We’re excited to share the inspiring and uplifting #CrossFitStory of Blanca Lago, who has been training with us since 2020. Learn about her journey, her training regimen to achieve her goals, and what motivates her to stay at CrossFit GVA.
Blanca, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Blanca, I’m 30 years old, and I’m from a small village in southern Spain, about 20 minutes from Seville. I studied biology, and during my college years, I discovered my passion for neuroscience research. That passion led me to Geneva, where I earned a Ph.D. in molecular biosciences, focusing on how circadian rhythms regulate sleep. To explore this, I worked with my favorite research model: the fruit fly—small but surprisingly powerful for science!
What were your exercise habits or your 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 at 16. In college, I couldn’t spend as much time at the pool anymore, so I turned to functional training, and that’s when I discovered CrossFit. Overall, I’ve always been very active, and sports have always helped me stay in good physical and mental shape.
What made you want to try CrossFit for the first time? Did you have any fears or concerns?
When I moved away for college, the swimming pools were often too far away, so I joined a gym for the first time. I started with the 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. Even though it wasn’t exactly CrossFit, the atmosphere was similar. Later, when I arrived in Geneva for my Ph.D., one of my first decisions after settling in was to look for a CrossFit box. That’s how I discovered CrossFit GVA. I wasn’t really afraid, but I did have some reservations. I was used to the intense cardio of swimming, and in CrossFit I found the perfect blend 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 foundation when I started, but CrossFit became the therapy I needed during my Ph.D. I’m very active, and research can be overwhelming: long hours, failed experiments, stress. CrossFit became my daily break, my non-negotiable “me time.” No matter if I’d slept poorly, was stressed out, or had to go back to the lab afterward, CrossFit was always a MUST. It helped me stay focused, strong, and disciplined. Of course, I’ve also picked up new skills along the way—from muscle-ups to double unders to handstand push-ups—but the real transformation has been in my mindset and how I manage stress.
What progress have you noticed since you started, in terms of strength, mobility, or in your daily life?
I’ve noticed huge progress, especially in strength: I can now lift weights that once seemed impossible relative to my body weight, particularly in weightlifting. I’ve also mastered skills I never imagined I’d be able to do (muscle-ups, yaaay!), and it’s incredibly rewarding. Beyond the physical gains, CrossFit brings me a sense of calm in the midst of a stressful life—it’s my one-hour escape. And the best part is that I train with my partner and my three best friends, turning every session into a moment of fun, connection, and quality time with the people I love.
Has this practice had an impact on your overall well-being or on other aspects of your life?
Yes, absolutely! Even though I already had a good physical foundation, CrossFit pushed me to keep improving day after day. It’s also allowed me to perform well in other disciplines that I don’t specifically train for, such as running (the Escalade, the Geneva Marathon 10K) or swimming events like the Traversée (where I managed to maintain a good level despite years without a pool). Beyond that, it keeps me strong, focused, and disciplined, and it has shown me that pushing my physical and mental limits is possible.
What do you appreciate most about the CrossFit GVA community?
What I love most is that it really feels like a community: people who are ready to support you, to suffer alongside you through every WOD, and to celebrate every success. There’s a spirit of empathy and healthy competition that pushes you to improve every day while still being happy for others’ progress. I also really appreciate the motivation that comes from the coaches—all the advice, the tips, and those famous “COME ON!” 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 are from the Open—like the day I accidentally did my very first muscle-ups! I also love the in-house competitions, where I can train alongside my best friends in team WODs and see how I’ve improved over the course of the year. And of course, this year’s Brain & Brawn event was super fun, too!
What kinds 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 dumbbell snatches, cleans, pull-ups, and running. Endurance days are definitely my favorites of the week! On the other hand, snatch days have always been the hardest for me. I’ve made progress, but I’m still far from feeling comfortable with them. And toes-to-bar… well, they’re still giving me a hard time! But one day, they won’t get away from me—I’ll catch them sooner or later!
What advice would you give to someone who’s hesitant to start CrossFit?
Don’t be afraid of the expectations! CrossFit is accessible to everyone, no matter your starting level. Everything can be adapted and adjusted, and you’ll see progress very quickly. My advice would also be not to start out too hard or with expectations that are too high—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 at how far you can go.
Do you have a particular ritual or routine before or after your workout?
Honestly, my “ritual” is mostly just running from work to the gym, haha. No special routine before. After my workout, I just focus on having a good dinner and getting some rest so I’m ready for the next day. So, in short, 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 set in stone—they can always be pushed a little further with consistency and patience. This lesson was invaluable during my Ph.D., when experiments often failed or took much longer than expected. Just like at the gym, I learned to keep showing up, stay disciplined, and trust the process, because little by little, results always end up coming—whether it’s lifting weights, managing stress, or moving forward in life.
