Small but Mighty: Cynthia Balmaceda’s Journey of Grit & Growth

Though she is small, she is fierce! Our September Athlete of the Month is none other than daytime powerhouse Cynthia Balmaceda! Cynthia, Geno, and their 3 kids have proven that fitness can be a family affair, and that there’s no end date to getting stronger and healthier - both physically and mentally, and that finding a community to uplift and support you through it all can make all the difference.

When she’s not saving lives as an Emergency Room Nurse, Cynthia is busy putting in the work at the gym. She uses her tenacity and mental fortitude to achieve her goals, including recently earning her bar muscle ups and putting them to use in a workout! Cynthia has spent half of her 8 year tenure at Blackbird as a member of the Committed Club, proving that consistency opens doors to things that once felt impossible - and raises the bar for your aspirations. Now, Cynthia is using the mental toughness that she has developed to compete in Hyrox and running races in order to raise money and awareness for charitable causes. 

We are so lucky to have had Cynthia as part of our community for the past 8 years! She is a true testament to how grit and determination can help you achieve amazing things. Her drive and determination set the standard in every class she attends. Congratulations Cynthia, we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Read More About Cynthia:

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Cynthia, and no I do not go by Cyndi! I am 41, have my bachelor's of science in Nursing. I am going on 20 years in nursing with all but 2 of those in emergency medicine. Many of you see me at the 0930 class with my husband, Geno, and our 3 kids Aurelio, Cannelita, and Consilia. 

What made you start CrossFit? What has kept you doing it? Has your motivation changed from when you first started?

I started CrossFit about 9 months after I lost my fiance in 2015. I had a friend who kept berating me to join 12Labours for years, but it just wasn't possible at the time. I also had a colleague who was there and Geno had also been trying to get me to join. I finally caved as I have always been athletic, was a gym rat and doing "Insanity HIIT" workouts at home or going to the local gym. When I first started CrossFit it was more about getting in shape and becoming stronger. Now I am trying to stay consistent, challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone, and just see what I am capable of doing. The community is sometimes my motivation to show up and lift heavy, especially on the days I just don't want to do the workout. Also, my kids are my motivation so I can show them that we can push through mentally tough moments. 

What have you learned about movement, fitness, and yourself since joining Blackbird?

Since joining Blackbird in 2018, I’ve learned that fitness is about so much more than just getting stronger or hitting a certain number or PR. I have learned, especially over the past maybe 2 years, to pay more attention to how I move, listen to my body, and focus on quality and consistency. I now pay more attention to my nutrition and not think of food as my enemy but as fuel. The Blackbird community and coaches have made me realize I am more capable than I let myself know. They have especially taught me more patience and trusting the process on those hard days. 

What is your proudest moment in the gym?

There are two moments, first was getting my 1st rope climb thanks to coach Mark a few years ago. I had never done one in my life! Next by far probably the proudest is a few months ago when everything clicked in my head and I finally got my first BMU then continued to do them in a WOD a few weeks later. Thank you coach Mark & Kristie for all the questions I had when I was trying to finally figure it all out and to my fellow member Molly for the late stays after class to put in work! 

What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Is there something you dread seeing on Wodify?

AHHH so many to choose! I am going with the Snatch, it is kind of like an Empire Records "It's Rex Manning Day!" You can usually hear me chanting "It is snatch day!" I also love anything with a kettle bell. As far as WODs, I am going with The Murph, DT and Kalsu. I dread seeing thrusters and burpees (I know ask me why I love Kalsu so much!) 

What do you enjoy most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general?

What I enjoy most about Blackbird and CrossFit in general is the community feel. I know if I travel I can find a gym locally and still be welcomed and get in the movement. I enjoy how each of us are working towards our own goals but we encourage and show support to one another. I enjoy the feeling of walking out of a workout knowing I pushed myself and did something I didn’t think I could do. 

What impact has CrossFit had on you inside and outside of the gym?

I have become stronger and more confident physically, it has taught me increased discipline, consistency, and how to push through things when they get difficult. I’ve found myself carrying that mindset into other areas of my life—being more willing to take on challenges, trust myself, and not give up when things don’t come easily. 

What are your CrossFit or fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them?

My goals are forever changing. This year was to complete a full weighted Murph, which I did! Then shortly after I decided to really hone in on that BMU. Now I am competing in my first Hyrox! I plan to continue my journey to raise money for charities and compete in half marathons and future Hyrox or other events for charity, if you have one in mind I will be taking requests! Also, maybe one day I will get my CF-L1 has always been a thought.

When you are not in the gym what is your favorite thing to do?

Outside of the gym I enjoy spending time with my family or baking. We like taking a family hike, going to new museums, going to the pool, and coaching and watching my kids play sports. 

What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?

I am a pretty boring person really. Only thing I can think of is back in 2012 I shaved my head for childhood cancer research on a whim. I was at a St Baldrick's event to support some friends, a hat went around the room for myself and a colleague -> $1500 dollars later, my head was shaved! I was told I looked like Sinead O'Conner. 

What is the one tip you would give someone considering CrossFit or new to CrossFit?

It only takes walking through that door! Don't be intimidated, show up and don't worry about what you can or cannot lift or movements you are struggling with - we all started somewhere. Listen to the coaches, learn the movements, and be consistent.

If applicable, what was your experience like working with a Blackbird Nutrition Coach?

I just started with nutrition coaching. So come back for more! 

What is your favorite workout fuel? What’s your favorite indulgence?

I struggle with food in general and especially before working out. I try to keep it light with whole grain bread, natural peanut butter and banana slices. I also will sometimes eat plain greek yogurt, berries, granola, and peanut butter for pre workout fuel. Favorite indulgence is chips, especially some good tortilla chips! 

Have you rehabbed an injury? If so, what takeaways or insight into training for longevity has that taught you? Has your long term approach to your training changed as a result of your experience?

I broke my ankle in 2003 in 3 places while playing at a softball tournament, I still have a plate and screws in place from that injury. I was told I would never be able to run a marathon or compete like I had previously. Yet here I am. I learned that healing and slowing down is a process. I listen to my body more, stay consistent, and take the rest day when needed because I want to keep up for longevity not just for a PR. 



Let's celebrate some of your wins! Tell us about any results, milestones, or moments that made you proud!

You have already read it! That first rope climb and BMU as well as competing in Hyrox are my biggest milestones and moments. I can add also doing CrossFit through three pregnancies and coming back after three c sections. 

I am so happy that we decided to walk through that door back in 2018, welcomed by friendly faces after being hesitant to leave our old gym. Thank you coaches for the support through the years, the tips and modifications when needed. Thank you to all the members, the support you have shown and given not just myself but to one another is one that is unmatched.