Xiomara Colon

1. What is your Crunch gym & job title?

I am a District Fitness Manager in New York City.

2. When and where did you serve?

I served as a NYC First Responder and Paramedic. I was a first responder during 9/11.

3. What was your experience like serving?

Serving as a NYC Paramedic was an honor. Knowing that in one of the largest cities in the country, I was prepared at any moment to help people whether I was on the clock or off is a feeling that will never go away. It built leadership and confidence within me.

4. Do you recall the day your service ended? What was your transition like in the weeks and months afterwards?

Yes! It was a leap year. I decided that I needed a break or just a breather. I took time to care for myself and work on my health and overall well-being. Being a paramedic can very much numb your emotions. Fitness helped me to feel again and allowed me to tap into my emotions. 

5. What did you do right after you served? When did you start working at Crunch? How did serving help your career at Crunch?

On 9/11, Crunch announced a job fair via KB Concepts. The people who I met were so kind and inviting that I wanted to be a part of it! The passion that my interviewer, Jenn Burke displayed for the company and the brand inspired me. I wanted to change lives for a living before they needed to be saved.

Seeing people at their worst due to physical disability that could have been prevented allowed me to realize that the work we do as personal trainers can reverse, delay or prevent some serious health issues at any age. The awareness that we are creating in our communities is life changing and inspiring for many of our members.

6. What are some of your hobbies outside of work? Tell us a little more about your daily life.

Outside of Crunch, I enjoy spending time with my partner of 10 years and our dogs.

7. Do you feel support working at Crunch? Is there anything else that you’d like to share with us?

Certainly – it is a welcoming and friendly environment. In 2012, I made the decision to step away from emergency services. It was a fulfilling career and I can confidently say, “I did good work and helped save lives.” There wasn’t any other career that I thought could have had the same effect. But when I started working on myself and exploring my personal strengths, I wanted to share that feeling of empowerment with others.