After a holiday season spent indulging, we're ready to clean up our act - and we're looking to Samantha Ortiz for inspiration. When the co-founder and head trainer of Brooklyn's Triple Threat Bootcamp isn't coaching clients and killing it at the gym, she's spreading her gospel of hard work and body positivity to her Instagram followers, all while rocking some amazing natural curls. We caught up with the fitness pro to learn her secrets to staying healthy - mind, body, and hair.
Tell us about what you do. How did you become a trainer - were you always interested in fitness? Six days a week, I work tirelessly on building healthier lives while making my clients feel part of a family environment. As head trainer at TTB, I design fun workouts that are meant to both challenge and build confidence for all my clients.
Growing up I was always very active and committed to athletics. I have always been passionate about softball and volleyball, which ultimately led me to participating in these sports throughout my high school and college years. My competitive drive as an athlete has fueled my current daily love for fitness.
You have amazing curls! How do you like to wear your hair when you're working out? My curls love to get in on the fitness action. I usually wear my hair loose or in a high ponytail (pineapple) hairstyle while working out. Typically people find it hard to work out with hair in their face, but I have come to embrace it as part of my fitness image.
Photo: Glenn Ford
What's your favorite Ouidad product? My favorite product has to be the Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray. Since I work out at least five days a week, it's important for me to keep my curls intact. This spray allows my curls to feel refreshed and keep their natural bounce. It's an amazing product!
What does your haircare routine look like on a typical week? I wash my curls one or two days a week with Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Defrizzing Shampoo & Conditioner. Throughout the week, I love to consistently refresh my curls with Botanical Boost. My go-to styles for my curls are loose with lots of volume, a high ponytail, one side slicked back, or a half up/down style.
Photo: Glenn Ford
What's your best fitness or motivation tip that you share with your clients?My best fitness and motivation tip to my clients is consistency and always remembering your "why." Sometimes you start, and then you fall back into old patterns. It's easier to stay committed to your fitness goals when you're able to identify why you started. Once you have that information, you can use it as motivation, accountability, and your main reason to never give up.
More fitness inspiration:
Workout Tips for Curls
Try This High-Energy "Good Morning" Workout
Gym Hair Made Easy