Athlete of the Month : August 2024
Terrence McSweeney
A big congratulations to Terrence Sweeney on being our August Athlete of the Month. Terr is the kind of person you we just knew that he was going to flourish in this gym setting. We know many people do, but to see it from the first couple days, it’s something different. In just 6 months of taking class, his strength gains are quite evident and I see the confidence growing in a number of movements. In the Q&A, he talks about the day Coach Ryan helped him with the technqiue and confidence on the climbing rope. That is as memorable for us coaches as you athletes. It’s a cool moment. I hope you get more of those skill moments, Terr. His eagerness to be in the gym, coachability and want to improve makes coaching so enjoyable. Coach Meg has been asking to name Terrence Athlete of the Month for almost 3 months. It’s not hard to see when the honest hard work is being put in day after day. As far as those current goals below, he might need to come up with a couple more because those listed are not far off. I’ve seen the handstands a number of times. And they’re freestanding. Keep up the consistency and your results will continue to show.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I wanted to surround myself with stronger people, hoping it would push me to the next level. I’d been going to the gym on my own for years (Retro fitness, Crunch), but I hit a plateau and knew I needed a change.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I grew up playing roller hockey, then took up lacrosse and basketball which I played through high school. During college and post-college, I played on a few intramural volleyball leagues.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I just hit my 6-month mark! I moved to Long Beach this past winter and joined IP Fitness in early March.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
Definitely the people and coaches. I’m grateful to start most of my mornings with the 6:45 AM crew and to the incredibly supportive coaching staff, especially Coach Rob, Meg, and Ryan. The programming is also well-designed; it’s clear a lot of thought and energy goes into every workout.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
At first, I felt out of place attempting movements I was unfamiliar with. Once I started pushing past self-limiting beliefs and attacking moves without hesitancy, I began to see progress.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
During a weekend WOD with dumbbell snatches and rope climbs, I started out strong but lost my J-hook. I was exhausted by the last set and would have never attempted another rope climb had Ryan not come over and encouraged me to try. A few other members came over to cheer me on, and I managed to make it all the way up.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Big fan of Dough Hut’s glazed donuts.
What’s your go to meal to cook?
Ter’s Tacos.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
It can be intimidating to put yourself in a new environment, but you’ve got to go for it. Make the investment in yourself, and you’ll be met by a welcoming community.
What drives you?
I’m driven by the desire to become the best version of myself. Whether it’s in the gym, at work, or in life, I’m constantly pushing myself to improve.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Build muscle mass, improve strict pull ups, and get a 15 second handstand hold.