MATTIE LEWIS
Mattie currently resides in Dallas with her husband, and her cat named Clementine. She has a relentless passion for helping and inspiring others and she's grateful she gets to wake up every day and do what she loves. :)
Current title & occupation?
SoulCycle Instructor
Has fitness always had a place in your life?
No, not necessarily. I struggled with my weight and my image as a little girl. I was a ballerina and then a cheerleader. I never felt athletic enough to play sports. I fell in love with fitness in college and the rest was history.
Describe your heart health diagnosis and the first time you felt like something was wrong.
Growing up I had frequent fainting spells. In 2016 I mentioned experiencing a fan-like sensation in my chest to my doctor and I was told I had severe anxiety. Over the next several years the fainting spells got worse. I suffered two big cardiac events and in 2020 I finally went to the ER. I was diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia in January 2020. I had my first heart ablation in February 2020 and my second in June 2020.
The way that you have stood up to your diagnosis and never shied away from your passion for fitness is so inspiring! How have you stayed motivated and healthy?
Honestly, it helps that I LOVE what I do. I’m constantly surrounded by motivation and support. The healing power of sharing your story is real. It’s been such a blessing to be able to share my struggles with my riders (and my friends). And as far as staying motivated – I want to live. I want to be a mom someday. I want to enjoy my life. That’s the biggest motivation of all!
What is the Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign and how can we help?
Every year across the country, a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of Woman of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. This 9-week blind competition is relentlessly focused on women’s heart health. Launching on National Wear Red Day, nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their networks to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission. At the end of the campaign, this special group of changemakers will be celebrated for the overall impact they have on our mission and community. The nominee who makes the greatest impact and raises the most funds locally will be named a local 2023 Woman of Impact Winner. Additionally, the nominee who makes the greatest impact nationwide will be named the American Heart Association 2023 National Woman of Impact Winner. The best way to help is to spread the word about donating to the campaign. :)
What is one thing you wish more people knew about women’s heart health?
Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 killer of women. It kills more women than ALL cancers combined.
Do you have a personal power statement or motto that gets you through the not-so-fun days?
You are strong. You are capable. You’ve got this! (Also, reminding myself to breathe is powerful.)
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Stop caring so much about what other people think. No one else has to live YOUR life, so do what you love! Also, you are not responsible for healing other people’s trauma. Give your heart a break, beautiful.
How do you prioritize self-care, in whatever form self-care is for you?
Self-care is what keeps me alive. If I don’t take care of myself, I will feel awful. So, I take a LOT of naps. I drink a lot of water. I try to take good care of my skin. I eat when I’m hungry. I have to remind myself often that I cannot pour from an empty cup. So self-care comes first.
What is your favorite BeautyBio product(s)?
The Quench Face Cream. It’s magic! My skin gets SO dry from sweating and showering all the time. The Quench is a lifesaver.
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