This month, we’re proud to highlight Tyler Mootz for his outstanding dedication and consistency. A regular presence in our morning and weekend classes, Tyler logged over 13 sessions in May alone. He continues to lead by example—showing up, putting in the work, and always pushing to improve. Whether he’s adding in some extra effort on Sundays, staying energized with a well-earned treat, or lifting spirits by singing along to the playlist, Tyler brings both focus and fun to every workout. His commitment is inspiring—way to go, Tyler!
Why is fitness important to you?
As I get older, I’ve observed a difference in the physical ability and function of my peers. I’m only 34 years old right now but I’m struck by the difference between those who have been consistent in physical activity and exercise versus those who have been more sedentary. It’s important to me that my body can continue to function for many years to come.
What motivates you on the days you don’t feel like working out?
I have a bad habit of skipping days where I don’t like the WOD. Honestly, I give myself something to look forward to in the morning, which is usually cold brew coffee or a Celsius before the workout. It’s a crude approach but it works for me.
How do you stay consistent during busy and stressful times?
I’ve been physically active since 2017, and I am keenly aware of how my brain and body feels when I have been avoiding the gym. Because of that, I can frequently remind myself that I’ll feel less stressed and awful if I push myself to go. And, as always, the days I feel best are the ones where I made it to class.
What is your biggest obstacle you face in staying committed?
Adapting to my work schedule! I have to be out at the airport really early right now for my current work project, which means I either have to come in earlier or go to evening class. I’ve been doing 7:15am class for so long that anything outside of that feels foreign.
How do you balance fitness with the rest of the things in your life (work, family, friends, etc)?
I find this fairly easy because gym class takes up roughly 90 minutes of my whole day (including commute time and such). We’re awake for roughly 16 hours of a whole day, and 1.5 hours is a sliver of that total. Because that’s such a fraction of the day, I don’t have many excuses to justify not fitting in a workout or physical activity.
What role does mental health play in your physical journey?
A necessity and an obstacle, honestly. It’s a necessity because I can easily sense when I’m feeling well due to consistent workouts. It’s also an obstacle because things like social media have greatly distorted our sense of what a healthy and fit body looks like, and I’ve been susceptible to that distorted thinking with my own body. I think what’s important to practice is mindful reflection and being able to identify what is reality vs what is distorted by social media.
What role does diet and nutrition play in your fitness commitment?
If I’m being honest it should play a bigger role for me than it currently does (one of those situations where I’m fully aware of what I should be doing instead of what I’m actually doing). I will say that curbing my alcohol consumption is one of the easiest but most impactful ways to improve my diet and mental health.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to stay committed to their fitness goals?
Start small, start with habit-building, and practice abundant patience. I think common advice always lands on something like a goal bodyweight, but it fails to address the numerous steps to get there. I’ve found incremental habit changes to be better at building consistency: make a goal of going to class at least 3 times a week, and stick with that goal for a month. In the next month, maybe try 4 times a week. If you want to change nutrition habits, start with answering the question “what is one healthy swap I can make with my meal?” Maybe do that with one meal a day, then up it to two meals a day after a month or so. Among all of this is patience: we’re hard-wired to desire instant gratification, but fitness and nutrition is a game of chess where you have to be patient and make small, incremental moves early on in order to win the game later.
