12/10/2026
‘Belonging Matters’ is the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week NZ 2026. We asked some of our members to share what this means to them!
Feña Piñones
“From the moment I joined CMC, the Coaches and members called me by my name, welcomed me with a smile, and made sure I understood the workout (due to the language barrier). That is when I felt this was my place.
When my amigos (friends) ask how I am, remember things about my personal life, and follow up on what is going on with me, I realise that we don’t just train here, we take care of each other. Here, I am not “just another member.” Here, I am Feña.
I feel comfortable being myself at CMC because the members’ kindness is indescribable. It is my safe and happy place. It doesn’t matter if my hair is messy, if I am sweaty, grumpy, or yelling during the workouts; in this place, I can show my Latin energy and be allowed to be exactly who I am without worrying that I will be judged.
CMC has been my best medicine and has supported me through some of my hardest moments. It’s helped me train my mind; change the way I see life, regulate my emotions, and feel stronger, more confident, and more energised. After every class, I feel like a brand-new version of myself.
The community offers me patience to listen to my dramas and Spanglish stories, laughter, love, amigos I never expected, and so many hugs. I have found my people on the other side of the Pacific.
CrossFit has totally changed the way I see myself. I used to doubt my abilities much more, but CrossFit helped me build my self-esteem and confidence. I now feel strong and capable of overcoming any challenge. Training at CMC has given me the ability to try new things even when I’m scared. It’s taught me I can achieve anything I set my mind to when I’m consistent. I’ve also learned that even on bad training days, I need to be kind to myself.
The gym has taught me that even if a movement is hard for my physical abilities, there’s always another way to do it. Life works the same way: there’s always another path to reach our goals.”
📸 Jen Reynolds