A New Era of Wellness Through Body Awareness and Alignment – Exclusive Interview with Krystal Walden
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 11
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 18
Krystal Walden brings to the health and fitness spa 25+ years of experience as a competitive athlete, offering her unique fusion of athletic gifts and accreditations. Krystal specializes in helping individuals (from beginners to athletes) get back in touch consciously with their minds, bodies, and souls. She strongly emphasizes body awareness and alignment for maximum injury prevention and recovery. With the kind of strength, flexibility, balance, and compassion that Krystal possesses, there is no doubt that she will meet her goals to enhance the global image of how to live a stronger, healthier, and balanced lifestyle.
Krystal Walden, Master of Science in Gerontology
Introduce yourself.
I am Krystal Walden, the Founder/CEO of KRYSTAL SPA®, a health and fitness spa devoted to the healing arts. From the age of 8, I became an accomplished 100- and 200-meter runner. My execution and excellence in academics and athletics awarded me scholarships to the University of California (UCLA), where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Psychology.
I also competed as a World-Class and UCLA Track Athlete trained by the best of the best: Brooks Johnson (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach), Bobby Kersee (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach; husband and coach of six-time U.S. Track & Field Olympic medalist, Jackie Joyner- Kersee), and Jeanette Bolden (U.S. Track & Field Olympic Team coach and medalist; former UCLA Track & Field head coach).
In 2003, I began my intensive Yoga Therapy studies. I continued to deepen my Yoga Therapy studies at Forrest Yoga Institute, where the world-renowned Anna Forrest trained me, and I achieved my credentials as a Certified Yoga Therapist. To balance out my knowledge of the human body, I studied Massage Therapy at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing (IPSB), a school of holistic body therapy. There, I successfully achieved my credentials as a Certified Massage Therapist.
As the years go on, my passion and enthusiasm for the creation and mechanics of the human body grow stronger and stronger. As the Physical Therapy Operations Specialist, I am currently with the Nation’s No.1 Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy faculty practice, the University of Southern California (USC) Physical Therapy Associates. During this time, I also achieved my Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Southern California (USC).
Please tell us about yourself and your life, so we can get to know you better.
As a native of Southern California, I have had the pleasure of enjoying different adventures. When I am in the mood to enjoy the beach life, I love to head to Manhattan Beach. First, I roller-skate from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach and back for a great cardio workout. Afterward, I have a delightful lunch on the sand while listening to the sound of the ocean waves.
When I am in the mood for a shopping spree, I love to head to Larchmont Boulevard. First, I grab a cup of coffee and then start window shopping at all my favorite boutiques before deciding what to purchase. The benefit of Larchmont Boulevard is the variety of cafes and restaurants along the Boulevard that serve delicious lunches or dinners.
When I am in the mood to enjoy the arts, I love to head to Hollywood Boulevard. First, I grab dinner at one of my favorite steak houses and then head to the Pantages Theatre to see a play or musical.
When I am in the mood for dancing, I love to head to Sunset Boulevard. First, I get all dolled up in a fancy dress, a choice from one of my favorite elegant restaurants along the Boulevard that serves a magnificent dinner. Afterward, I will bar/lounge hop with my friends between all the different upscale hotels and dance clubs.
Depending on my mood and emotions, I could go on and on about where and how I enjoy Southern California. That's the beauty of Southern California: There is always something to do based on a mood or emotion, and one can never be bored.
What inspired you to start KRYSTAL SPA®, and how has the journey evolved?
My entrepreneurial journey started when I developed the business concept of Royalty & Relaxation®, a memorable spa experience for my community with facial, nail, and massage services. However, during this part of my journey, my athletic nature craved attention. That epiphany motivated me to embark on a new entrepreneurial journey in the health and fitness industry
In 2002, I developed the business concept of KRYSTAL SPA® when I noticed the absence of health and fitness awareness within most spa facilities today. This awareness created an opportunity for me to integrate a niche of health and fitness services into high-quality spa services that will help you live your best life!
Now, my entrepreneurial journey has expanded with the vision for KRYSTAL SPA® to redefine the field of Gerontology with our health and fitness services. Gerontology is defined as the study of aging and the older adult population. KRYSTAL SPA® will broaden that definition to include all ages. It will be more profound for the field of Gerontology to be defined as the study of the entire aging process, from beginning to end. In today's times, aging outside of the home is getting harder and harder. The challenges of aging at home, with or without loved ones, healthy and strong, independently, and with excellent health insurance have increased exponentially. So why not learn how to age gracefully and stylishly as early as possible?
What makes Krystal Spa’s approach to wellness and beauty unique?
The spa industry will grow towards a deeper collaboration between Eastern and Western health and fitness practices. This partnership will help meet our communities' need for more preventive and active healing methods for the mind, body, and spirit.
KRYSTAL SPA® is a pioneer in the spa industry, creating partnerships with scientists, medical doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, yoga therapists, and massage therapists to provide elite health and fitness services to our community.
As our communities’ productive levels increase, the need for more health-enhancing, stress-relieving, and relaxing techniques in a convenient location will increase. Soon, the spa industry will also grow towards in-home and/or in-office health and fitness care. This opportunity for more individualized and personalized health and fitness services will force spa practitioners to raise the bar on higher-quality services.
Can you share a favorite success story or transformation you’ve witnessed?
Yes, I can. However, it is always more authentic to hear the testimony firsthand. Here are two from my KRYSTAL SPA® website that I deeply cherish!
“Krystal has a unique way of connecting with patients at a deeper level than a traditional one- on-one relationship. She deeply cares about you as a person, has a quick and accurate recollection to your overall care plan and is consistently supportive, focused and committed to meeting your individual milestones and goals. Krystal is genuinely interested in my physical progress, but also in the details of my life, which shows she has the unique insight and maturity to know the success of my progress and key to my rehabilitation lies in both. Not only is Krystal skilled, accomplished, and professional in her outlined duties, but equally as important, she has a kind, gentle heart and caring spirit, which is hard to find and, for me, genuinely and heartfelt appreciated." ~Brit E.D., Los Angeles, CA.
"I am very inspired by Krystal and find her to be an excellent teacher. I always learn something new when Krystal is teaching. Whether it is about breathwork or an asana, I always come away with a new insight. Krystal is able to teach a cohesive and uplifting class to a diverse group. On any afternoon or evening, Krystal's class is comprised of complete beginners, yogis, and yoginis who have been practicing for years, pregnant women, people suffering from career burning out, and a whole other motley crew of yogi-types. Krystal breaks down asanas for beginners in a way that people with very established practices, as well as beginners, can benefit from, and Krystal unifies the group in a way that only a gifted teacher can achieve." ~Jacqueline M., Silicon Valley. CA
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
The most critical business decision I have made over the years of owning KRYSTAL SPA® was recognizing my core audience. As a former UCLA track athlete, I naturally had a passion for and desire to work with other professional athletes. Although I have been blessed to work with professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, and U.S. Track & Field, my passion has evolved.
When I started teaching yoga, I discovered that my soft spot for beginners in health and fitness was growing stronger. Beginners tend to be more open and vulnerable to new ideas and concepts. I grew a passion for the desire to guide beginners to building a strong knowledge base and foundation for their health and fitness. Beginners are also more excited about learning new ideas and concepts. It has always been my pleasure to share the knowledge I have gained thus far over the years about the human body.
My passion and enthusiasm for the creation and mechanics of the human body grow stronger and stronger, allowing me to help individuals consciously reconnect with their mind, body, and spirit. Sharing this passion with beginners who are hungry for knowledge is indeed a humbling experience. I strongly emphasize health and fitness through body awareness and alignment for maximum injury prevention and recovery. My goals are to enhance the global image of how to live a stronger, healthier, and balanced lifestyle.
KRYSTAL SPA® is a health and fitness program for you to live your best life. Come join us to learn how! Visit my refreshing website.
