Hey, I’m Chris.

What a fucking week.  What a fucking year. 

Jesus. 

So this is something that I have been wanting to do for a long time but just haven’t made it a priority because, well… life ANNNNND I have a lot of ideas just have a hard time doing them all. Welcome to chrismelendrez.com and TBH I don’t know if anyone is going to ever visit or read, but I really don’t care. Because this is something that I want to do and something that gives me a creative outlet. 

If you came thinking that this will be a space that is politically correct, or that has proper grammar/spelling/etc, you’re ABSOLUTELY off of your rocker. However, what you will find is realness. I plan to use this space to talk about things that are real life things. Some of it will be really happy, some of it will be super empowering, some of it may make you cry and some of it will REALLY, REALLY, REALLY trigger the shit out of you. But I believe that this is my gift. Being real and helping people feel a lot of different things. 

Along with a space for writing this will also be the landing page for everything DOWN WITH THE THICKNESS and teaching related. So anytime there is new products, events or changes to any of my teaching schedules; this will be where you can find all the juicy goods. 

————————————————

Let’s get the basics out of the way. 

My name is Chris Melendrez, I grew up in Lincoln, CA and now call Sacramento home. I was raised by a single and powerful woman and was a first generation college graduate. As long as I can remember I’ve always known that there was something different about me, besides being gay (don’t worry there we will get more into that later on), and at times it feels so cool and other times it’s quite challenging. Unlike a lot of kids who wanted to be doctors, astronauts, or veterinarians, I wanted to be a US Senator. Because I wanted to change the world by helping people, and what other way could I possibly do that than public service?

I graduated from Chico State, where I majored in Dartying (urban dictionary it if you have to) and Communications with an emphasis in Public Affairs and minor is Sociology. Post graduation I turned down Grad School and a teaching position because frankly I was tired or reading - I still am… So I went to work, because God forbid I take some time off to truly figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I went to work for a VERY short lived career in an office of an elected official, which I COULDN’T STAND. So I quit. And then panicked, because what else do you do when you quit and don’t know what’s next… well what I did was went shopping at lululemon [SMAAAART], but actually in this situation it was because I landed a job with them while trying on clothes. I worked at lululemon for nearly two in a half years which led me to TEAMride. Man, what I ride. Also, if you’re still reading this would be a great time for a potty break. Yes, I’m a grown as man and I say potty. 

TEAMride. I don’t even know where to start but I will say that I have grown more with this company, community and people than any other place in my life. And I know there is no “I” in TEAM, but I sure did find “ME”. And for that I will forever be grateful. As an instructor what I started to realize was that it wasn’t the actual physical practice and workout I enjoyed about working in fitness, it was about the growth outside of the room. I had been a successful trainer in the past, but there was always something less rewarding about seeing results on a scale versus hearing the stories of empowerment from people who realized their own potential. Which helped me realize my potential - I’m like, you know, like good at helping people figure shit out. But that’s also because I’ve done work on myself - in no way shape or form am I saying I’m perfect, or that I’m completely healed because I’m the opposite of that actually - but at least I’m not pretending like everything is better than it is or that things don’t bother me when they do. [TOXIC]

I guess this kinda brings us to present day, and honestly I’m kinda tired of writing so I’m sure if you’re still reading, you’re over it too. Who I am today is a human trying his best to help others and show that you don’t have to have it all together or know all the answers and that the best version of yourself is the one that you’re happy with when you’re alone. I’m a teacher and I’m a student. I make a lot of mistakes. And I’m committed to learning from each one. I’m an entrepreneur of life. Living one day at a time trying to make a difference. I’m excited about the future because I’ve learned that faith is more powerful than your fears. I’m here for you, as long as I can be here for myself first. 
I hope that you tag along to see what’s next. I promise it won’t be boring and there will always be a dash of sarcasm and humor. I love you. I love me. Let’s work on loving others too. 

from love,