Athlete of the Month - August 2026
Ryan Murphy. You are our August Athlete of the Month! As you all read Ryan’s Q&A, you will learn that he’s in a band, he played football and he can take down a taco bell single handedly. He also shares a little glimpse of the rough start his family went through when his baby girl was born. That type of thing can really take a toll on a guy. Being one of the OG Dad’s Club regulars, Ryan’s open line of communication and accountability has been huge in keeping me aware of the challenges during that time and it’s ongoing with nagging injuries or stories about what our boys do or say (classic boy nonsense). We can thank Ryan for giving us the cold plunge tubs that we have used the last couple Memorial Day weekends for Murph. He used to review these products and wasn’t keeping all of them. It was a very generous gesture. I am very thankful Ryan switched over gyms 3 years ago and found his fit here. He’s a truly selfless person and hard worker. I 100% relate to his response to “What drives you?” Family and young kids will always be on my mind too when doing anything meaningful. As Ry puts it, “taking care of me helps me show up better for them.” I couldn’t put it any better myself.
Ry, keep setting the example for your kids and keep recruiting good guys for Dad’s/Men’s Club. Lastly, we will eventually make Dad’s/Men’s Club beers happen one night.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I started martial arts when I was 4 years old, and earned up to a 3rd degree black belt over about 11 years of practice. In high school I was a 3 season athlete, playing football, and track and field (sprinting on the 4x200, and threw shotput and discus). I also played college football, defensive line. Dunno if this counts, but also took dance classes throughout high school.
How long have you been a member?
Just over 3 years, Started in August of 2023
Why did you start coming to IP Fitness?
The previous gym I went to went through a total revamp. Removed half the rig, and changed the programming drastically. I reached out to see what your programming was like, and it was exactly what I was looking for.
What makes you keep coming back?
The programming, the people, etc. More importantly, this is one of the only things I can control in my life currently. The gym makes the rest of what life throws at me a little bit more manageable
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
How well rounded everything is. It's great to have different focuses each day. Also, everyone here is very fit! It's awesome to be pushed by anyone and everyone on any given day.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Listening to my body and taking a step back if needed. As a former athlete, you were expected to play through certain things. Being able to know when to switch things up hasn't always been the easiest for me. However, my body feeling "good" has made it all more worth it.
What is the biggest change you have made over the years working out here?
Waking up early and attending the 5:30am class. I never considered myself a morning person, but once we had a kid(s) I knew I needed to take the time earlier in the day to take care of myself to be present for the rest of the day.
What is one or two favorite moments at the gym?
Annie wearing our American Slobs t shirt! (for those who don't know, that's a band I'm in)
My first chadx1000 just a few months after joining. I've never done anything in that rep range and it was awesome to see how many people where there doing it.
What's your favorite "cheat" food?
Taco Bell! Once a month, and when it happens....most of the menu is ordered.
What’s your go to meal to cook?
This is tough because I genuinely love to cook, just have been cooking less of a variety lately. I do most of the cooking in the house so there are a lot of go to's. I love to cook breakfast. Pancakes with eggs, bacon, and home fries. Add the pancake batter to the eggs before scrambling and they come out extra fluffy (that's a trick I learned from IHOP). I also like to reverse sear ribeyes on the smoker. Perfect medium rare wall to wall with roasted potatoes and sauteed spinach.
What do you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Future you will thank you tremendously.
What drives you?
This may be cliche, but my family. I am a believer in leading by example, and I want my kids to see the effort put in, not only at the gym but all aspects of life. I want to be able to keep up with my son as long as possible, and be able to help him train for any sport/hobby he decides to go with. My daughter, who is almost 7 months old, has had a long first few months of life. Without going into too much detail, we had an unexpected month-long stay in the NICU when she was born. Turns out she has an extremely rare genetic disorder. She's doing so well, and everything seems to be progressing in the right direction. Taking care of me helps me show up better for them.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Working more on my engine. I've always been good at short bursts, but I would like to get better at much longer intervals.
Who are 3 influential people (alive) who you would want to have dinner with?
Matty Matheson, who better than a best selling chef to have dinner with.
Bruce Dickenson, singer of Iron Maiden. He's also a pilot, brewer, and competed at fencing internationally. The stories this man must have.
I'd revive any of these 3 from the dead, even though it's against the rules of this question. David Bowie, Prince, or Anthony Bourdain.
What is a book, documentary or movie you think everyone needs to check out?
Book: House of Leaves by Mark Z Danielewski (I really only read fiction, this is the most interesting book I've ever read, literally and figuratively)
Doc: You Don't F**k With Cats (not once did I know what would happen next)
Movie: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
If you could call anyone 3 people out to do a workout with you, who would it be and what workout?
Any 3 dads who have not come to a dads/mens club yet!