Athlete of the Month : December 2024

Congrats to Janette for closing out 2024 with our December Athlete of the Month honor. It was not a tough pick. She’s one of a few individuals who have been standing out to the coaches. As you read through her Q&A, you’ll learn a decent amount about Janette. The 5:30am
crew definitely have gotten to know her more and I have as well coaching that group most days. One really cool thing Janette does is stay active with her dad. She’s talked about triathlons and mountain biking with her dad. That’s an awesome way to spend time, have fun and keep a parent moving later in life. She is a phenomenal mover with the barbell. I know shes hesitant to add weight much of the time but her technique is crisp so taking those next steps with adding to the bar will pay off. She also reads/listens to a ton of books. Her hour plus commute to and from her nursing position gives her plenty of time in the car to listen. I often ask her for suggestions for my next audiobook. And just like many of you, I’ve witnessed Janette build some great friendships with fellow members from being in the same classes on a regular basis. This helps each other stay accountable and enjoy fitness more. I look forward to seeing some barbell PRs from Janette soon.

Written by: Coach Rob Moloney

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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training? 
I started functional fitness because I wanted to improve my endurance and have a well rounded approach to exercise.  I did strength training a lot, but found it difficult to motivate myself to commit to more diverse training.  I’m happy to say, it worked!

What’s your background? (Athletic) 
Growing up I played soccer and competed in dance.  Then, in my thirties, I started powerlifting.

How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness? 
I joined IP Fitness almost 3 years ago, and have been doing functional fitness for 5 years. 

What is your favorite thing about the gym? 
I can’t pick one favorite, so I’ll give my top 3.  The programming, coaching, and community.  Physically, I’ve never felt better.  I’m also learning skills that have led to exciting progression, like finally stringing together a few strict pull-ups.  It feels so good when something finally clicks.  And the classmates are amazing.  They’re always pumped to share in an accomplishment or offer encouragement during a tough workout.  

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym? 
Shortly after joining, I was in an accident (not at the gym) and had a pretty bad head injury.  My balance and coordination were off for months and it was really hard to re-engage in exercise.  Upon returning, the coaches were incredible.  Every class they would check in, offer safe modifications and ways to progress.  I’m so appreciative of their knowledge and support.  If it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would have been able to recover as well as I did.  

What is your favorite moment at the gym so far? 
A moment that really solidified feeling like I was in the right place was during one of my first morning classes.  We were programmed to do ‘acid bath’.  I was about 30 seconds from finishing and really struggling to get through.  My legs were shot and I thought about stopping, when Geri (whom I only met a few days earlier), came over cheering me on and encouraging me to keep going.  It’s like she knew I was about to throw in the towel and instead got me to finish.  The community has consistently shown up like that, and I’m so grateful for it.

What's your favorite "cheat" food? 
Cheeseburgers!

What’s your go to meal to cook?
Steak and veggies 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting? 
You will feel so good from these workouts and see how much of it translates into everyday life.  Taking care of yourself is so important, and this group will help you do it.  

What drives you? 
Everyone in class!  I feel like we all stay strong for each other and push a little harder to encourage the people around us.  

Who are 3 people influential to you (who are currently alive) that you’d like to have dinner with?
Dan Gilbert- he’s a professor of psychology at Harvard and leads research on affective forecasting.  It’s an interesting topic and has contributed to my professional work.  
Siddhartha Mukherjee- He’s a physician who wrote ‘The Emperor of All Maladies’.  I’d love to learn of how he processed his findings (mentally) when writing this book. 
This 3rd person I’ve had dinner with before, but he’s very influential to me.  My grandfather (Terry Marsac) recently turned 96 years.  He golfs regularly, loves spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grands, and never says no to a good gin martini.  He truly embraces life, and I love hearing his perspectives and stories of his adventures.  I hope for many more dinners to come.  

What book would you recommend the members to read?
Malcom Gladwell’s ‘Outliers’, for a couple reasons.  This book highlights all the work, time, and confounding variables that influence achievements.  It brings forth a mental challenge if you ever find yourself engaged in unhealthy comparisons towards others.  It also emphasizes how the time and effort we put in now, will impact our future.  For many of us at the gym, this message aligns with our efforts towards longevity and to improve our health span. 

Thank you so much!  I really appreciate the recognition and I am truly grateful for the positive impact IP brings to my life.