Today we’d like to introduce you to Reina Dominguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Reina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey with GritCycle started just over a year and half ago. I’d spent the previous two and half years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, my focus within the yoga industry and though I had a great time there, built so many great connection and relationships, I decided I wanted something different, something fresh, and I missed the ocean terribly; so Summer of 2017 I decided to relocate to Southern California and that is where I found my current home with GritCycle.
Life has a way of working out when you’re willing to trust the process: interestingly enough, I was already being groomed to be a GritCycle instructor long before I’d ever stepped foot in the studio, or in California for that matter. That’s another story for another day. #sixdegreesofseparation. Anyways, though I now reside in Long Beach, I originally touched down in Newport Beach, CA; at the end of June 2017. GritCycle held auditions that October, specifically for the Long Beach location that was set to open Summer of 2018, and so my process began- I auditioned, was selected to enter into instructor training, completed training, and, initially, started teaching at the Monarch Beach location; Anaheim Hills soon followed, and when the Long Beach studio opened, it became my home base. I currently teach there six times per week, Anaheim Hills- three times per week, and at the Huntington Beach location once a week.
The opportunity for continued growth with GritCyle is and has been incredible. We continue to grow as a company and that success has presented new roles for myself (and others) in and out of the saddle room. In addition to my role as a gritcycle instructor, I am also the assistant instructor coordinator- second in command for talent recruitment, training, and maintenance. I work directly with our instructor coordinator, Katie Osumi, to cultivate Southern California’s next biggest podium star. It’s a really fascinating experience to witness each instructors unique journey from their time in instructor training to teaching their first class – to see their heart, their drive & commitment to greatness, and to see them evolve and come into their own makes my heart smile. GritCyle recently launched GritUniversity — a 2-day training program designed for aspiring indoor cycling instructors to learn the fundamentals of teaching. I feel privileged to have a heavy hand in that. We are constantly growing and evolving individually and as a company, I’m excited to see what the next year brings and has to offer. Only up from here!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Fortunately, I get to say that my journey from North Carolina (that’s where I’m originally from) to Colorado, to California has been fairly seamless; Not perfect, but then again, what is? Throughout my venture(s) there have been so many instances and encounters that have taken place; the serendipity of it all still gives me chills when I consider them. I couldn’t have planned certain circumstances better if I’d tried. There truly is something to be said about trusting the process and believing in yourself, in regards to your craft, and in life in general. In my experiences, the Universe has always provided, I just had to be willing to “lean into it” and embrace the unknown. Like I said, it hasn’t been “perfect” but it’s been pretty freakin’ close and absolutely amazing.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a GritCycle instructor, assistant instructor coordinator, and, most recently, a lululemon ambassador! (whoop, whoop!)
GritCycle is a boutique indoor cycling studio offering high-intensity, full-body cycling classes. Our studios are structured around the key fundamentals of happiness – physical fitness, connection, and giving – because at the end of the day, we just want you to be happy. You can expect classes to be high-energy and endorphin-boosting. We host tons of events that bring members of our community together but what we’re most proud of is that on a monthly basis, we offer donation-based classes, benefitting local charities and non-profits. We believe in the power of teamwork, sweat equity, and good ol’ fashioned fun. At GritCycle, it truly is a “we-thing.”
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I absolutely was, and still am, an extroverted-introvert. I’ve always been a bit more reserved when not on a performing or social platform- more frequently the observer verses the one to engage.
My interests have always been in the arts- the creative, the performing. I was a competitive dancer growing up and I LOVE to dance! I’m less competitive these days; now it’s about dropping into a local hiphop class and having a good time. I believe that my background in dance laid the foundation for all that has followed and where I am in my career today. Thanks mom and dad!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gritcycle.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slimyogini/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slimyogini06
Image Credit:
Griffin Patrick, Lauren Saunders, Kristina Meredith
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