Ever wondered whether a gym can double as a lifeline? Read on.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world pressing harder than any barbell, Cristina’s story will feel like a deep breath of relief.
Cristina walks into CrossFit Reincarnation most mornings with a braid or ponytail over her backpack and hot‑pink shoes that hint at the bright personality inside. She teaches clogging at The Dance Club and crafts intricate rosaries while Mel the dog and Tuxie the cat nap nearby. But the road that led her here is anything but lighthearted.
Before CFR: when the struggle was silent
A traumatic incident spiraled Cristina into depression and suicidal thoughts she rarely shared. “I got really good at pretending everything was okay,” she admits. The weight of isolation felt heavier than any barbell.
The first, unscaled step
In July 2019 her sister, Alberia, coaxed her into a class—no consult, no On‑Ramp, just a lunge‑fest that left her sore for days. Yet what Cristina remembers isn’t the ache; it’s the way everyone learned her name and how no one made her feel like an outsider. She limped away but returned two weeks later, determined to discover what felt so different.
Coaching, community, and a safe place to land
Trust grew slowly. Coaches offered scaling instead of shame, and classmates—some twice her age, some half—cheered each wobbling box jump. Over time, Cristina learned that exercise wasn’t her only lifeline here: when suicidal thoughts creep in, she calls a coach, comes to the gym, or tags along for coffee runs just so she’s not alone. CrossFit Reincarnation became part workout facility, part lifeline.
Milestones worth more than numbers
- 500th class logged — January 6, 2025
- 40 lb added to her clean since joining
- Burpees that once felt impossible now pop up in warm‑ups although….not a favorite
- Every successful box jump—still her personal Everest—earns a fist‑pump from the whole room
The ripple effect
Cristina’s mom, Mary Ann, now trains beside her; her sister still out‑cheers everyone. Fellow athletes say her persistence embodies our values of Kindness, Commitment, Be Coachable, and Positive Talk. Though naturally shy, Cristina still notices anxious faces and offers a gentle, encouraging smile—proof that support can be quiet and powerful.
What’s next
Consistency remains her north star, plus a July trip to Disney World where you may spot a CrossFit Reincarnation tee on Main Street. Her goal is simple: keep showing up—for workouts and for herself.
Cristina’s invitation: “If you’re scared, come anyway. We’ll stand beside you, scale for you, and celebrate you—every single rep.”
Need help right now? If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to Zero Suicide Elko County (learn more at zerosuicideelko.com) or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If Cristina’s journey resonates with you, Book Now for a no‑sweat intro. We’ll meet you where you are and help you rise—one rep at a time.
