Athlete of the Month : July 2025
Congrats to our July Athlete of the Month, Amanda Lobo! One of the best parts about honoring a member each month is getting to learn a little bit more about them. There is plenty of chit chat, some talks during class or a question of the day that stirs up more. But you don’t learn everything about someone by interacting just a couple hours per week. For the entire past year, I knew Amanda and now husband Nick got engaged in Aruba and recently got married there as well. That sounds pretty awesome to me. Not everyone in the gym knew their wedding was a goal that drove their fitness. I got comments from others asking, “what are they doing? They look great.” The discipline in diet and exercise to get lean and stay strong is tough and admirable. It’s what so many want but so few are willing to work for. I give Amanda and Nick a ton of credit. One thing I personally learned about Amanda from this Q&A are that her whole family is fit. It’s pretty awesome and I love that it’s something they all truly enjoy. The other is that she lived in Thailand teaching English for a period of time. That type of uncomfortableness and adventure is something most people will shy away from. It’s pretty cool to follow up on an opportunity like that. You definitely can learn a lot about yourself through an experience like that. I look forward to learning more about Amanda and the rest of our members. Amanda, keep trying new things. You will improve your Murph time with the work ethic you have. Your squat will continue to get stronger as long as your trust your training and be confident.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I was working out with a friend who had just started CrossFit. We both shared a passion for fitness and she thought I would enjoy the workouts and programming. She was right!
What’s your background?
I essentially grew up in the gym. My family is what I like to call a real life “fit fam”... My dad is a striking coach and gym owner, my mom is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, my brother is an ultra-marathon runner, my middle sister is a group fitness instructor, and my youngest sister is currently playing D1 lacrosse. It was fun growing up with an active family and something I’d like to share with my own kids one day.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I’ve been a member at IPF for a year and a half and I’ve been doing functional fitness for about 10 years on and off. Some gaps have come with life changes such as traveling to Thailand to teach English and eventually going back to school full time for nursing, but I’ve always found my way back.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
Knowing that I have an hour dedicated to improving my health and overall well-being surrounded by people doing the same. Everyone in class comes from different fitness levels/backgrounds/careers but we all show up to put in the work and push each other.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
I was always intimidated by MURPH because running, pull ups, and push ups are three of my weakest and least favorite movements. I avoided doing the workout until last year when I finally gave it a shot and ended up surprising myself. I really enjoyed the workout and the amazing energy of the class.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
Hitting my back squat PR and ringing the bell! Physically I felt like I was capable of finally hitting the 200 club, but mentally I was apprehensive. The support and guidance from Rob and Ryan gave me the confidence to attempt something I might fail at. It was really exciting hitting a goal that I’ve had for awhile.
What's your favorite "cheat" food?
Oreo cheesecake.
What’s your go-to meal to cook?
I’m very basic when it comes to cooking, especially when I meal prep my lunch for the week. Ground beef with sweet potatoes, taco salad, or chicken burgers are my go-to. Nick is a much better cook so I always enjoy a steak night with him.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Just do it! Functional fitness/cross-training is unlike any other workout and I think people may be intimidated by trying movements or machines that are brand new to them. IP Fitness does a great job of fostering an inclusive environment for everyone at all levels of fitness … we were all new to this at some point.
What drives you?
Just aiming to be the best version of myself! On days when I’m not feeling motivated I try to practice gratitude by reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to move my body and exercise. I recognize that having the strength, energy, and mobility to work out is a gift—not everyone has that privilege.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
After doing a pretty significant cut for my wedding I’m ready to bulk up a little bit and work on building muscle.
Who are 3 influential people (alive) who you would want to have dinner with?
Larry David, Stephen King, and Stephen Hillenburg (he passed a few years ago but I’m a huge SpongeBob fan).