Athlete of the Month : November 2025

Let me start by saying thank you to Matt Meyer for trusting in our staff and vision a year ago. Matt came in a little over a month before he actually joined. It was after morning classes and I was in the gym when he came by, interested in how we operate. Was it the right place for him? We chatted for about a half hour, we talked about the gym, the program, the community and quickly learned we both were parents of young boys. Fast forward a year. Matt is a known part of this community and a personality that isn’t too common. He is a family first, driven guy who is truly grateful for what he has and has going for him. It’s always a pleasure to coach Matt because he wants to learn and improve. He doesn’t settle, but he knows there are times to pull back the throttle. You will find some commonality when you read his Q&A or even when you talk to him. He and I always catch up on our kids, the Rangers (nothing happening there right now), when the next Dad’s Club is, what books or content we’re listening to, or random everyday stuff. If you haven’t taken class with Matt or even met him, introduce yourself if you see him. He’s genuinely a great guy who wants the best for everyone around him. So Matt, congrats on the Mr. November honor. It’s well deserved and we know you will continue to work hard to improve and set an example for your kids.

Written by: Coach Rob Moloney

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Q&A

Why did you start functional fitness cross-training? 
I got bored of doing the same routines at home and felt like I was wasting precious hours without much direction.  We just had our first baby and I was aimlessly trying to maintain. I was skeptical of group fitness but then I found and joined Island Park Fitness which has given me so much more knowledge and structure than I expected and it has also given me a community.  

What’s your background? (Athletic) 
Growing up I played basketball, hockey, football, lacrosse during the school year and swam at Oceanside pool during the summers.  Eventually I gravitated towards lacrosse as I got older and then later in college I got into strength training. In post grad, I added running to my fitness regime and ran a half marathon, then a marathon and worked my way up to completing a sprint triathlon in Jamesport, NY in 2022.  

How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness? 
I joined IP Fitness in December 2024.  I’ve been working out in the gym since college, but IP Fitness is the first real functional fitness gym I have done.  

What is your favorite thing about the gym? 
My favorite thing about the gym is the community mindset everyone has.  We all show up to get a workout in, better ourselves and put in the sweat equity.  While we all have different backgrounds & home life, we all can relate to one another. I find that joining a gym like IP fitness has been a space where like minded people can connect despite how different our lives may be outside of the gym. Another favorite thing is that  I quickly learned that there are many new parents like myself at IP Fitness.  It’s so refreshing to train alongside other members who can banter about parenthood.  

Most of all it’s just a place where you realize how small the world is and what community exists out there.  I have found many mutual connections in the short time I’ve been at IP Fitness and continue to meet new people along the way.  You can show up to any class & catch up with someone you trained with months prior; and earn that sweat equity together that day.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym? 
My biggest challenge is an ongoing battle with time.  I have a wife & two kids under 2 at home. Joining the gym and signing up for classes has allowed me to commit and  step out of my house for a block of time to focus on myself and the gym. 

What is the biggest change you have made over the years working out here?
My biggest change since joining the gym is the fight against procrastination. You can find every excuse in the book to not workout one day, but when I first joined & started signing up for classes on Wodifty, I started changing my mindset.  Just get it done. Whether it’s a workout or doing the dirty dishes. When you show up and see familiar faces over and over it creates innate motivation to keep going and keep getting better.

What is one or two favorite moments at the gym? 
I did the Olympic lifting barbell class with Joe Murdy earlier in 2025 during my first few months here. I’ve always hated cleans & I never attempted snatches.  He taught me grip, form, and helped me make the slightest adjustments that allowed me to execute on lifts.  I did a snatch with 165lb not thinking anything of it, and then I hear Murdy run over hyping me up and having me ring the bell.  Moments like that, when I do a new PR in a lift, slowly figure out double-unders, or rope climb, or toes to bar; it’s a great feeling that makes me think to myself, “this is cool, I’m doing it!”
Another moment is not really a moment, but it’s Dad’s Club.  It’s really cool to show up at the crack of dawn with other dads on Saturday morning to train together. 

What's your favorite "cheat" food? 
I really like buffalo wings & cheeseburgers.

What’s your go to meal to cook?
Taco bowls with ground beef/turkey/chicken, beans, rice and any other fixings.  

What do you say to someone who is thinking about starting? 
Just show up.  Everyone is so friendly and enthusiastic about each other showing up.  
Check your ego at the door & come have fun.  It’s challenging, but so rewarding.  

What drives you? 
My son Lazarus,  daughter Esme and wife Eleni. One day I came home from the gym and saw my son run up to the door with his shirt off with his arms above his head saying “dada gym strong” and it was everything. 

What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
In 2026, I’d like to learn how to do handstand pushups, muscle ups and improve my aerobic capacity.

Who are 3 influential people (alive) who you would want to have dinner with?
Derek Jeter, Eli Manning and Chris Kreider; and save a seat for my dad.   

What is a book, documentary or movie you think everyone needs to check out?
I am big on personal finance books, so I think the Psychology of Money & the Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel are excellent.  

If you could call anyone 3 people out to do a workout with you, who would it be and what workout?
My childhood friend Jimmy Daly; he’s the person who got me into training during college breaks when he was playing football at Maritime.  
My nephew Matthew Nicolosi; he plays high school baseball and football out west.  I think he can thrive at this kind of training with his athleticism.  
One day, when he is ready my son Lazarus; I can’t wait to workout with him.