We get to know Phil Dominguez in this Trainer Spotlight episode of FITLETE Radio.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background?
Phil Dominguez: My name is Phil Dominguez. I never graduated college, though I attended DeVry University and East LA City College (ELAC JC) for a while. During the pandemic, I completed an online internship with Show Up Fitness, which kickstarted my journey into fitness. From there, I traveled and connected with fitness professionals to grow my knowledge.
I run Attitude and Effort Fitness LLC in Downey, California—a small city about 10 miles from downtown LA. My clientele includes athletes, golfers, teachers, and general population clients. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on golfers and collaborating with golf trainers to refine techniques like shoulder rotation.
Q: What is the mission of your business?
Phil: My mission is to alter life distractions by helping people establish routines because living a healthy lifestyle positively impacts our ever-changing society. This creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone around them.
The theme of my business is simple: when people give great attitude and effort, their lives improve. You can’t have one without the other—both are essential for success.
Q: Can you share a funny or interesting story about yourself?
Phil: I’m a hardcore WWE nerd! Growing up, I would rent VHS tapes of wrestling events like SummerSlam or WrestleMania from local video stores—not even Blockbuster! To this day, if someone mentions wrestling, my ears perk up like my German shepherd’s.
Wrestling has even influenced how I present myself online—I channel WWE characters to tell stories and connect with people in a fun way.
Q: What strategies do you use to attract and retain clients?
Phil: When I started, I leaned into my WWE-inspired personality to engage people—it was goofy but effective for gaining initial clients. Over time, referrals became key. For example, I trained a friend who referred his wife, who then referred her teacher friends.
To retain clients, I focus on building relationships and helping them achieve things they didn’t think possible. For instance, one client recently squatted 60 pounds eccentrically for six reps—a milestone she never imagined reaching. Another client (my mom!) went from never lifting to deadlifting 185 pounds.
Q: How do you assess new clients’ fitness levels and goals?
Phil: My process includes:
Checking blood pressure and grip strength.
Assessing shoulder health (rotator cuff strength, scapular stability/mobility, T-spine mobility).
Evaluating hip range of motion and anatomy (e.g., hip socket depth) to determine optimal squat or hinge mechanics.
I also use questionnaires to understand clients’ goals and incorporate movement assessments like squats or hinges into their initial sessions. It’s not a full workout but enough to observe how they move.
Q: How do you continue developing your skills as a trainer?
Phil: Continuing education is vital for me. Although I don’t hold traditional certifications, I’ve learned extensively through programs like Show Up Fitness and mentors like Dean Somerset. I stay updated by taking courses, attending conferences, and learning from industry leaders.
Closing Thoughts
Phil’s journey showcases the power of authenticity, continuous learning, and building strong client relationships. Whether it’s channeling his inner WWE persona or helping clients achieve personal milestones, Phil embodies the spirit of a dedicated trainer.
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