We're excited to share the inspiring and positive #CrossFitStory of Blanca Lago, who has been training with us since 2020. Learn about his journey, his training to reach his goals and what motivates him to stay with CrossFit GVA.
Blanca, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Blanca, I'm 30 years old and I come from a small village in the south of Spain, about 20 minutes from Seville. I studied biology and, during my university years, I discovered my passion for neuroscience research. This passion led me to Geneva, where I completed a PhD in molecular biosciences, focusing on how circadian rhythms modulate sleep. To explore this, I worked with my favorite research model: the vinegar fly, small but surprisingly powerful for science!
What were your sporting habits or level of physical activity before you started CrossFit?
Swimming has always been my sport. I started when I was 5, competed throughout my childhood and teenage years, and even became a swimming coach when I was 16. At university, I couldn't spend that much time in the pool, so I turned to functional training, and that's when I discovered CrossFit. Generally speaking, I've always been very active, and sport has always kept me in good physical and mental shape.
What made you want to try CrossFit for the first time? Did you have any fears or apprehensions?
When I moved away for university, swimming pools were often too far away, so I joined a gym for the first time. I started with machines and weight training, but honestly, I found it boring. I decided to try group classes, like functional training, and that's when I heard about CrossFit. Although it wasn't exactly CrossFit, the atmosphere was similar. Later, when I arrived in Geneva for my PhD, one of my first decisions after settling in was to look for a box. That's how I discovered CrossFit GVA. I didn't really have any fears, but I did have a few hesitations. I was used to the intense cardio of swimming, and in CrossFit I found the perfect mix of cardio and strength that I'd been missing.
How has CrossFit transformed your life, physically or mentally?
For me, the biggest change has been mental. I already had a good physical base when I started, but CrossFit became the therapy I needed during my PhD. I'm very active, and research can be overwhelming: long hours, failed experiments, stress. CrossFit became my daily break, my non-negotiable time for me. No matter how poorly I slept, how stressed I was or how much I had to go back to the lab afterwards, CrossFit was always a MUST. It helped me stay focused, strong and disciplined. Of course, I also learned new skills along the way - from muscle-ups to double unders to handstand push-ups - but the real transformation took place in my mindset and stress management.
What progress have you noticed since you started, in terms of strength, mobility or everyday life?
I've noticed huge progress, especially in strength: I can now lift weights that once seemed impossible in relation to my body weight, especially in weightlifting. I've also acquired skills I never imagined I'd achieve (muscle-ups, yaaay!), and that's incredibly gratifying. Beyond the physical gains, CrossFit brings me calm in the midst of a stressful life-it's my one-hour escape. And best of all, I train with my partner and my three best friends, turning each session into a moment of pleasure, sharing and quality with the people I love.
Has CrossFit had an impact on your general well-being or other aspects of your life?
Yes, absolutely! Even though I already had a good physical base, CrossFit pushed me to keep improving day after day. It has also enabled me to perform well in other disciplines that I don't specifically train for, such as running races (l'Escalade, the 10km Geneva marathon) or swimming events like the Traversée (where I've managed to keep up a good level despite years without a pool). Beyond that, he keeps me strong, focused and disciplined, and has shown me that pushing your physical and mental limits is possible.
What do you like most about the CrossFit GVA community?
What I like most is that it really feels like a community: people ready to support you, suffer with you in every WOD, and celebrate every success. There's a spirit of empathy and a healthy competitiveness that pushes you to progress every day while being happy for the progress of others. I also really appreciate the motivation that comes from the coaches - all the advice, recommendations, and those famous "ALLEEEZ!" or "Let's go, one more!" They're a huge part of the energy that makes CrossFit GVA so special.
What are your best memories or moments here?
Some of my best memories come from the Open - like the day I managed my very first muscle-ups by accident! I also love the in-house competitions, where I can train alongside my best friends in team WODs and see my progress as the year goes on. And of course, this year's Brain & Brawn event was super fun too!
What types of WODs or movements do you enjoy the most? And which ones do you find the most challenging?
I love long WODs with lots of cardio - the ones with endless burpees, alternating snatches with dumbbells, cleans, pull-ups and running. Endurance days are definitely my favorite of the week! Snatch days, on the other hand, have always been the hardest for me. I've made progress, but I'm still a long way from feeling comfortable. And the toes-to-bar... well, they still resist me! But one day, they won't escape me, I'll catch them sooner or later!
What advice would you give to someone hesitating to start CrossFit?
Don't be afraid of expectations! CrossFit is accessible to everyone, whatever your starting level. Everything can be adapted and modulated, and progress comes very quickly. My advice would also be not to start too hard or with too high expectations - as with any sport, it's a process. Give yourself and your body time to learn and adapt to the movements and training style, and you'll be surprised how far you can go.
Do you have a special ritual or routine before or after training?
Honestly, my "ritual" is mostly running from work to the gym, haha. No special routine before. After training, I just focus on a good dinner and a good rest to be ready the next day. So, all in all, nothing special.
Is there a lesson or philosophy that CrossFit has taught you that you now apply in your daily life?
CrossFit has taught me that limits are never fixed - they can always be pushed a little further with consistency and patience. This lesson was invaluable during my PhD, when experiments often failed or took much longer than expected. Like at the gym, I learned to keep coming, stay disciplined and trust the process, because little by little the results always come eventually - whether it's lifting weights, managing stress or getting on with life.
