Meet Erika Mendez: A CrossFit Oakland Inspiration

Meet Erika Mendez, one of the athletes who makes the CrossFit Oakland community so special. Erika joined CFO in 2024, and two years later, she’s still showing up, getting stronger, setting goals, and proving that you don’t have to love every movement to love CrossFit. 😉

At around 40, Erika brings a lifelong athletic background, a serious appreciation for strength training, and a healthy willingness to choose running over burpees—which, in her words, is saying something.

From Softball to Strength Training

Erika’s athletic journey began with softball. She played from about age 12 through high school and college. Even after college, she continued playing on a recreational team.

That history of athletics gave her a solid foundation for competition and teamwork. However, today, her favorite place to put that strength is in the weight room.

Her favorite strength movement? The deadlift.

Her favorite kind of workout? Any workout that involves strength.

We can definitely work with that!

Finding Confidence at CrossFit Oakland

One of Erika’s favorite CFO memories is her first CrossFit Total. She remembers feeling nervous about showing up because she didn’t feel confident or ready. But the support she received from the CFO community quickly changed that experience.

Not only did she have fun, but she also hit a deadlift PR. That experience perfectly illustrates what we love about CrossFit Oakland: you don't have to walk through the door already feeling confident. You can show up exactly where you are, have people in your corner, and discover that you're capable of more than you thought.

Strong Goals, One Pull-Up at a Time

Erika’s current fitness goal is simple: get a pull-up—or two.

We love a goal like this because it’s about more than simply checking a movement off a list. Building your first pull-up takes strength, consistency, patience, and plenty of practice.

And knowing Erika, we're guessing she'll get there.

Architect by Day, Athlete by... Whenever There's a Barbell

Outside the gym, Erika is an Architect and Project Manager. One of her proudest accomplishments is earning her California architect license—a significant professional achievement that required years of dedication and hard work.

That same persistence shows up in her approach to fitness. Whether she's working toward a pull-up, chasing a deadlift PR, or simply showing up for another workout, Erika understands that progress comes from putting in the work over time.

Her Walkout Songs? Why Choose One?

If Erika had a walkout song, she's narrowed it down to two very different choices:

🎵 "DNA." by Kendrick Lamar

or

🎵 "La Chona"

Her reasoning? "Because why not both?" Honestly, we couldn't agree more!

The Super Smeller

Here's something you might not know about Erika: she's a super smeller. She can often smell and identify things before anyone else around her. It's apparently both a blessing and a curse, depending entirely on what she's smelling.

We're now wondering whether this is an underutilized CrossFit superpower!

Running vs. Burpees

Erika has one very strong opinion about conditioning: She absolutely hates running. But she's willing to make one important concession: she would choose running over burpees. That's a pretty serious statement!

What Erika Loves Most About CFO

For Erika, the best part of CrossFit Oakland isn't a particular workout or movement. It's the community. She says she has experienced an incredible amount of support from the very first moment she walked into a community class.

And that's exactly what we hope every athlete experiences at CFO. CrossFit can make you stronger, but the people you train with can make showing up something you actually look forward to. The encouragement, shared struggles, celebrations, inside jokes, PRs, and high-fives are all part of what makes a gym feel like a community.

We're grateful Erika is part of ours.

Keep Showing Up

Two years into her CrossFit journey at CrossFit Oakland, Erika is still working toward new goals, getting stronger, and finding ways to challenge herself.

Next up: the pull-up. And when she gets it, we'll be there to celebrate.

Thanks for being part of the CFO community, Erika! 💪

Want to become part of the CrossFit Oakland community? Come meet us, try a class, and see what makes CFO different. Whether you're brand new to CrossFit or an experienced athlete, there's a place for you here.

The Importance of Community in Fitness

At CrossFit Oakland, we believe that community is the backbone of fitness. It’s not just about lifting weights or completing workouts. It’s about the connections we build.

When you join us, you’re not just signing up for a gym. You’re joining a family. We cheer each other on, celebrate victories, and support one another through challenges.

Embracing Every Fitness Journey

Every fitness journey is unique. Some of us come from athletic backgrounds, while others are just starting out. No matter where you are on your path, we welcome you with open arms.

Erika’s story is a perfect example of how anyone can thrive in our community. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need the desire to improve.

The Power of Setting Goals

Setting goals is crucial in any fitness journey. They give us something to strive for and keep us motivated. Whether it’s achieving your first pull-up or hitting a new PR, every goal counts.

At CrossFit Oakland, we encourage our members to set realistic and achievable goals. We believe in celebrating every milestone, no matter how small.

Conclusion: Join Us at CrossFit Oakland

If you’re looking for a place to grow stronger, meet new friends, and challenge yourself, look no further. CrossFit Oakland is here for you.

Join us, and let’s embark on this fitness journey together. We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!