Officer Christina ‘Tina’ Esquivel poses in Infinity Fitness merch. (Courtesy photo/Tina Esquivel
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
For more than a decade, Christina Esquivel has served the Rio Grande Valley in law enforcement. Today, the Port Isabel native continues that service as a police officer with the Harlingen Police Department while also leading a growing women’s fitness community in her hometown.
Esquivel began her career in policing with the Port Isabel Police Department more than 12 years ago, answering what she describes as a calling to serve the community where she was raised.
Her path to law enforcement began with humble beginnings. Esquivel was raised in Port Isabel by her grandmother, Ernestina, in a small efficiency home. Resources were limited, but she credits her grandmother with instilling strong values of discipline, faith and hard work.
Those lessons began early. Esquivel started working at just 13 years old, learning responsibility and independence long before adulthood.
“My grandmother raised me to work hard and to have faith no matter what life brings,” Esquivel said. “Everything I’ve accomplished goes back to the values she taught me.”
While building a demanding career in law enforcement, Esquivel also developed a passion for health and fitness. That interest eventually grew into Infinity Fitness by Tina, a women’s gym she launched more than three years ago in Port Isabel.
The business began in a 1,200-square-foot studio before expanding as membership grew. It later moved into a 2,200-square-foot space and is now transitioning into a 4,300-square-foot facility at 810 W. Garcia Street.
According to Esquivel, the larger facility will include expanded training space, additional gym equipment, a sauna and coach-led group classes. Plans also include a dedicated room for yoga, meditation and prayer, along with a program called “Step Into Faith, Step Up.”
“I wanted to create a place where women could come exactly as they are and leave feeling stronger — not just physically, but mentally and spiritually,” Esquivel said.
Infinity Fitness has also grown into a team effort. Esquivel now leads a team of five women who coach classes and help manage daily operations while she continues her duties in law enforcement.
“It’s more than a gym,” Esquivel said. “It’s a sisterhood where women lift each other up and grow together.”
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