Athlete of the Month : November 2024
Congrats to Dave for being Mr. November of 2024. I sincerely apologize for this getting published so late. We now have a new website and I learned how to edit. If you haven't had a chance to meet Dave, do it because he’s a great guy. He’s a dad, a tech guy, respectful, mostly reserved and hard working. Oh yeah and an Isles fan which we differ on but have plenty of mutual respect for the game of hockey in tons of conversation. There was quite a lengthy period where Dave was a sporadic member and I knew he has a busy work and family schedule. Within the last year, getting in the gym and having time to work on his fitness has become a huge priority. It’s good to see that for a few reasons. I know life’s busy schedule can get away from us at times and when family is the number one priority, your own personal joys can take backseat at times. It’s about the appropriate balance in order to satisfy the needs of everyone. Dave makes it work and I definitely notice it. Aside from our hockey talk, I’ve enjoyed coaching Dave up on ring muscle ups. He had them in the past and stopped working on them. He has recently spent more time practicing the skills and building more consistency in the movement’s technique.
If you're a pizza fan (I hope you are), Dave has done a family pizza tour in Brooklyn this past summer and I’m sure there are future locations planned. Tagging along on a trip like that is not a bad way to get to know fellow members.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
At the time, I was going to a traditional gym but looking for something more challenging. I thought a class with a coach would push me harder and help me learn new skills.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
In high school, I played ice hockey and roller hockey. In college, I started weightlifting at the school gym as a social activity. After college, I continued at traditional gyms but wasn’t very consistent. As work and family responsibilities grew, I exercised less and gained over 30 pounds. By 2014, I felt terrible and knew I needed a change. That’s when I joined my first CrossFit class and saw real results, especially after focusing on nutrition. During the pandemic, my gym closed, and at-home workouts got boring fast. That’s what brought me to IP Fitness!
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I joined a CrossFit gym in 2014 and then had that gap during the pandemic for about two years. I joined IP Fitness in March 2022
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
Definitely the culture. The coaches are focused on teaching, motivating, and pushing us to improve sustainably, and the members are all incredibly supportive of each other.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Consistency. There were months when I barely showed up. Lately, I’ve focused on coming almost daily, and I feel a huge difference physically and mentally.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
It might be recency bias, but we recently finished a Front Squat cycle, and I hit a PR that was a significant jump from my old one years ago. It felt great to see hard work paying off.
What's your favorite "cheat" food?
Pizza! This past summer, I organized a “Pizza Day” for my family, where we drove around Brooklyn trying different pizza spots. Di Fara’s was our favorite. My wife and I are already planning “Pizza Day Part Two” over the holiday break if anyone wants to join :)
What’s your go to meal to cook?
For everyday meals, I usually meal prep simple dishes like roasted chicken breast, broccoli or green beans, and rice or sweet potatoes. But my favorite thing to cook is a barbecue on a smoker. Smoking a turkey on Thanksgiving is my favorite, but I’ve also done pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Just show up. Even if you feel tired or unmotivated, get yourself to the gym. You’ll feel 100% better after class.
What drives you?
Exercise isn’t just about physical health for me—it’s a mental reset. Like many people, I deal with stress from multiple directions. Working out, whether it’s a class or a long run, helps me zone out and quiet my mind. Afterward, I feel more ready to handle life.
Who are 3 people (influential to you) who currently alive who you would like to have dinner with?
Steve Wozniak: I’m a tech nerd, and I’d love to hear about his early days at Apple and what breakthroughs he’s excited about in the future.
Mark Cuban: I’ve worked in tech startups for most of my career, and now I’ve started my own! I’d love to hear his advice on navigating the challenges of starting and running a tech business while making a positive impact.
Denis Potvin: As a lifelong New York Islanders fan, I’d love to sit down and watch a game with one of my favorite players, whose legacy I’ve admired since I was a kid.