Blogger Dominique Astorino on Living Healthy without Fitting the "Athlete" Mold

Lauren Saar
Feb 5, 2016
4 min read

Can you introduce yourself?

I'm Dominique, I'm 25, I went to USC, grew up in San Diego (mostly), and recently made the move to San Francisco to become a Fitness Editor at POPSUGAR. I love pretty things, shopping, travel, the beach, and going on adventures with family and friends. Also, big Harry Potter fan.

You are a contributing writer for a few different platforms... can you tell us a bit about this?

I had been contributing to The Haute Mess and Founded Magazine while blogging full-time, but now with my position at POPSUGAR, my original stories go there first! I did, however, love my time contributing content to the other sites, they're really awesome to read (and you should totally check them out).

You also have your own blog! What inspired you to start Beauty and the Beach?

I actually started blogging in college, on a site called None For Gretchen Weiners. I realized that I had a lot of creative, albeit weird ideas, and a few friends thought I was funny. I also discovered my love for writing this way.

My love for writing and photography (and sharing my favorite things!) took form in Beauty & the Beach, in the beginning of 2015. It's been a very different creative outlet for me, mixed with a personal diary, and a way to share things I love with a broader audience. I've learned so much from the experience, and I've had a ton of fun in the process.

What role do you think the media plays regarding women's health?

From personal experience, it's played a huge role in mine. Both good and bad, honestly. Growing up, I assumed that it was attractive for women to be thin without having to work for it – I never saw working out as attractive, or thought it was an appealing or sexy thing to do. I definitely think this is because of how it was portrayed – or at least how women were portrayed – in the media. This shifted a lot when I was in college, and I realized that just because I wasn't a typical athlete or good at traditional sports, didn't mean I couldn't find ways to take care of my body and be healthy. Think about it – in the '90s, the most athletic icon I could think of outside of sports was literally Sporty Spice. Although I do love the Spice Girls, Sporty Spice isn't necessarily a healthy living role model.

What is the most challenging part about what you do? Most rewarding?

Coming up with fresh content for my job at POPSUGAR is always a challenge. We produce so much content daily, and I definitely want to make sure I can keep up and deliver meaningful stories.

Are there any fitness or health fads you would encourage people to try/avoid?

I would say "cleanses" are typically not the healthiest approach, but I honestly think that instead of avoiding fads or trends, to just listen to what your body needs and find a balance. I've found a great balance for myself, and it doesn't involve dietary restrictions, but I have plenty of friends that can't touch dairy or gluten. Every body is different and has different needs, so just listen to yours, and make sure you check in with a doctor to ensure you're getting the right amount of nutrients (and staying happy!). Don't deprive yourself.

Are there any fashion trends you are loving/hating right now?

Oh gosh yes. I've been LOVING sneakers lately. I think they're really having a moment in fashion right now, which is incredible because I've been becoming more and more of a sneaker fanatic. I love my Nike Roshes.

What do you love about your body?

Pretty much everything! haha. I love how strong my body has become, how well it has responded to fitness, and how quick my metabolism has stayed (I hope I'm not jinxing myself). I've been really blessed with a very strong, lean, petite body, and I'm doing all I can to take care of it.

What are your aspirations for the future?

Oh boy. So much has changed in the past year for me, that I honestly have no idea what to expect in the near future. I'd love to continue to build my career as a writer, become a stronger and healthier person, run a full marathon somewhere outside the US, travel a ton, and become a mom and have a family.

Anything else we should know?

I love pizza.

What does authentic mean to you and in what ways are you authentic?

Do what you love, no matter what's "cool." I thought for so long that I couldn't be healthy or fit, or be a runner, or a yogi – all because I didn't fit that athlete mold. For so long I did things because of what was acceptable or cool, but when you do things YOU personally love, that's what's cool. Wear things you love, listen to music you love, sign up for a half marathon even if everyone laughs at you (that's what happened to me). Live the life YOU want to live. I stopped caring about what people think (within reason) a few years ago and I've never been happier.