We can’t celebrate with our May Athlete of the Month face to face, but we can always show TONS of love on social media! Please give it up for…

Danielle Cristobal

Dani has been hard at work to help her prep for one amazing step in her life as she leaves for bootcamp and later will become a proud Marine. We love Dani’s spirit and enthusiasm in class. She is always so eager to learn and a great member of our family. Let’s read more below about how much Tides has made an impact in such a short amount of time.
️ Tell us about yourself.

Hello, I’m Dani… I was born and raised in St Joe, and have recently finished up my first year of college at LMC. I live directly up the street from Tides, which holds me accountable to make it to my daily WODs. I love being active and walking to the beach in the summer, playing basketball, boxing, and occasionally swinging a golf club around. When I’m not doing all that, I’m a linecook at the Bistro on the Boulevard.

️ How long have you been with CrossFit Tides and what made you decide to start?

I started CrossFit back in January. A friend that I worked with recommended Crossfit to me, and I was sold. I recently enlisted into the USMC and wanted to stand out so I decided to join Crossfit – needless to say, one of the best decisions of my life.

️ What were your thoughts after your first WOD?

“What the hell am I doing here?!” My heart felt like it was gonna fly out of my chest – although, I loved it!! The loud music, the fantastic people, and amazing coaches made my first WOD bearable, enough to make me come back.

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

Everyone’s my best friend … What I enjoy the most about Tides is the relationships that you have with your coaches. They are extremely patient, and are willing to sit down a couple min before and after class to discuss how to improve with added drills, and nutritional food choices. Evidently, I was all ears for anything my coaches had to say, and I loved having them as such a great support system!

️ What is your proudest CrossFit moment?

Successfully doing a strict pull. Now, I can proudly say that I can max out the pull up portion needed for my PFT, which is extremely exciting for me.

️ How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Tides?

I saw changes instantly. I went from skinny fat to lean & solid within a month of Crossfit. Even my family noticed my body changing rapidly, by saying that I used to look like a “toothpick” but now I’m a toothpick with muscle definition. (All out of good humor, of course) Mentally I feel more driven to complete a workout, or critique a certain move.

️ When you’re not CrossFitting what is your favorite thing to do?

Actively, I love to box. I am a flyweight contestant for the west MI division Non active, I love to bake, cook, and spend quality time with my family.

️ With you leaving for USMC in May, do you feel CrossFit has helped prepare you for your journey?

Most definitely. I am in the best shape that I have ever been in my whole life. The daily WODs, coaches, and members have built a strong foundation for me, and I’m ready for this next chapter in my life.

️ Anything else you’d like to share?

Although my journey here was short, I will never forget the Tides community. I appreciate everything you’ve all done for me, and I’m ready to hit the ground running. Thank you coaches & members, and I’ll see ya when I’m looking at ya! – Dani

We will miss you Dani and love having you be a part of our community and thank you for your future in serving for our country