By Ryan Hecht, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director
In its third year of operation, e•motion remains the first of its kind by combining intentional rage, fitness, and relaxation all in one experience.
“Rage rooms are getting increasingly popular and fitness centers of all sorts are on every corner,” says e•motion creator and owner, Erica Valenzuela. “I think my concept stands out because of the specific focus on mental health, giving you a cathartic release, followed by an endorphin release, and lastly relaxation and meditation or just some time to “be” without feeling guilty.”
How did this concept come to life?
“I deeply feel that all the hardships I’ve endured have led me to create this business concept. Almost like a grand projection for what I needed when growing up and even currently when going through hard times.
When I was adopted as a kid, here in Arvada, I didn’t connect with many people. So I connected with the basketball court. I’m actually supposed to be in the WNBA (laughs).
I worked really hard to get a full-ride scholarship. I attached my entire being to it. Unfortunately, I got really sick with pneumonia and spent six weeks in a coma. After over three months in the hospital, I lost part of my right lung and had a lot of medical issues. I should not have made it out.
I then had a lot of soul-searching. What’s my purpose now? I had my one thing taken from me. So I started working at Bally Total Fitness on 88th and Wadsworth. From there, I got my personal training certification and worked myself up to master trainer and fitness manager.
Being a personal trainer for over a decade taught me that we all have a deeper longing in life, more than fitness goals but rather CONNECTION, WORTHINESS and BELONGING are the true goals we’re trying to attain. I feel my concept has truly grasped that idea and the proof is in each person who has walked through my doors leaving behind them broken glass as well as the thoughts that they were ever in this life alone.”
What can someone expect in their first experience at e*motion?
“My process is when you come in, I give you a bottle first and you’re journaling. I will ask you ‘What do you need to let go of today? From the day you were born to today. Write that on your bottle.’ Then I give you a whole case of 12 other bottles and you’re cracking them against the wall. You’re journaling, you’re raging, and then working out. It is optional. I also have a chill room, which is the last part.”
What advice would you give a new business or entrepreneur in Arvada?
“I would tell an aspiring entrepreneur a few things. Network, network, network and then network some more. Network before you launch, network after you launch and continue throughout. Take a deep dive into yourself and your intuition. Create a deep knowing within yourself. Too many times others’ opinions can infiltrate your mind and cause you to second guess yourself but if you’re confident in your knowing, nothing else matters.”
What is your favorite business book, podcast or news resource?
“You Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle.
What have you found most valuable to being a member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce?
“You can feel that you are truly rooted for and supported!”
e*motion
9140 W 100th Ave, Broomfield, CO
www.emotionfitness.net
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