Member Spotlight: Joe Roth

We believe our members are the heartbeat of our great community and provide amazing inspiration to others overcoming their own challenges.

MEET JOE:

1. When and Why did you first start coming to Coastal Strength & Fitness?

January of 2017. I was looking for a gym with group classes like I was doing a year or so prior at Langley AFB before they stopped their group fitness classes. I was looking to build some strength, some aerobic training and make some new friends. Coastal was recommended to me by a trainer at another local gym. I visited the gym in Dec 2016 and met with Ben to talk about the classes and liked the format. This was just before my Disney Marathon in Jan 2017 and I wanted to wait until after the marathon before jumping into the gym.

2. What fitness activities/sports were you doing before you joined Coastal?

Running, working out on my own at the Langley AFB gyms, and overeating...

3. What results have you seen since you joined Coastal Strength & Fitness?

More results than I could have imagined: Improved diet and nutrition, weight reduction, strength and agility, improved running capacity, and many new, encouraging friends. I have far surpassed these. I hit a peak in strength about a year after joining the gym, but then started to have an internal conflict between focusing on strength at the gym and my long distance running. The two are not necessarily compatible and I started to think about what meant more to me. Both were strong objectives, in the end, long distance running won out. Now I use strength training to enhance and support my long distance running activities. So I may no longer have the pure strength I had a year into it, but I definitely feel more fit than I have ever felt in my life. Watching posts about meal prepping, recipes being posted, and Podcast discussions, I made changes to my diet and nutrition. Small and gradual changes are becoming lasting changes. I started eating a lot more vegetables, and in a big shout out to Will, brussel sprouts. What was I thinking not eating those…. I use frozen vegetables vs a lot of fresh. They are always on hand sitting in the freezer, ready to be cooked. I also realized, as Gary said in a podcast, you are not going to starve to death. I was very driven by food and a timeline, e.g. after breakfast, 4 hours later is lunch, 4 hours later dinner, and eat snacks to minimize hunger pains. I cut out my mid-morning/afternoon snacks, increased protein and now able to survive without a fixed schedule. Starting at the gym, I never set out with a weight loss goal, but thought I could easily afford to lose 5 pounds and if I did, that would be great.

Over two years later, I have now lost close to 25 pounds.

Those were 25 pounds I did not think I was carrying on my frame. I have gone from a 34 inch waist to 32 inch. At the end of Dec 2017, the doctors scale said I weighed 186 pounds, after Yoga last Saturday, the gym scale said 162 pounds. Like I said, it was never a major goal or focus, overall fitness was the main goal. But between listening to the podcasts and picking up on little tidbits, not making sudden, drastic changes, and focusing on process over results, I have achieved large changes. And, because it was a gradual process, I am able to maintain the diet/nutrition, meet my training goals and maintain the loss. The first year, I focused on increasing strength and made great gains. This last year I focused strength training to specifically support my long distance running goals. What this focus on strength to enhance running has gained me, is not only am I stronger, but I have gained a lot of flexibility and eliminated a lot of cranky joint issues. My shoulder mobility has improved tremendously. They no longer ache or have spots that bind. When I am out on a trail run, no matter what the terrain, I feel like I can easily conquer whatever the trail brings. Since starting at Coastal, I have run several half marathons, two full marathons and an ultra marathon. Each race was pain free and each marathon time improved by at least 10 minutes. Between the strength training, Yoga and Ben’s NKT work, my running efficiency and capacity improved while reducing pain issues. I have also made a lot of great new friends who are supportive and motivating. Eddie for one, very much motivated me to attack longer run distances (ultra marathons), he pushed me each time we met in the gym and he became a great friend along with Alan, Kenny, and Israel. I know if I show up to class, there are others who will help push you and challenge you, but at the same time, not push you beyond your limits. Yoga has become a go to activity. At first, I had never done yoga and always heard great things about it. However, I did not want to be “that guy” who shows up to class and has no clue what he was doing. Jillian and the rest of the yoga crew welcomed me and helped my transition.

4. What do you like most about Coastal Strength & Fitness?

The community aspect; great, motivating/encouraging coaches who care about your well being. It is my happy place. I know when I walk in the door, I there will be a strong welcome and encouragement.

5. What is your favorite Coastal training day of the week and why?

Friday's whole body concept. It has a little of everything and is energizing.

Lightning Round Questions:

1. What is your Spirit animal?

Eagle

2. If you were a Superhero, what would your super power be?

Mr. Incredible. As I get older, maintaining flexibility and the ability to move becomes all that more important to me. Enhanced agility and durability.

3. What is your favorite treat meal?

It has changed over time, but now a good veggie pizza.

Are you ready to begin your journey to a healthy, sustainable lifestyle?

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