Member Spotlight: Christina Rivera

When and why did you join Junction Fitness?

I believe I started CrossFit sometime in 2019.  I originally joined because I wanted to lose some weight.  I had never done CrossFit before in my life, so I was a bit intimidated in the beginning.  Being part of this community has helped me realize that everyone is at different levels and that is okay.  In the past, I considered myself very slow, weak and uncoordinated.  Once I became part of this community, I realized that was not necessarily the case. I realized that it was never  a competition, it’s a journey.  All I needed to do was give it a chance. 

What is your favorite thing about Junction Fitness?

I love how Junction Fitness pushed outside of my comfort zone. Also, my favorite part of Junction Fitness is the fact that they offer different types of classes (CrossFit & X⁴).  Furthermore, I love how they will scale down any type of movement or exercise to your ability level.  The coaches are amazing, very knowledgeable and patient. 

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your workout routine? ‍

Oh, the Covid-19 pandemic affected my workout routine greatly. Due to health reasons, I had to stop going to in person classes at the gym.  Aaron, the owner of Junction Fitness, understood my situation and allowed me to continue virtual CrossFit classes from my home.  I cannot say enough good things about the Junction Fitness community.  All the coaches were so helpful and accommodating. During the pandemic year, I was able to maintain what I had achieved.  I was able to stay in shape and continue my healthy lifestyle.  

What did you do to continue working out while you were away from Junction Fitness? ‍

I was able to participate in virtual CrossFit classes. The coaches were amazingly creative and patient.  Even though  I did not have all the equipment normally used in CrossFit classes, the coaches would scale and adapt each exercise to whatever equipment I had in my home.  Even virtually, they found ways to motivate and push me. ‍

‍

What do you like about the different class offerings (CrossFit and X4) at Junction Fitness? ‍

I love that I have new options now.  I have always  liked the CrossFit classes offered but now I’m loving the X4 classes.  They are so dynamic and interactive! In 40 minutes, you get a great and complete body workout. ‍

‍

What class do you typically go to / do you stick to a routine? If you go to a specific class each day, what do you like about it? Why do you consistently go to that?‍

So right now, I try to take CrossFit classes on Monday and Wednesday and go to X4 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  On a regular week, I try to stick to this routine and schedule as much as  I can.  I like to alternate the classes during the week so that I can get the best of both worlds.  You will never get bored at Junction Fitness! 

‍

What motivates you to keep going to Junction Fitness? ‍

First and foremost my health. Before Junction Fitness, I couldn't run from point A to point B without being completely out of breath. I could barely jump rope  or lift more than 15lbs at a time. I still have ways to go and much more improvement to achieve but each week  I find myself being able to do something that I hadn't been able to do before. Also, the community is another reason.  The Junction Fitness gym is a judgment free zone, no matter your skill, ability or fitness level, you will feel part of the community. ‍

‍

What is different about Junction Fitness that you like that other gyms you have attended don’t have?
‍

In Junction Fitness you are literally part of a community. The kind of attention and help you receive is unmatchable to any other gym. Also, the coaches always find a safe way to push you. I needed to be pushed.  I’ve never been pushed before. I’ve always allowed myself to be in some sort of comfort zone.  Before Junction Fitness, I was always so hesitant to try new movements, exercises, and go higher in weight but now I feel more confident in my abilities, in my strength and in my endurance.  I’ve learned that trying and not being able to do it, doesn’t mean you failed, but that you now have a new goal to achieve. It’s better to have slow progress than no progress at all.  
‍

‍

What goals have you achieved since becoming a part of the community at Junction Fitness? ‍

‍

Being part of the Junction Fitness community has helped improve my overall strength and my endurance.  Before Junction Fitness,  I was in a definite comfort zone.  I’ve grown and improved so much since being part of this community.  Before I could have never imagined I could  do a 105 lb deadlift or finish a X4 class or  do 100 singles in the jump rope.  For many, that may not be much, but that’s definite progress for me.  

‍

‍How has Junction Fitness bettered your life outside of the gym? Your personal life? Your job?  ‍

‍

As an introvert, confidence is not one of my strong suits. Overall, I now feel better about myself, more confident about my growing abilities. I’ve never been the type of person to workout on a consistent basis but I have learned that in order to feel good, I have to work hard. ‍

‍

How have the people at Junction Fitness helped motivate/encourage you? ‍

‍

The coaches in Junction Fitness are just great people. They are constantly supervising you, finding ways to safely push and motivate you.  I think this is the best part of Junction Fitness. The coaches literally guide you all the way and provide alternate options and modifications as needed. ‍

‍

What does living a healthier lifestyle mean to you? 

‍

I’ve learned that my body is my temple. If I take good care of it, it will last longer and in the end I will feel better about my journey. I want to feel good and confident about my body and in order to feel that way you have to invest in it.  Being a member of Junction Fitness is an investment for my body and for the type of life I want to lead. ‍

‍

Why do you think it is important to share your story with others in the Junction Fitness community? ‍

‍

Before Junction Fitness, I thought I could never do CrossFit. I didn’t even want to try because I felt intimidated by it. I associated CrossFit with just lifting heavy weights and it's so much more than that.  Then, I finally made a decision to try it. Heavy lifting is such a small component to it.  You learn so much about strength, endurance, about your own body. I realized I was stronger than I thought I was, both mentally and physically. I finally stopped comparing myself to others because I realized I was just limiting myself.  Everyone’s journey is unique. I am hoping that others will relate to my experiences and decide to give Junction Fitness a try.