I often get asked “Christina, what was your turning point?”. The popular song by Cyndi Lauper ‘Girls Just Want To Have Fun’ came on our music system while I was teaching a fitness class at The Transformation Station the other day.. and I remember saying ‘remind me, I have a story about this song’. I have a lot of stories so by then, time got busy and I forgot to share. So for those of you who are interested in my turning point.. or the story about what the song reminds me of…
This is it.
When I was 15, I took a trip to Italy with my high school choir. It was supposed to be one of those life-changing experiences, full of excitement and adventure. But for me, it became a pivotal moment for a very different reason.
The night before everything changed, I remember sitting in one of the hotel rooms, watching my choir mates dance and sing to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The energy was infectious, and everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives. I wanted to join in, to be a part of that carefree joy. But there I was, feeling completely out of place, just watching from the sidelines. My mobility issues had caught up with me, and instead of dancing, I was stuck sitting on an ottoman, maybe it was a bed, feeling like an outsider. I didn’t dance. I barely could walk straight.
The next day, my condition worsened. I ended up bedridden in our hotel room, we were in Rome at this time, missing out on the adventures and fun that my friends were experiencing. Italy adventures brought a lot of walking, which I couldn’t handle because I never practiced. It was a crushing blow. I always wanted to fit in, to be part of the group, but my mind and body had other plans. That feeling of being left out, of wanting so desperately to join in but being unable to, stayed with me. Not just because I had a hard time making meaningful relationships, but also because I missed out from seeing half of the things I genuinely wanted to see. After all, I am first born Canadian. From Italy on my Mother’s side & Peru on my Father’s.
Fast forward to today, and those painful memories have become the fuel for my passion. I didn’t start losing weight when I was 15, but it was the pivotal point to when I realized that I had to. Essentially, it was time for me to pick life or death. I couldn’t go on like this and this is what started me on my path to choosing life. I started to educated myself by looking for resources, learning how my body COULD move and working with that.. 3 and 5 minutes at a time. I was too big to fit into machines and too anxious to go to any gym. I learned the basics, and I learned the struggle.. but the learning that took place in that struggle is what made me who I am today.
I founded The Transformation Station because I know what it’s like to feel excluded, to want to be part of something bigger but feel like you can’t. My gym isn’t just about fitness; it’s about creating a community where everyone feels welcome, where no one has to sit on the sidelines.
The Transformation Station is a place where we embrace everyone’s unique journey. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned athlete, there’s a spot for you here. We focus on strength, health, and personal growth, not just fitting into a certain mold. It’s about becoming the fittest, strongest version of yourself, both physically and mentally.
Looking back, that trip to Italy was a turning point. It taught me the importance of inclusivity and support, and it’s why I’m so passionate about what I do now. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I did back then. At The Transformation Station, we lift each other up, celebrate every victory, and support one another through every challenge.
Everyone deserves a place where they can truly belong and remember, when you feel like you don’t belong.. everyone around you has a different story with different life experiences. You are you and that is your superpower.
-Christina
The Transformation Station 