Meet Matt Araiza | Fitness Professional & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Araiza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to think I had to be working all the time to be successful. After having worked across multiple job fields over the years I have realized it’s your overall quality of life that is most important. Yes, being successful at work is fantastic, however if you’re failing at other aspects of your life outside of your work sphere your quality of life is likely to suffer. I have learned that when I can spend quality time outside of work doing things I love and taking care of myself I am overall happier and can better give to my clients at work. It’s like the saying, “Look good, feel good.” I have to feel good (mentally & physically) to teach well. That means enjoying life outside of the studios I teach at. The fitness professional career is a constant ebb and flow depending on the season so I have to be sure to stay in tune with my body’s needs physically and mentally to stay sharp and ready to ultimately have a long lasting career. It took a while, but I’ve realized it’s okay to not work every day of every hour.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a full-time fitness professional and proud owner of MattieCakes bakery. I teach at SoulCycle, Equinox, and Session Pilates. I believe in helping people feel their best and improve their overall well-being through movement. I take pride in creating safe spaces in my classes for everyone to be themselves and show up authentically to reach their full potential. I’m the nicest/sneakiest/ toughest instructor you’ll ever meet. 🙂 I also have a passion for baking and turned it into a business in 2015. My Mom taught me how to bake at an early age and I love sharing my love of sweets with others.

I am a connector and it excites me to bring people together (whether it be fitness or food) for a common goal/event. I believe connection is so important, especially after the last two years. I want to help people feel comfortable getting out of the house and sweating and smiling together like old times.

I first got into fitness because a past fitness instructor in Kansas City said I should be teaching. I was and still am an avid group class enthusiast. It had not even dawned on me that this was even a possibility! Since then I have earned certifications and auditioned at as many places as I could until I found my tribes. Breaking into the Dallas fitness industry was not easy however. There are so many amazing professionals in this city that it was very intimidating and honestly frustrating at first. However, I stayed true to myself and continued to put myself out there as much as I could and the hard work has paid off. Growth doesn’t happen over night so staying true my authentic self was something I had to make sure I kept while I learned the Dallas fitness demographic. I am not everyone’s cup of tea (because I am champagne), and that’s okay. That’s the great thing about Dallas though, if I don’t have what someone is looking for I know there is someone else in town that has it. I really pride myself in showing up fully to the classes that I teach, connecting with everyone in the room, and having a great time in the process. Working out doesn’t have to be so serious!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE WHEN FRIENDS VISIT! I would pick them up from the airport and take the over to Ascension coffee. Their remodel is so cute and I love their eggs benedict. From there we would pop on over to Highland Park Village and do a little shopping and eventually end up a Mi Cocina for a mambo taxi. We would 1000% hit up SoulCycle, Equinox, Session Pilates, and the Katy Trail throughout the week to get our sweat in! We’d make a visit to Mutt’s Cantina to let my dogs enjoy themselves while we sip on an adult beverage. One day I would love to take a day trip to the Dallas Arboretum and check out their seasonal decorations and then head over to Hudson House for the best Happy Hour in town! Can’t forget to stop by Bishop Arts to check out the local shops and food. On the weekend we would have dinner at Oishii and then hop down the many bars on Cedar Springs and dance till our feet hurt. We’d wrap it up with a fun brunch at Zizikis on Sunday!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to shoutout to all of the organizations that I work at. When I made the leap into fitness full-time I really had no idea what I was doing. I have learned so much from my SoulCycle colleagues, Equinox managers, and Session Pilates directors. I look up to them dearly and continue to learn every day from them and I am forever grateful they took a chance on me and continue to invest in me & our community. I also want to shoutout all my MattieCakes clients that have used my company for their countless celebrations. I truly am touched when folks support local & let me be a part of their memories.

Instagram: @MattAraiza @MattieCakesKC

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mattaraiza