Athlete of the Month : July 2024
Lacey Colucci
The wait is over. Below is Q&A for our very deserving July Athlete of the Month, Lacey Colucci. I always learn even more about our selected honoree through the Q&A. Before reading through her answers, I had Lacey on a short list of members who I wanted to spotlight. With Anita’s suggestion one day, it was solidified that Lacey’s photo would go on the wall. She’s quiet, humble, coachable, athletic, generous, encouraging and grateful. For me, it’s cool to coach someone who is a natural athlete. Lacey moves well, has good body awareness, picks up on demos and cues well and is interested/proactive in improving. Below she mentions the day when we gave her the nudge to RX “Jackie”. That was awesome to watch. This is actually the second athlete of the month who did this workout RX for the first time and it became a standout moment. Lacey is a mom of 2 is a living example how to live and treat others. She was also the first member to meet my son. Lacey was working in the hospital where he was born and would check in on us. That’s something we don’t forget.
Learning about her love of pizza and ice cream is not that wild, it means she’s normal. I don’t turn down either one of those. Lacey’s endless drive stems from her dad and that is rooted since she was a kid. What a life her dad lived! He certainly instilled the calmness, strength, fortitude and humility in Lacey that she embodies today. That’s admirable.
As for the next goal, muscle ups are not out of the question. We can work the progression to help you get that goal. Keep showing up and working hard.
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 because of one of my best buddies…Michelle Jantzen! I always looked at her in awe of how she always made the time to work out even though she was busy with her young children. It took me a long time, but she helped me realize you cannot be your best self until you take the time to take care of YOU first. I think my kids are now seeing their mom at her best.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I have been playing sports since I was a little kid. I don’t think there are many things that I haven’t tried. In high school I played volleyball, basketball, softball and spent a lot of time surfing in the summers and snowboarding in the winter. I’m down for anything when it comes to being active. Now that I have two kids it’s fun being able to do it all over again!
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I believe I have been a member since April 2021….but Rob you may need to check those dates. This was my first experience of functional fitness. I’ve never really been into the gym scene until I found my home at Island Park Fitness.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
I would have to give a shout out to 930am class Mon-Fri. It’s a fun crew with a lot of the same faces and a few new ones that come in from time to time. I love the family dynamic at the gym. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. It’s also fun to see and watch how we all have a bit of a competitive side but also want everyone to succeed at the same time.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Learning to push myself to do things I never thought I could. Coach Rob and Anita both pushed me to do the RX Jackie workout recently. If it wasn’t for them I would have picked up a lighter weight but they made it clear that I could handle it. Although I was down for the count for a good 20 minutes after class it was a challenge that I will always be proud of.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
HERO Wods and Partner Saturdays!
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Pizza and Ice cream!
What’s your go to meal to cook?
Whelp…..since our dogs name is Taco I think it’s safe to say my go to cooking is Tacos. Beef, chicken, fish, veggies. I love it all. Plus I make a pretty good guacamole!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Do it!!! My biggest regret was not doing it sooner!
What drives you?
My dad…He joined the Navy and served in the Vietnam War where he was the only survivor on his ship. Due to his high exposure to agent orange he was faced with many health obstacles later on in his life which ultimately lead to his passing this past November. The last 8 years for him medically were extremely challenging including the loss of his vision. He never complained or played the poor me card. Instead he’d wake up every day smile and tell my mom…. I am so blessed. He drives me everyday. If I can be a quarter of the person he was I’ll consider myself successful.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Ughhhhhh muscle ups!!! I’ve gotten a few goals down in my time here including rope climbs, pull ups and double under but still can’t seem to get a muscle up! One day!!!!