Member Spotlight: Richard Cicero
At Catalyst Fitness, we love highlighting our members’ incredible fitness journeys. This month, we’re featuring Richard Cicero, a dedicated member who has transformed his health and continues to inspire those around him. Check out his story below!
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do outside of the gym?
I am the father of two sets of twins, and they are the most important people in my life. I am also a graduate of Penn State University, where I played four years on the Men’s Volleyball Team. I have been teaching PE at a local high school for the past 25 years, where I’ve also coached several sports.
Q: What inspired you to start your fitness journey, and how did you get started?
My fitness journey started one day when I was sitting on the floor of my family room and tried to stand up. I failed miserably and needed both hands and a spotter to make it to vertical. That’s when I decided that I wanted a better quality of life and started working out.
Q: How long have you been a member at Catalyst Fitness, and how has your routine evolved?
I have been a member at Catalyst for three years now. I have the Ultimate Membership, which is ideal for me because it gives me the flexibility to try new classes and stay motivated. Initially, my fitness routine focused on toning and losing weight. This past year, I educated myself through collaboration and reading fitness articles, shifting my goal to gaining muscle. The staff at Catalyst has been very knowledgeable and helped me move closer to my goal.
Q: Have you faced any challenges, and how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges I faced was taking on too much responsibility with multiple jobs. My priorities changed out of necessity, and my overall health declined because I wasn’t putting my well-being first. Luckily, I finished the project I was working on and was able to redirect my efforts back into the gym.
Q: What motivates you to keep coming back to the gym?
My motivation comes from wanting to be around longer for my children, family, and friends. I am blessed to have a large circle of amazing people in my life. I want to maintain a high quality of life for as long as possible and enjoy life with my people.
Q: Who or what inspires you to push yourself during workouts?
My children inspire me to push myself. I want to set an example of how to take care of yourself as you age. We don’t need to be frail in our 50s, 60s, and beyond. Life doesn’t have to diminish just because we had another birthday. I want them to know they are in control of their health and should build a strong foundation through daily exercise and proper nutrition.
Q: What are some goals you’ve achieved since joining Catalyst?
Since joining Catalyst, I’ve decreased my body fat percentage while increasing my muscle mass. I’ve also lowered my blood pressure and increased my stamina.
Q: How has being part of the Catalyst community impacted your fitness journey?
I visited multiple gyms before choosing Catalyst, and I fell in love with the facility first. The staff is amazing, and I love that they know my name and make me feel welcome as soon as I walk in the door. Kylie, Laura, Mo, Elaina, Caleb, Nolan, Micah, Greg, David, Jose (and many others), and the manager Jen always take time to say hi and chat. They’ve all helped me in one way or another since I joined, and I consider them friends. I also want to mention my “Gym Mafia” – all the fantastic people I see daily. We are all in it together, and I wouldn’t work out nearly as much if these other fitness aficionados weren’t there kicking ass. They all motivate me to go to the gym and work hard.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out on their fitness journey?
Be consistent—some days, you won’t feel like going to the gym or working hard, but go anyway and do what you can. Then go the next day, and the next, until it becomes a habit. Fitness shouldn’t be a chore; it should be an opportunity to live a better life. Nothing is more important than your health, so make time for yourself every day.
Q: How do you balance fitness with your everyday life?
I’m lucky enough to have a consistent schedule. I do 30 minutes of cardio before work and then 60–90 minutes of weight training after work. This works for me, so find a time that works for you and get to the gym! See ya there.
Richard’s journey is proof that fitness is a lifelong commitment to self-improvement and well-being. His dedication to health, family, and community makes him an inspiration to all of us at Catalyst Fitness. Keep crushing it, Richard!
