TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I recently graduated from Loyola and worked as a product manager at a healthcare company. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but I’m optimistic that the best is yet to come. Outside the gym, I enjoy playing flag football on the weekends and hanging out with friends. I might not have anything particularly extraordinary to share, but I’m just a regular person navigating through life.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I started doing CrossFit years ago when I was in Mexico. After moving here for college, I was on the lookout for the perfect CrossFit gym. A guy I used to date talked to me about Hardware, so I joined the gym back in 2019. Unfortunately, my relationship didn’t last, but my love for Hardware did. I often think, “Fuck the guy, I won the lottery with the gym.” I’m not going to lie. Over the years, I’ve tried different gyms due to work, schedule, convenience, and budget, but I always come back to Hardware because of the amazing community and charming and well-prepared coaches. It’s the only place where I feel like myself and can work out like an athlete among exceptional individuals with huge personalities.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My weight was never an issue until recently when I got involved in some very toxic relationships, which affected my self-esteem and confidence. I lost sight of the real meaning behind my fitness goals for the sake of achieving a socially accepted body, particularly in the gay community. Therefore, this year, my goals are physical, mental, and emotional. I want to regain my weight before Covid, and I’m 10 pounds away, aiming to reach 166 lbs by my birthday on October 29. I want to do this for myself, to be healthy and at peace with my body and mind, and not to look for validation from a superficial society. Cheers to self-love!
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
Beyond using the men’s bar finally after so long and lifting more than I ever imagined, the most priceless goal I’ve reached at Hardware is coming out of my introverted shell and accepting who I am. It might sound cliché, and some might think it’s silly, but this community has given me the strength to be myself in many silent battles. There’s always someone who says the right thing at the right moment to help me get back on my feet. Thank you, everyone!
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Any type of squats – let’s work those legs and get that bootylicious look!
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Wall walks – I hate them with a passion.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
Give Hardware a try – just do it! You won’t regret it. Lose the fear that CrossFit is only for strong people or those already in good shape. That’s bullshit! You can walk in with zero knowledge about fitness, especially at Hardware, where the best coaches will guide you step by step. You won’t just improve your health; you’ll make great friends, build a network, have fun in classes, and never feel judged, which is often a big deterrent for many when joining gyms. Hardware is definitely a family, a real community, and I’m so proud to be part of it. I hope others see the potential of this gym because there’s nothing remotely similar to Hardware in Chicago.