Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Emily Baltierra, who first joined Defined in 2020 before moving back home to California — returning to Chicago and our community in 2025.
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Originally from Corona, California (IE represent), Emily — who also goes by Emi — has built a life rooted in service, movement, and community since making Chicago home nearly seven years ago. She works full-time in disease prevention for Chicago Public Schools and is also a personal trainer, helping others take ownership of their health both inside and outside the gym.
But her story with Defined runs deeper than just where she trains.
Emily first found Defined Training during her time at DePaul University in 2020. Like many journeys, hers wasn’t linear — grad school took her back to California before eventually bringing her back to Chicago. And to Defined.
“Being back here feels like coming home,” she says. “The community, the vibes, the space — it’s truly such an awesome place to work out.”
Now, her connection to the gym carries even greater meaning through Defined’s partnership with The OUT Foundation, an organization dedicated to removing barriers that prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from accessing fitness and wellness spaces.
As Defined’s OUT ambassador, Emily is helping push that mission forward — creating a more inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone can show up exactly as they are.
You can support The OUT Foundation by joining us for our Pride Circuit on Saturday, June 13! We’ve hit our max for participants, but we still need volunteers and bakers to contribute sweet treats for the bake sale! Email Coach Cara to if you’re interested in either volunteering or baking!
Defined Training wasn’t just another gym for Emily — it was her introduction to CrossFit and strength and conditioning.
“It taught me how to put my ego to the side,” she says. “I learned to build confidence under the barbell, get comfortable being uncomfortable, and most importantly — believe in myself.”
For Emily, fitness goes far beyond physical gains. It’s about mental resilience, discipline, and discovering what you’re capable of when you lean into discomfort. That mindset carries into every part of her life — from her career in public health to balancing two jobs, running, and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Her favorite part? The shared energy of the room.
“The power of community can shift the trajectory of a person — even if it’s ‘just’ a place where people gather to work out.”
When asked what #MoreThanAGym means to her, Emily keeps it simple:
“The right community brings out the best in all of us.”
It’s about belonging. Support. Momentum. Showing up for yourself — but never feeling like you have to do it alone.
That perspective is especially powerful during Pride Month, where visibility, inclusion, and safe spaces matter more than ever. Emily represents what it looks like to not only find your place in fitness, but to help create that space for others.
While hitting PRs is always exciting, Emily takes a more holistic approach to measuring progress.
“As long as my body feels good and I know I gave it my all, I’m proud of that.”
She focuses on consistency, discipline, and enjoyment — because for her, the process matters just as much as the outcome.
“It has to be fun. I’m doing this because I love it.”
Emily’s advice for anyone beginning their fitness journey:
“Don’t see each workout as a test; see it as feedback.”
Stay open. Focus on yourself. Build from where you are. Growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from learning, adjusting, and continuing to show up.
Right now, Emily’s biggest challenge — and goal — is balance.
Between working two jobs, training, running, and maintaining a social life, she’s focused on being more intentional with her time and present in each moment.
“Listening to my body and giving myself rest when I need it — that’s something I’m actively working on.”
If you’re ever trying to convince Emily to grab a post-workout meal, just mention Korean BBQ or hot pot. “Protein for the gainz.”
“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” ― Steve Jobs
And also… “PUT YO MIND TO IT, PUT YO GRIND TO IT.”
It doesn’t have to look like the one you just read. How has Defined help transform your life? We want to hear from you — reach out to Coach Reid or Coach Cara to get started!
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