Meet Chelsea Reyes | Co-CEO & Head Coach | Barbell Baddies

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

Hi Chelsea, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
When it comes to risk-taking, I view it as an essential step towards achieving one’s full potential. The role it has played in my life and career is pivotal, marked by a transformative decision I made—a decision that involved leaving the security of a corporate 9-5 job to dive full-time into my passion, my business, Barbell Baddies.

At the time, I was juggling the demands of my day job with the burgeoning needs of Barbell Baddies. Every spare moment was dedicated to building my brand, coaching clients, and learning everything I could about empowering women through fitness. But there was a point when I realized that to truly scale my impact and serve my community in the way I envisioned, half measures wouldn’t cut it. The business demanded my full attention, and I had to make a choice.

The risk was significant. Leaving a stable job meant stepping into uncertainty. No guaranteed paycheck, no fallback. But it was here that the true test of trust and belief in myself came into play. I hired mentors who were seasoned in the fitness and business arenas. Their guidance was instrumental, but the most crucial aspect was trusting myself—trusting that I could hold the reins of my business and generate a livable income.

Taking that leap was terrifying yet exhilarating. Every day presented new challenges, but also new opportunities to learn and grow, not just as a business owner, but as a leader committed to making a difference. It was a trust process, one where every small success built my confidence and reaffirmed that the risk was worth it.

Looking back, that decision to go all in was the best risk I’ve ever taken. It has not only shaped my career but has also defined the very ethos of Barbell Baddies—bold, empowering, and unafraid to pursue what truly matters. It’s taught me that risk isn’t just about facing fear; it’s about stepping into your power and making your vision a reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into the world of fitness and personal transformation began in Austin, TX, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I displayed a knack for leadership and an innate ability to innovate and create. However, like many, my path wasn’t without its struggles. After battling postpartum depression at the age of 20, I found myself grappling with anxiety, depression, and a growing dependency on alcohol. This dark phase of my life pushed me to seek a better way forward—not just for myself but also as a role model for my daughter.

The turning point came one morning when I decided to channel my energy into something transformative—my fitness. This shift not only helped me escape my mental prison but also sparked a passion for constant improvement, embodying the philosophy of being ‘1% better’ every day. This mindset not only pulled me through personal hardships but became the foundation of my approach to coaching.

After achieving personal milestones, including competing in bodybuilding showcases and qualifying nationally with the NPC, I knew I had valuable insights and a unique approach that could help others. That’s how Barbell Baddies was born—a brand that isn’t just about fitness but about breaking free from mental constraints and achieving personal liberation through health and discipline.

What sets Barbell Baddies apart? Our approach is deeply personal and tailored. We understand that results are paramount—not only to our clients but to us. We care about your success almost more than you might at times, and we’ve structured our support to ensure you feel confident, on track, and valued:

Weekly Check-Ins: Personal feedback from your coach to keep you aligned with your goals.

Six-Week Benchmark Calls: One-on-one discussions to assess progress and recalibrate efforts.

Daily Live Videos: Whether it’s new recipes, form corrections, or mindset resets, our private Facebook community is a hub for daily growth and interaction.

Weekly Q&A Support Calls: Direct access to all Baddie Coaches to get your burning questions answered.

Sunday Success Calls: A reset for your goals and mindset, setting the tone for the week ahead.

Custom Plans: From workouts that meet you where you are to meal plans tailored to your goals and dietary needs, everything is crafted for your unique journey.

Time Management Training: Tools and techniques to help you fit fitness into your busy schedule.
Our ‘secret sauce’ is the genuine, relentless support you receive—making sure every Baddie feels equipped to tackle their fitness journey with gusto and grace.

My Mission: As a coach and a mentor, my purpose extends beyond fitness. I am here to show you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that with the right mindset, community, and support, any goal is attainable. At Barbell Baddies, we don’t just transform bodies; we transform lives by instilling resilience, discipline, and a mindset geared towards continuous improvement. Let’s embark on this journey together, proving day by day that being better is not just a goal—it’s a reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Orange County, CA is packed with diverse attractions and activities perfect for a week-long adventure with your best friend! Here’s an itinerary that combines the best of nature, culture, dining, and relaxation:

Day 1: Beach Day and Downtown Huntington Beach
Morning: Start at Huntington Beach. Grab breakfast at Sandy’s Beach Shack right on the pier.
Afternoon: Enjoy sunbathing, surfing lessons, or just a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Evening: Explore the shops and atmosphere of downtown Huntington Beach. Dinner at Duke’s Huntington Beach for some fresh seafood with a view.

Day 2: Disneyland Park
Full Day: Spend a day at Disneyland Park. Be sure to use the Disneyland app for ride times and to reserve dining.
Dinner: Eat within the park; options like the Blue Bayou Restaurant offer a unique experience with views of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Day 3: Newport Beach and Balboa Island
Morning: Have breakfast at Alta Coffee in Newport Beach.
Midday: Rent a Duffy boat and enjoy a self-guided tour around the harbor.
Afternoon: Take the ferry to Balboa Island and enjoy a frozen banana from Sugar ‘n Spice.
Evening: Dinner at The Cannery or Javier’s in Crystal Cove for upscale Mexican cuisine.

Day 4: Laguna Beach Art Scene
Morning: Breakfast at Nick’s Laguna Beach.
Day: Visit art galleries and the Laguna Art Museum. Walk through Heisler Park for coastal views and public art.
Evening: Catch a play at the Laguna Playhouse. Dinner at The Cliff Restaurant for sunset views.

Day 5: Day Trip to Catalina Island
Morning: Catch the ferry from Newport Beach.
Day: Rent a golf cart to explore Avalon, snorkel in the clear waters, or relax on the beach.
Evening: Return to mainland. Dinner at Bear Flag Fish Co. for casual, fresh seafood.

Day 6: Shopping and Irvine Spectrum
Morning: Start with breakfast at Bruxie for gourmet waffles in Irvine.
Day: Spend the day shopping at Irvine Spectrum Center and enjoy the Ferris wheel.
Evening: Watch a movie at the onsite Regal Cinemas or have dinner at Habana for Cuban cuisine.

Day 7: Relaxing in Nature
Morning: Breakfast at Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills.
Day: Spend a day in nature at Crystal Cove State Park for hiking or relaxing by the sea.
Evening: End your week with a relaxing dinner at Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach.

Check out local breweries like The Bruery in Placentia or Noble Ale Works in Anaheim.
Active Adventures: Try paddle boarding in the Newport Back Bay or hiking in the Laguna Wilderness Park.
Cultural Experiences: Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano for a touch of local history.

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?
Absolutely, I firmly believe in the power of community and mentorship in shaping our paths. I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to several pivotal sources of inspiration and guidance that have been instrumental in my journey.

Firstly, the Women’s Wealth & Business Academy (WWBA) has been a cornerstone of my development as a businesswoman. The mentorship from Kendall Strampell, in particular, provided not only the business acumen needed but also an empowering mindset that has been crucial for my growth.

In terms of personal development, several books have profoundly shaped my thinking and approach to both life and business. ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear and ‘The Compound Effect’ by Darren Hardy have taught me the power of small, consistent actions leading to substantial results. ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill provided timeless lessons on the mindset of success. Each of these books instilled the value of perseverance, strategic planning, and the belief in the compound power of small, daily efforts.

My spiritual growth, guided by The Bible, has been foundational, and the teachings of Pastor Sara Jake Roberts have been incredibly impactful. Her insights have provided me with strength and perspective that intertwine with all areas of my life, including my business endeavors.

Lastly, the motivational wisdom from speakers like Les Brown, David Goggins, and Tony Robbins has been nothing short of transformative. Each, in their unique way, has fueled my drive and helped harness my resilience to overcome challenges and pursue greatness relentlessly.

All these influences collectively form the backbone of my support system, continually pushing me towards excellence and helping me empower others through Barbell Baddies. It’s crucial to recognize that while our efforts may be our own, our successes are often supported by the teachings, support, and encouragement of those around us and those who have paved the way with their wisdom.

Website: https://go.barbellbaddies.com/accelerator-5150-7887

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibuildbaddies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChelsReneeR/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ibuildbaddies