Fitness is a lifestyle for Greater Toronto Area police officer LaToya Anderson
December 15, 2020
Making any book or magazine cover is very satiating.
Add $20,000 to that recognition puts the honouree over the moon.
Latoya Anderson didn’t accomplish either in the fourth annual Ms. Health & Fitness competition. Finishing seventh, however, from a field of nearly 20,000 global entrants is quite the achievement she doesn’t take lightly.
“I relish chasing goals,” she said. “But this was definitely something that’s out of my comfort zone. To put myself out there that much isn’t a thing I would normally do. The experience was very rewarding based on the expansion of my community and the support I received.”
Fitness is a lifestyle for the 34-year-old police officer.
“It’s therapy for me and something that makes me feel good about myself,” she said. “It’s a routine, a part of who I am and I love the results I get from it.”
When a friend pointed Anderson to the competition earlier this year, she leaped at the opportunity.
“I posted photos and videos daily and asked people to go to my link and vote for me,” she said. “There was nothing specific in terms of what we chose to post. I use social media to post my fitness journey which has inspired people who have reached out to me. Some have said they gain inspiration to get up and go to a gym. They like my consistency and hard work.”
Latoya Anderson enjoys working out (Photo contributed)
While the monetary prize was appealing, appearing on the cover of a magazine that predominantly features White lifestyle models mattered most to Anderson.
“I have never seen a Black face on the cover of Muscle & Fitness Hers magazine,” she said. “Black women are very involved in the fitness industry, yet we are not represented in these magazines and spaces where we should be.”
The online fan voting competition closed on September 24 which is Women’s Health and Fitness Day.
The winner was announced on October 8.
Though very resilient and competitive, the experience offered Anderson a few more useful lessons.
“I have learnt that I can push myself past my limit and I didn’t really know my own capacity and how I can impact others,” she said.
Migrating from Jamaica at age six, Anderson was raised in Scarborough.
She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School that she represented at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) track & field championship in the 100 and 200-metre sprints, and the University of Windsor with a Criminology degree.
To secure additional experience for a policing career, Anderson was a Correctional Officer for two of the four years she spent in Alberta before returning to the Greater Toronto Area.
She became a police officer four years ago.
“When you look around, the number of Black female officers is not where I think it should be,” Anderson said. “I also wanted a job where I am interacting with community residents and endeavouring to make a difference.”
For young women considering a career in law enforcement, she has a few useful tips.
“Surround yourself with people that want to see you succeed and are going to help you along the journey,” said Anderson. “These are people that are going to be always there to support you and lead you in the right direction.”
The year 2018 was tough for her.
Anderson was saddled with family and personal relationship issues that resulted in a 20-pound weight loss.
“I wasn’t feeling good about myself,” she said.
To pull herself out of one of the lowest points in her life, Anderson created a swimwear line that was launched last year.
“I needed something to put my energy into,” she said. “That was done with no experience in designing, sales or starting a business. I just jumped on the computer and did research. I found someone to do my patterns and samples. It was definitely trial and error, but I was focused on building and creating something that was my own and which makes me feel good.”
Latoya Anderson launched a swimwear collection a year ago (Photo contributed)
Six months after the launch, Anderson’s debut swimwear collection was showcased at New York Fashion Week in September 2019.
Her second collection is on hold because of COVID.
What makes Anderson’s line unique?
“My colours are bright and the designs are abstract,” she said. “What I am producing is unlike the typical swimsuits you will find in a mall. My brand portrays positivity and it’s about making women feel wholesome and beautiful.”
The oldest of four siblings is thankful for her mother’s support.
Alleth Anderson is a registered nurse and Tyndale University 2019 Master of Theological Studies graduate.
“For my mom, failure is not an option,” said her only daughter. “She put a lot of pressure on me and really pushed me hard to succeed. At the time I didn’t understand why, but it made a lot of sense when I look back. She’s also my biggest supporter.”
