Ernest Reyna’s Fight: Resilience, Autoimmune Struggles & Thriving in Sports

📍 Featuring: Ernest Reyna, Collegiate Athlete | Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Advocate

But for collegiate javelin and discus thrower Ernest Reyna, those diagnoses didn’t end his athletic journey. They redefined it.

In a powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Ernest shares what it’s like to live—and thrive—with invisible illness, proving that resilience is more than just a buzzword.

It’s a daily choice.

🏋️‍♂️ From Athlete to Advocate: A Story That Hits Hard

Ernest grew up with hoop dreams.

Before kindergarten, he was already hitting the courts, and later, the football field. Sports were central to his identity.

But in eighth grade, things shifted.

Mysterious weight gain, fatigue, and swelling near his thyroid began a long, confusing diagnostic journey.

Eventually, he received a dual diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.

For most, that would have meant the end of competitive athletics. Not for Ernest.

“I thought I wouldn’t even be able to go out and play basketball with my friends—or with my kids in the future.” — Ernest Reyna

⚡ Reimagining Performance & Pushing Limits

Living with autoimmune diseases meant redefining what “working hard” looked like.

The traditional mindset of pushing to failure was no longer sustainable.

Instead, Ernest learned to train smarter, not harder—prioritizing hydration, electrolytes, inflammation-lowering nutrition, and strategic rest.

“You have to work out halfway so that you can keep working out regularly.” — Chris Burton, co-host

His routine now includes:

• Recognizing mental fatigue as a signal—not a weakness
• Evening and morning stretching (30–60 minutes more than teammates)
• Listening to his body over following a rigid regimen
• Prioritizing foods that fight inflammation
• Electrolyte-focused hydration (yes to Gatorade, no to just plain water)

💬 The Mental Battle: More Than Physical Pain

Perhaps the toughest hurdle? The mental toll.

“A rough day starts from the moment I wake up. It feels like I got beat with a bat in my sleep.” — Ernest Reyna

Whether it’s waking up in pain, hiding symptoms from teammates, or coping with dismissive comments (“So you’re an old lady now?”), Ernest has learned the importance of compassion—especially self-compassion.

And while he’s still learning how to balance pushing through with knowing when to rest, one thing is clear: Ernest shows up. Even when others can’t see what he’s fighting.

🧠 Community, Coaching & the Power of Being Seen

Ernest credits much of his comeback to community—supportive coaches, observant teammates, and role models like his mom and grandmother, who also battle autoimmune conditions.

“Even if I trip on a pothole, there’s five or six hands ready to catch me.”

Through it all, Ernest continues to compete at the collegiate level, and he doesn’t just show up—he visualizes himself at the Olympics.

That mindset?

It’s the definition of resilience.

🎯 Why His Story Matters

Ernest’s story isn’t just for athletes.

It’s for anyone living with chronic illness, anyone who’s ever felt unseen, and anyone who’s had to start over—on new terms.

He’s a living reminder that:

• Resilience is not pretending you’re fine. It’s facing your reality and adjusting.
• Community support changes everything.
• You don’t need to look sick to deserve compassion.
• Invisible illnesses deserve visible respect.

💥 Final Words from Ernest

“When you’re out there—on the field, at work, walking down the street—there are people really struggling just to show up. You might not see it, but it’s real. A little more respect goes a long way.”

Let’s carry that forward.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: Invisible Strength Podcast

📺 Watch on YouTube: 🥇 From Pain to Podium: Ernest Reyna’s Battle with RA & Fibromyalgia 💥 | His Athletic Comeback 🚀

👉 Or search “Invisible Strength Podcast” on your favorite platform!

Dance on, friends,
Karin

P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone. Send us a message to learn how we can support you on your journey.

Disclaimer: These tools do not replace the advice of a health care professional; if you have concerns about your health, please consult a health care professional.