Meet Erina!
Erina is from Bucks County, and is a High-School Principal in Philadelphia! Her hobbies include choir, which she sings and conducts in, and watching her favorite sports team: The Phillies! She has been a member of CrossFit Renaissance for 2 years now and has seen more improvements than she planned for! Her main reason for joining was to improve her health, but what she saw was a change in everything.
Before CrossFit
It had been a few years since Erina was in a consistent workout routine, and she was looking for something more. However when she looked into classes she felt like she didn’t have enough muscle strength to start. That is until her friend found CrossFit Renaissance near her home, and the school she teaches at, so she booked a No-Sweat Intro. Erina knew she wanted a place that felt accessible and realistic for her lifestyle, so a location close to home and at school was a priority.
“I didn’t want to give up my regular gym membership even though I wasn’t attending but didn’t want to double pay. I didn’t think I would be good enough or fit enough to keep up and that I would stop attending.”
Finding Confidence through the On-Ramp program
Erina remembers feeling incredibly nervous before her first session. She had some experience lifting weights and knew her way around a barbell, but nearly everything else was unfamiliar territory.
“I was so nervous about my on-ramp. I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t know how my body would perform. I had done some weight lifting so I had some knowledge of how to use a barbell but otherwise all of it was new.”
Through On-Ramp she immediately felt welcomed. What she found instead was a welcoming environment and supportive coaches who helped her learn at her own pace. Watching classes during her On-Ramp sessions allowed her to see the community in action, and she immediately felt welcomed.
Not long after joining, she came across member success stories from Ryan and Bill on the Member Stories blog page. Their journeys became an early source of inspiration and helped her believe that she could achieve more than she initially thought possible.
The Routine that changed everything
At first, fitness wasn’t yet a habit.
Erina started with a 12-classes-per-month membership and admits there were months when she didn’t even attend all twelve classes. But once she switched to the Premium Membership, everything changed. She quickly found herself attending 20 or more classes each month, and CrossFit became a regular part of her daily routine. Today, showing up isn’t something she has to think about. It’s simply part of who she is.
Accomplishing what she never thought was possible
When asked what she can do now that she couldn’t do before joining, Erina’s answer is simple:
“Everything.”
In more detail she goes to say:
“All my weight-lifting PRs. Being able to move under the bar, hang from the rig. My biggest movement accomplishments are running and burpees. Running a 5K this morning was something I literally thought I would never do again after my arthritis diagnosis. Lisa (Coach) was the one who gave me the confidence to ditch my brace and move slower to get stronger. Hannah (Member) is the one who got me to run. Alyson (Coach) challenges me to ease up on weights and move smart.”
Becoming more confident
Her routine of going to CrossFit is what changed everything for her. So far since joining she has lost 30 pounds, while also putting on muscle. It also has been positive for her mental health to workout with her friends every morning. But most of all she feels amazing.
“I am so confident when I look in the mirror. I look and feel strong.”
When asked what’s her (why), Erina said this,
“I am excited to see what I can do every day. But really I know I am setting myself up for a strong future. I want to be mobile, flexible, and strong as I enter middle age. EVERY SINGLE area in my bloodwork improved year to year at my last appointment and my doctor took me off blood pressure medicine and titrated me back from the anti-inflammatory meds I take for arthritis. I have familial high triglycerides and I am beating my genetics. I am incredibly proud of myself and CFR is the source of this happiness in this season of my life.”
By staying consistent with her workouts and making sustainable lifestyle changes, Erina has dramatically improved her health. Even with a history of high triglycerides, she has lowered her blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and continues to see positive changes in her overall well-being.
When Everything Started to Click
About six months into her journey, Erina began feeling more comfortable with the movements and routine. A major breakthrough came in early 2025 when she recorded herself performing kipping movements while on vacation. Seeing her technique on video helped her identify where she was losing tension and gave her a clear focus for improvement. Since then, she has continued building strength, refining her skills, and breaking personal records. Perhaps most importantly, she started thinking of herself as an athlete for the first time in her life.
Her Advice to anyone Struggling to start
“It’s easier the more you do it. Ask questions, keep trying. Don’t compare yourself to anyone except you – but keep chasing yourself and pushing yourself, one step faster, one pound heavier, one rep more. I watch a lot of videos, that helps too!”
Proud to be at CrossFit Renaissance
Before Erina joined CrossFit Renaissance she was unsure if the gym would match her values. What she found is that CrossFit Renaissance is a gym that reflects her values of inclusivity, respect, and community. At CrossFit Renaissance we take pride in the diversity across all members. Each member comes from different areas, ages, races, and identities. Erina said that she finds CFR to be an open and supportive place.
“But, I have found CFR to be an open and welcoming place with a group of members with diverse identities and rich lives. As a person with many privileges in life I seek spaces and community with people who demonstrate caring, openness, and love towards people with marginalized aspects of their lives.”
Years after walking through the doors for her first class, Erina continues to be an important part of our CFR community. Her commitment to growth, her support of others, and the values she brings to the gym help make CrossFit Renaissance the welcoming place it is.
Curious about On-Ramp or would you like to learn more about your next steps? Book a No-Sweat Intro, click here!
