Meet Chelsea Reyes | Online Health & Fitness Coach


We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I believe the most important thing I’ve done as a parent is lead by example.
As a single mom, there were many times when life was challenging, but I made a commitment to continuously grow, work hard, and never give up on myself. I wanted my daughter to see that setbacks don’t define you,
how you respond to them does.
By prioritizing my health, building my own business, and pushing through difficult seasons, I’ve shown her the importance of resilience, self-respect, and believing in yourself even when things are hard. More than anything, I hope she grows up knowing that she is capable of creating the life she wants and that she never has to settle for less than she deserves.


Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the Head Coach of Barbell Baddies, an online fitness coaching company that helps busy women transform their bodies, confidence, and lives through sustainable fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching. What sets me apart is that I don’t just coach from a textbook
I coach from lived experience. I’ve experienced the struggles of self doubt, heartbreak, starting over, balancing motherhood, and trying to build a life I was proud of while helping others do the same.
My journey professionally was anything but easy. I didn’t have a perfect roadmap or overnight success story. I had to build myself from the ground up while raising my daughter, navigating difficult relationships, and learning how to believe in myself when circumstances gave me every reason not to. There were moments when I questioned whether I was capable, qualified, or strong enough to achieve the goals I had set for myself. But every challenge taught me something valuable: resilience, patience, adaptability, and the importance of continuing to move forward even when you can’t see the entire path ahead.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to have on other women. Helping women who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves rediscover their confidence is something I never take for granted. Watching clients accomplish things they once believed were impossible.
whether that’s losing weight, building strength, improving their health, or simply learning to love themselves again; is the most rewarding part of what I do.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that transformation is never just physical. Real transformation happens when you change the way you think about yourself and what you believe you’re capable of. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency, resilience, and continuing to show up for yourself, especially on the difficult days.
More than anything, I want people to know that my brand and my story are rooted in empowerment. Barbell Baddies is about so much more than workouts and meal plans. It’s about helping women recognize their worth, build confidence from the inside out, and realize they are capable of creating a life they genuinely love. My story is proof that your past does not determine your future, and no matter where you’re starting from, you have the ability to become the person you want to be.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Austin for a week, I’d want them to experience a little bit of everything that makes this city special, great food, live music, outdoor adventures, and the unique culture that gives Austin its “Keep Austin Weird” charm.
We’d start our mornings with coffee from Summer Moon or Jo’s Coffee before heading out to explore. One of our first stops would be Lady Bird Lake for a walk or paddleboard session because it’s one of the best ways to see the Austin skyline while enjoying the outdoors.
For food, we’d have to hit some Austin staples. Breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural are non-negotiable. We’d grab barbecue at Terry Black’s BBQ, enjoy Tex-Mex at Matt’s El Rancho, and spend an evening at The Oasis watching the sunset over Lake Travis. For a fun brunch, we’d head to Bouldin Creek Café or Paperboy.
No Austin trip would be complete without spending time on South Congress. We’d shop local boutiques, take pictures by the famous “I Love You So Much” mural, listen to street musicians, and stop for a sweet treat at Amy’s Ice Cream.
For nightlife, we’d spend an evening on Rainey Street enjoying the unique bars and live music scene. Another night would be dedicated to experiencing Austin’s music culture on Sixth Street or catching a show at one of the many live music venues downtown.
To balance out all the food, we’d spend a day on Lake Travis, either renting a boat or relaxing by the water. We’d also hike Mount Bonnell for one of the best views in the city and cool off with a swim at Barton Springs Pool.
Toward the end of the trip, I’d take them to watch the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats emerge at sunset—a truly Austin experience. We’d finish the week with a relaxing dinner downtown, reflecting on all the memories while soaking in the city’s energy.
What I love most about Austin is that it has something for everyone. You can enjoy world class food, incredible live music, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a welcoming entrepreneurial spirit all in the same city. It’s a place where creativity, fitness, business, and culture all come together, which is a big reason I’ve grown to love calling it home.


Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are three people who immediately come to mind when I think about who deserves recognition in my story.
First, my daughter. She has been my biggest reason to keep pushing forward, even during the hardest seasons of my life. Becoming a mom gave me a deeper purpose and motivated me to become the strongest, healthiest, and most resilient version of myself. Every goal I’ve chased and every obstacle I’ve overcome has been fueled by the desire to create a better life and set a positive example for her.
Second, my parents. They have always been a source of love, support, and encouragement throughout my journey. They’ve believed in me during moments when I doubted myself and have helped shape the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity that I carry with me today.
Finally, Coach Cedy. He came into my life during a time when I needed guidance, belief, and accountability. he didn’t just help me transform physically, he helped me grow as a woman, a leader, and a business owner. Through her mentorship, she challenged me to think bigger, step outside my comfort zone, and realize that I was capable of far more than I had given myself credit for. His impact extends far beyond fitness and has played a significant role in the person I’ve become.
None of us achieve success alone, and I am incredibly grateful for each of them. They have all helped shape my journey in different ways, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their influence, love, and support.
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
Other: https://linktr.ee/IBuildBaddies


