Meet Tessa Reyes Benz | Fitness Trainer

I help women find their strength and confidence through movement and exercise. With so many of us having grown up with a punishment mindset when it comes to exercise, I aim to offer a new perspective. Movement and exercise can be our best ally and friend in uncovering the best version of ourselves from the inside out.

I started my training career back in 2011 but closed that chapter in 2014 after my first daughter was born. I never imagined getting back into it, but when the pandemic hit, my friends elected me to lead them in online workouts. What started with a handful of friends quickly turned into a community of women showing up to work out with me.

One thing that really resonated with people is how I teach my classes. I never thought I’d be a group fitness instructor because I complain way too much. I don’t know how to not grunt and take breaks when things get hard. However, those who work out with me constantly tell me how much they appreciate the realness that I bring to the workout experience.

The business side happened very organically. What started as online group fitness classes turned into a YouTube Channel, private training clients with women all over the country/world, workout calendars, and now I offer a hybrid 1-on-1 training program called The Real Sweat Method. This program merges the benefits of 1-on-1 coaching with the ease and convenience of a balanced workout program to help women build strength, boost their confidence, and reshape their bodies and minds.

I’ve been able to work with so many incredible women on their journey, and it’s an honor I do not take lightly.

We would ABSOLUTELY have to eat at these restaurants: Porto’s Bakery, All Time, Dune in Atwater, HomeState tacos, Prime Pizza, Great White.

Before or after any activity I’d force them to try one of my favorite coffee shops: Blue Bottle, The Palm Coffee Bar, or Alfreds.

We’d probably also make time to swing by either Proof Bakery for their salted chocolate chip cookies or Donut Friend for those heavenly donuts.

As far as places: I’m always offering a hike at Fryman Canyon, Griffith Canyon or Millard Falls (perfect with little ones). Malibu or Ventura for a dose of the beach. Hauser & Wirth, the MOCA or The Broad are always on our list followed by some time walking and eating our way through Little Tokyo. We’d probably stop by the Studio City Farmer’s Market and then walk Magnolia Blvd for some vintage shopping.