Athlete of the Month : May 2024
Alyssa "Alice" Persich
I remember pretty vividly Alyssa’s first class at IP Fitness. Her and Danni came in to join as they moved to Long Beach and were switching gyms. They weren’t very consistent at the time and I remember we had pull-ups in the program. Those reps were a struggle and a few hands were torn that class. Fastforward to Murph this year (and even last year) and these two are thriving. It 100% helps to join a gym like ours with a friend. Accountability from someone you trust is crucial. Alyssa is a former college softball pitcher and is coach of the 2024 CHSAA Undefeated State Champs St. Anthonys. Congrats on an awesome year! When Alice was chosen for our Athlete of the Month honor, it wasnt based on just the previous month as people sometimes think. She was actually not in the previous month as much due to coaching duties. However, her consistency, work ethic and discpline over several months allowed her to get her quality workouts in when she did make it to the gym. She also looks like she hasn’t missed a beat as she is back to class more frequently. One of my favorite moments for Alyssa is seeing her handstand walk progress from January through March. Keep up with your skill maintenence and you will forever own it. If you havent been in class with Alyssa, she’s a great person to be around, very down to earth and doesn’t take herself too seriously. It’s a pleasure to acknowedge to efforts and I look forward to seeing more gains to come.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I started functional fitness cross-training with my best friend (and fellow member) Danni after our first year of college. We were looking for something to keep us in shape, but also push us. After college, I continued to keep that competitive edge alive.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
In high school, I ran cross country, winter track and softball. I then went on play college softball at SUNY Geneseo with Danni.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I have been doing functional fitness since 2016. I joined Island Park Fitness in October 2021 when I moved to Long Beach.
What is your favorite thing about the gym? My favorite thing about the gym is the community that we have inside and outside of the gym. I also love seeing everyone around me crush workouts and achieve their fitness goals.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
When I first moved down here and joined the gym, it was paired with starting a new job at a new school. With that came a bunch of random illnesses that come as a new teacher. On top of that, I was coaching travel softball. That combination of things caused me to slip off and become unmotivated and extremely inconsistent at the gym. Over the past year, I realized why I started functional fitness to begin with.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
My favorite moment at the gym was finally achieving my lifelong goal of being able to bench 135 lbs, and then the following week hitting that weight for reps. I have also been super excited about making big improvements to my handstand walking.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Chicken Franceses and any pasta dish.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
If you’re considering joining this gym, you have to know that you aren’t just joining a gym- you’re joining a big family. A family that cares about your individual fitness and functional needs. It’s not about who can finish the workout first or lift the heaviest weight. Every single coach and member of this gym will be rooting for you to create the best version of you.
What drives you?
Over the past few months, I have been lifting weights heavier than I ever have. There is nothing more excited and satisfying than accomplishing goals and moving your body in ways you would’ve never expected.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?My biggest fitness goal is continuing to stay consistent and healthy.