Athlete of the Month - January 2026
Congrats to Dave Arata on becoming just the second member to be honored twice as Athlete of the Month. The selections are not always easy to make throughout the years and some individuals continuously display the attitude, behavior, work ethic, integrity and sportsmanship that an Athlete of the Month should always have. Dave’s name kept coming up between coaches as well as other members who kept suggesting him. You will notice through the answers below, Dave has been locked in on consistency and has been more focused on his nutrition and recovery. It shows through his performance in the gym. Being a good example for his kids is important to him and it’s great to see. He’s brought in his son Dave to take class with him at times, do some “off-ice” training with me and even to put him through the rapid fire questions with Coach Dom. As the community aspect of the gym is important to so many of us, Dave truly enjoyed contributing to the blood drive and he doesn’t miss a Dad’s Club workout. I personally enjoy our talks about hockey as we are both big fans of the sport (but not the same teams). Keep do the the right things for the right reasons, Dave. Those double unders will be in your toolbox this year.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
How has your habits inside and outside the gym changed since November 2024 when you first was honored Athlete of the Month?
I don’t think they’ve changed dramatically — which I actually see as a good thing. Since last November, I’ve really doubled down on consistency. I try to make it to the gym almost every day and treat it as a non-negotiable part of my routine. Outside the gym, that consistency has carried over into better sleep and more mindful eating.
What has been the biggest challenge in training in the last year?
Double unders will probably be my forever challenge . My family likes to remind me I can’t keep a beat when I clap along to music, so I think that same rhythm issue applies here. But having something that keeps you humble is a good thing.
What has been the biggest difference maker in the last year?
Focusing on recovery has been the biggest game changer. Being able to train consistently for months beats hitting one big PR and then missing weeks from injury. I’ve also started doing some stretching and occasional yoga at home with my wife. I’m not very good at it , but it’s helping me stay looser and think long-term.
What is your next big goal you’re striving for?
My biggest goal is to keep pushing myself while staying healthy. It feels great to test limits and chase PRs, but I’ve dealt with injuries before — and watching others get sidelined for weeks isn’t fun either. I want to keep building strength in a way that allows me to train consistently for the long haul.
What one piece of advice you have for someone starting their fitness journey with us?
I may have said this last time, but it’s worth repeating: just keep showing up. There will always be reasons not to come — you’re tired, busy, stressed. But if you get yourself through the door, the rest takes care of itself. You’re not going to PR every workout, and some days are just active recovery — but I guarantee you’ll feel better walking out than you did walking in.
Tell us about one of your most proud or satisfying moments in the gym.
This past holiday season stands out. Beyond the workouts, it was just a fun time to be part of the gym. Between the blood drive and the group events and posts, it reminded me that this place is more than just training — it’s a community. Being part of that and contributing to it felt really meaningful.