October Committed Club Honoree: Mike Everhart

Mike Everhart is our Committed Club Honoree for October, and with good reason. A familiar and upbeat presence in our morning classes, Mike shows what true dedication looks like—consistently showing up, giving every workout his full effort, and refusing to let setbacks define him. After years of managing shoulder pain, he made the courageous decision to undergo double shoulder replacement surgery. With patience, rest, and physical therapy, he worked his way back, returning stronger and more committed than ever. Mike’s perseverance, positive attitude, and unwavering consistency inspire everyone around him, proving that no matter the challenge, he’ll always rise to meet it.

Why is fitness important to you? 

Fitness is critical for physical, emotional and mental health.  If I don’t include some type of fitness in my daily routine and I just don’t feel complete.  

What motivates you on the days you don’t feel like working out? 

Knowing that once I am there and I’ve completed the workout I will feel much better and in a better frame of mind for the rest of the day.  

How do you stay consistent during busy and stressful times? 

Morning workouts are key.  I know that if I start my day at IA I will get the workout in and feel better as I for forward with my day.  

What is your biggest obstacle you face in staying committed? 

Age.  At 62, my body doesn’t work like it used to.  But modify and do what you can is important.  

How do you balance fitness with the rest of the things in your life (work, family, friends, etc)? 

Fitness for me is non-negotiable.  I need to do it.  When I travel, I always have my running shoes so I can go for a run, explore the area, get my body moving.  I rarely schedule work meetings before 9:30 as I need to get my 7:15 workout class done before I start work.  

What role does mental health play in your physical journey? 

They go hand in hand.  As I noted earlier, if I don’t work out I don’t feel right.  I need physical activity to take my mind off of other things.  

What role does diet and nutrition play in your fitness commitment?

Up until this year, I would have said it didn’t.  But in early 2025, I did Dry January and got Zach Rinker to challenge me and hold me accountable to losing 10 lbs. in 2 months.  That motivated me as did the Nutrition Challenge.  And I saw the results I was looking for.  And I kept a healthy balance throughout the year.  

What advice would you give to someone struggling to stay committed to their fitness goals? 

Keep at it and don’t give up.  I tell new members that you need to keep at it for at least 3 months as Crossfit and Hyrox doesn’t come easy.  It takes repetition and commitment.  But once you get into it after a few months you start to see the changes you are looking for.