Cover Story: Angela Huckaby – New IPL APEX Fitness Angels Pro & Overall Champion
PHOTOS BY BEN YOSEF
“WHEN YOU’RE ON STAGE THE WORLD AROUND YOU SHUTS DOWN AND EVERYTHING EXTERNAL GETS DROWNED OUT. IT’S ONLY THE HARD WORK YOU PUT IN. IN THE KITCHEN, IN THE GYM, AND IN YOUR POSING PRACTICES.”
NATURALMAG: Angela, in less than a year, you’ve gone from IPL newcomer to 2X IPL Pro Champion. Did you ever imagine your rookie season would look like this?
ANGELA HUCKABY: Honestly, no! But I’ve always looked at the stage a little different than most. It’s an accountability partner for myself. The true test of whether I have been putting in the work. It’s all in how you feel.
NMI: You steamrolled through four Fitness Angels classes at APEX VIII, walking away with two wins, two Pro Cards, an Overall title and two runner up Pro Debut finishes. What mindset were you in stepping onto that Phoenix stage?
AH: When you’re on stage the world around you shuts down and everything external gets drowned out. It’s only the hard work you put in. In the kitchen, in the gym, and in your posing practices. I had a lot of stage time at APEX, and it really allowed me to show my conditioning and physique through an expressive extension of my wing selection. Which was a heartfelt homage to my late mother. I lost her when I was just nine, but I still cherish the blue butterfly trinket that was hers, keeping her memory close to my heart.
“WINNING THE CROWN AND EARNING MY PRO STATUS, AN OVERALL TITLE AND MAKING MY PRO DEBUTS FELT LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE. I WAS FILLED WITH HAPPINESS AND PRIDE FOR ALL THE HARD WORK I HAD INVESTED.”
NMI: NATURALMAG’s Spring 2025 cover is all yours. How does it feel to be the new face of IPL Masters Fitness Angels and with a carnivore prep twist no less?
AH: I love how Ben captured the fun and flirty spirit of the Angels Fitness divisions! It’s truly an honor to be featured on the Spring 2025 cover. I’m beyond ecstatic and never imagined that my journey of personal accountability for my health and nutrition would lead to this moment. Carnivore prep has been such an exciting adventure, allowing me to explore new flavors and discover the incredible power of nourishing my body with quality foods. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates vitality and joy!
NMI: You made your Pro Debuts in both Masters and Open…back-to-back. What were those moments like, standing on stage as a brand-new Pro?
AH: Those Pro Debuts offered me another opportunity to step onto the stage and perfect my presentation. Winning the crown and earning my Pro status, an Overall title and making my Pro Debuts felt like a dream come true. I was filled with happiness and pride for all the hard work I had invested. It was also an honor to share the stage with such incredible competitors!
“WHAT SETS ME APART IS MY PREPARATION AND CONFIDENCE ON STAGE. I WASN’T TROUBLED BY NERVES AT APEX.”
NMI: Let’s talk about your 2nd place finishes in the Pro classes. Was it fuel for the fire, or a moment of reflection?
AH: I would say it was a moment of reflection for me, as I realized there were opportunities to polish my Fitness Angels routine and differentiate it further from the Shape division. I believe I made progress, but the competition was incredibly strong this time. It truly felt like a close call for the judges!
NMI: You’ve carved your name into the league fast. What do you think sets you apart from the pack in the Fitness Angels division?
AH: What sets me apart is my preparation and confidence on stage. I wasn’t troubled by nerves at APEX. Instead, I focused on maintaining a great pump throughout the show. Competing alongside such incredible individuals only fueled my passion for this division, and I truly enjoyed the experience…I can’t wait to step on stage again!
“…EMBRACING THIS JOURNEY AT ANY AGE CAN BE INCREDIBLY REWARDING AND CHALLENGING. DON’T LET SELF-DOUBT HOLD YOU BACK.”
NMI: For athletes considering a carnivore-based prep, what has your experience been like? Any surprises along the way?
AH: My experience with a diet primarily consisting of eggs, steak, and halibut has been nothing short of transformative! I was pleasantly surprised by the boost in energy and performance I gained from such nutrient-dense foods. Focusing on these whole ingredients helped me develop a deeper appreciation for the flavors and textures, making the journey both satisfying and enjoyable. While it came with its own set of challenges, I found that my body responded incredibly well, and I felt more in tune with my nutritional needs than ever before. I highly encourage any athlete considering this diet to approach it with enthusiasm and an open mind!
NMI: You’re proving that age is just a number. What do you want other 40+ athletes to know about stepping into the spotlight—especially for the first time?
AH: I think I would share that embracing this journey at any age can be incredibly rewarding and challenging. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Focus on your strengths and the passion that brought you to this point. Stepping on stage for the first time may feel intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your hard work and dedication. Embrace the moment, enjoy the excitement, and remember that you’re inspiring others by showing them what’s possible at any age!
“I PLAN TO CONTINUE PUSHING MY LIMITS IN IPL COMPETITIONS AND EXPANDING MY PRESENCE IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY…THE JOURNEY IS JUST BEGINNING, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHERE IT LEADS!”
NMI: Now that you’ve got a cover and multiple Pro Cards under your belt, what’s next for Angela Huckaby?
AH: I’m excited for what’s next! I plan to continue pushing my limits in IPL competitions and expanding my presence in the fitness industry through carnivore coaching and as an IPL posing coach. I’m passionate about inspiring others. I look forward to exploring collaborations that showcase the beauty of fitness and the joy it brings. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it leads!
NMI: If you could bottle up one feeling from that APEX VIII weekend and share it with the world, what would it be?
AH: If I could bottle up one feeling from APEX VIII weekend to share with the world, it would be the deep sense of camaraderie and empathy. The strong community within the IPL organization creates a beautiful and uplifting atmosphere, highlighting the connections formed through shared experiences and mutual encouragement. It’s such a positive and fun experience to compete within the IPL! NATURALMAG
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NATURALMAG Cover Story: Angela Huckaby – New IPL APEX Fitness Angels Pro & Overall Champion
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NATURALMAG Cover Story: Angela Huckaby – New IPL APEX Fitness Angels Pro & Overall Champion
“Winning the crown and earning my Pro status, an Overall title and making my Pro Debuts felt like a dream come true. I was filled with happiness and pride for all the hard work I had invested.”
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