Inspiring Conversations with Dorcianna Cortez of Coached by Cortez LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorcianna Cortez.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I was born and raised in Topeka, KS. I grew up playing sports, mostly basketball, and softball, and enjoyed attending summer sports camps. After having my first child while still in high school, I was determined to continue playing softball for Topeka High, which was a huge challenge, but I could play, raise my son, and still graduate in the top 20% of my class. That’s something I’m still very proud of. Around 19, I started getting more into fitness rather than sports. I bought home workout DVDs and a few light dumbbells and got into a steady routine. Unfortunately, I developed an eating disorder and lost a large amount of weight which caused me to have some health issues. I had to learn to fuel my body adequately rather than focus on being as thin as possible.

In 2016, when I was 25, I married and had two more kids within two years. My last pregnancy was a huge challenge. I gained between 30-40lbs and struggled with postpartum depression. My self-esteem was at an all-time low. I decided to get back into shape. I researched home and gym workouts, meal preparation, and even activities with my kids to get the entire family involved. I was able to lose the 35lbs I had gained while pregnant. After seeing my success, friends and family would contact me for tips on losing weight, losing weight, and getting into shape. I felt that if I was going to give advice, I should become more educated and create a little side gig as a personal trainer.

In October of 2022, I enrolled in the NASM Certified Personal Trainer program and then began working as a Personal Trainer at Crunch Fitness. By February 2023, I had completed the NASM program. I started Coached by Cortez, where I offer personalized fitness and health coaching specializing in women’s fitness and working with clients who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community. I have found that the population I serve often feels uncomfortable in large corporate gyms or doesn’t know where to start regarding their fitness goals and journey. I offer a safe and inclusive space where my clients are free from judgment and can focus on their health.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the biggest struggles I’ve encountered are getting promoted throughout the community and finding an affordable studio space for my clients. I currently use my home studio for clients but would ultimately like a professional studio space.

As you know, we’re big fans of Coached by Cortez LLC. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
Coached by Cortez, offers private and personalized fitness and health coaching specializing in women’s fitness and working with clients who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community. I’m most proud of serving clients who often feel misunderstood or judged by others, particularly those in the LGBTQIA community. I feel that health and fitness should be accessible to everyone! Clients can receive a private health and fitness assessment where we go over their current lifestyle and goals and create a plan to reach them. Clients can select training packages of either 30-minute or 60-minute sessions for either 6 to 12 weeks increments.

We’d love to hear about your fond memories from growing up.
When my grandpa would do basketball drills with me in the driveway, he would attend all my basketball and softball games. He was also a huge advocate for education. He would say, “You can have all the money, cars, and fancy things in the world, but all that can be taken away. The most important thing you have is what’s on your mind. No one can ever take that from you. So, you have to get your education”. That has stuck with me all these years.

Pricing:

• 10.00 Consultation
• 35.00 30min Individual Training Session
• 65.00 60min Individual Training Session
• 30.00 30min Training Session Packages 6-12weeks
• 60.00 60min Training Session Packages 6-12weeks

Contact Info:

• Website: vagaro.com/coachedbycortez/book-now