Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Flores Rector.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As I tell most people, I am a fitness instructor by day and an actor by job.
I went to school for musical theatre and toured the US and Canada for 2 years with a show post graduation.
While I was on the road, I found myself having to work out in my hotel room, in parking lots or anywhere else I could find! I’ve always been an active person, and once I left the road I knew I wanted to surround myself by positive people who loved being active as well. I soon found myself in the barre studio every day. I started teaching at a small studio in March of 2013, and have never looked back.
I’ve been with Flywheel for 4 years and have been blessed with my current position as Precision Training Lead and Master Instructor.
I continue to act (I’m currently on a long running Lowe’s commercial as an employee named Ruth… my friends have a hay day with that one…) but I have truly found a life purpose in fitness.
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?
NOTHING is smooth. And nothing is easy. Especially when you choose to follow your dreams. When I started teaching, I was making about $12 a class and teaching dozens of classes a week. I then added multiple studios to my roster so that I could bring home a decent living.
As my fellow fitness professionals know, this is a life of hustle. You’re waking up before the sun, and you teach when everyone else is cooking dinner or going to brunch on the weekend. It’s hard to find time with your loved ones, your body is always tired, you have mountains of laundry ALL THE TIME, but it’s worth it.
Truly, the one piece of advice I would give anyone starting this journey is to have faith in your passion. It won’t always pay the bills, it won’t always look glamorous, it won’t always feel like your dream… but when you choose to live a life outside of a “normal” career, the end game is joy. That joy will ALWAYS find you and it will always drive you. Find a tribe that supports you for exactly who you are and never apologize for chasing your crazy dream.
We’d love to hear more about Flywheel Chicago.
I am the Lead Precision Training Instructor for Flywheel Sports Chicago. Aka I teach barre, circuit training, I train new instructors, and I oversee the instructor development in Chicago (and Texas).
I started teaching because I wanted to bring people joy. Over time I have become a bit of a costume enthusiast for themed classes. Every year, I teach a Cinco De Mayo class while dressed as a taco (my signature look, if you will). Most recently, I remade a costume from Beyoncé’s Vogue shoot (it’s worth a look at my Instagram… just saying). I’m also known for my love of Champagne which I incorporate to themed classes (because duh). I also may or may not have handmade a champagne bottle costume for myself last Halloween…
All of this to say, I firmly believe that fitness should NOT be torture, taken seriously or made to punish your body. You should be able to laugh your way through your workout and leave with a smile.
Along with bringing joy and laughter, my goal is to create a room that is for all humans. I strive to be the fitness professional who talks about doing your best and being your strongest, NOT the one who would ever tell you to complete a workout to get a six- pack, a “bikini body” or to lose weight. I’m all about that body love.
Come to my class and walk out feeling like you are enough and you are a badass. And maybe also feeling like: “Did she seriously keep that costume on the entire class? She’s insane.”
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I feel like while it’s a challenging time to be a woman, it’s also the BEST time to be a woman. We have a voice, we have platforms to shout from, we are gaining power and we are taking over. Now is our time.
I think it is our job right now as women to speak out and show up for one another. We need to forget beating ourselves up and spend more time building ourselves up. We need to unlearn the belief that our light dims when another woman’s light shines. There is enough room for all of us.
Now is the time to use these platforms we have been given (ie social media, blogs, etc.) for good. It’s time to use them to share truths and fears and spread joy and love. We need to use them to be better than we’ve ever been before. It’s time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flywheelsports.com/instructor/90067252
- Email: eflores@flywheelsports.com
- Instagram: @champagneandfitness
Image Credit:
Courtney Clinkert, Maria Ponce Photography
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