Congratulations to B.J. Zuromski, our August Fitness Patron of the Month!

I started my fitness journey at a young age. Actively playing all types of sports over the years. My main focus though was Soccer and wrestling. Both of which I started at the age of 8. I wrestled all through High School having great success. I had great success with Soccer as well. I was Captain of a United States team that travelled to England when I was just 15 as well as being named All Sectional my senior year of high school. I realized at a young age how important fitness was and what it took to be competitive in my chosen sports. I was constantly pushing myself to stay in shape and get stronger. When I graduated high school, I only weighed 135lbs. But I was also one of the fastest and most aggressive players on our soccer team. I never let anyone intimidate me and wouldn't back down from any challenge. I believe that is where I have gotten to be in my life currently using that mentality. In June of 2022, I broke both my ankles during a Mud Run in Vail, Co. I was bound to a wheelchair for several months and was completely helpless all the way down to getting a glass of water for myself. I was broken and down for a few days after the accident. Being the father of 2 beautiful girls, i decided I wouldn't let that injury get the best of me. I wanted to show my girls that I could come back faster and stronger than I was before. I turned everything into workouts. From rolling my chair up and down the ramp in the backyard, to crawling up the stairs backwards to put my daughters to bed. I challenged myself. My right ankle has 6 screws and 1 plate in it and my left ankle had 9 screws and 3 plates in it. I underwent surgery again on November 13, 2023 (The 4-year anniversary of my sobriety) to have the hardware in my left ankle removed. Now that i am back up and mobile, I am more driven now than ever to stay fit and healthy. Not only for myself but for my wife and kids. I try to make it to the rec center at least 4-5 days per week to stay in shape. I just turned 44 on July 15th and I feel I'm in the best shape I've ever been in. I believe that mindset in everything. I look at my injury as a blessing in disguise and if that had never happened and the adversity I had to overcome, in now almost 5 years of sobriety, that I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm a hero to my girls and I encourage them to be healthy on a daily basis. If I can be an inspiration to just one person, then I feel like my job has been done.