From Dark Past to Bright Future — With CrossFit

For most of her life, Marissa Diaz was unwell. 

A difficult childhood — teen parenthood, food scarcity, and a lack of resources — led to damages in adulthood: obesity, prediabetes, and anxiety. Weighing 300 lb at her heaviest, Diaz had little confidence in herself or her ability to accomplish her goals. 

But after she joined CrossFit Fresno in California, that perspective began to change.

The affiliate’s owner and coaches guided her and made her feel capable, Diaz says, and taught her how to move well and take care of her body. 

“This is how you get well, (and) this is how you stay well,” she says.

Diaz’s newfound passion for fitness inspired the owners of CrossFit Fresno to give her a scholarship to attend a CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course at the affiliate. 

“I gained so much from it,” Diaz says. “It was an incredible experience, honestly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”

Passing the Level 1 exam, she continues, helped her see her potential — even inspiring her to go back to school for a teaching credential so she can be a resource for others. “We don’t get strong for no reason; we get strong so we can carry the people we love,” she says. “That’s what I can do now.”

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