE PHYSICAL
For Monique, fitness isn’t only about physical transformation — it’s also about mental health and community. “After becoming a yoga teacher, I applied many teachings to my life,” she shared. She engaged in deep self-reflection, a process she described as “the hardest of all the work.” Yoga and fitness became her therapy, helping her to overcome life’s challenges by sweating out her worries.

Monique believes in a balanced approach to wellness. “I am definitely not a rule follower,” she reflected. She focuses on mindfulness rather than strict regimens, using tools like MyFitnessPal to stay on track. Despite a busy schedule balancing family life and work, Monique prioritizes exercise whenever possible, sometimes squeezing in a quick workout between classes. She also recognizes the importance of rest. Some days, achieving wellness means permitting herself to unwind with a Netflix session.

BUILDING A HEALTHIER MEMPHIS
Now, as the Group Exercise Coordinator for the City of Memphis, Monique is passionate about making fitness accessible to everyone. “My main job is to bring free group fitness programs to our community centers,” she said. Her efforts promote physical health and build a sense of community among participants. She credits the dedicated attendees of her classes for inspiring her to keep going and offers this advice.

“Just start, and DON’T STOP! The biggest hurdle is beginning. Make your mind up about how you want to show up for YOU. Focus on your body, physical ability, and, most importantly, how uniquely awesome you are. Let that be the drive you need to stay determined, consistent, and focused!”

JOIN MONIQUE’S CLASSES
Monique offers a variety of classes at local community centers, aiming to cater to diverse fitness levels.

For more details on fitness classes across the city, visit Memphis Parks Health and Wellness at Memphisparks.com/activity/healthwellness.

By Beth Wilson
Photo by Tindall Stephens