Angela Manuel-Davis, Image: Chudo Nomi
Angela Manuel-Davis is a fitness force to be reckoned with. A former member of the USA Track and Field Team, the professional athlete went on to teach spin classes at the celebrity-beloved studio SoulCycle, with locations around the world.
Angela has also run track professionally for Nike, and is a dynamic athlete through and through. Her workout advice has been praised by the likes of Beyoncé, Ciara, Jay-Z, Kerry Washington, David Beckham, who have taken her classes and compared them to spiritual experience, because Angela is just that good.
She’s a motivational speaker - who filmed a special for client Oprah’s SuperSoul Sessions series titled “Finding Your Purpose” - a fitness entrepreneur who invented the AMDIO Method, and an energetic ray of light in the exercise community.
Glamour South Africa exclusively had a chat with her about athleticism, her fresh take on fitness and the philosophy that motivates her daily, and why stamina will always be her ultimate goal.
GLAMOUR: What sparked your passion for fitness and living a healthy lifestyle? Was this always important to you, or did a certain instance in your life inspire it?
Angela Manuel-Davis (AMD):
I have been an athletic all my life. I started playing organised sports at 5 years old. I was an athlete turned professional. It was always in my life. 10 years ago, I realized that there was a marriage between sports and spirituality that I carved out in this industry.
GLAMOUR: What is your current fitness regimen, and your nutrition plan you use to stay in shape?
AMD:
I try to move every day in various ways. At this time in my life that's what works best for me along with eating fresh vegetables with every meal.
GLAMOUR: What's the one thing you never skip in your workout?
AMD:
Setting an intention. It is super important to identify what you are working for and towards. Do all you can to avoid being general and random in your workout. Being specific and intentional will always create the best results.
Angela Manuel-Davis, Image: Chudo Nomi
GLAMOUR: How would you describe your philosophy on health and fitness, and how has it evolved?
AMD:
I believe the body is what houses the gift and my philosophy is to train the individual to get strong enough in their body and their mind to live the life they were called and intended to live.
GLAMOUR: Who or what gives you the most inspiration and motivation to achieve your fitness goals?
AMD:
My children. I want to be able to live hard and play hard with them FOREVER.
GLAMOUR: What specific fitness goal are you currently focused on?
AMD:
My focus is always about stamina for my life. Stamina for my work. Stamina for my family. Stamina for the things that bring me joy.
GLAMOUR: What's the best way for someone to motivate herself to get fit?
AMD:
Pay attention to yourself, talk. You are who you say you are, you are who you think you are. Make sure your self-talk aligns with your goals.
Angela Manuel-Davis, Image: Chudo Nomi
GLAMOUR: One of the key elements for staying consistent with working out is accountability. Who keeps you accountable for working out consistently?
AMD:
I love the definition for accountability which says account to your own ability. The most empowering process is when you choose yourself.
GLAMOUR: What tips would you give to someone wanting to live a healthier lifestyle?
AMD:
Move every single day and if you are living a sedentary lifestyle, start with just a walk around the block and add to it. Start with 5 minutes and add to it. Start to encourage yourself. Put sticky notes all over the house with words of affirmation. Start with one dietary change for example, more water, adding fresh veggies to every meal.
GLAMOUR: Can you explain what the AMDIO method is and what inspired you to use this method with your clients?
AMD:
Angela Manuel Davis- Change from The Inside Out - is a process that allows you to change the things internally that are manifesting physically.
GLAMOUR: You have worked with numerous celebrities such as Usher, David Beckham, and Kerry Washington, why do you think celebrities trust you for fitness help?
AMD:
Celebrities are people just like we are. I hope that people trust me because my talk and my walk are the same.
Angela Manuel-Davis, Image: Chudo Nomi
GLAMOUR: Do you have any advice for people in terms of how they should approach fitness and working out
AMD:
Wash your hands, wear your mask, stay 6ft (2 metres) apart, and remember the way you do one thing is the way you do all things, so train like you live your life.
GLAMOUR: What's something most people may not know about you?
AMD:
If I wasn't doing fitness, I would be doing fashion.
Got a fitness question? Email Sebastien at [email protected] for his expert opinion!
