Intro: A Message from Joe

I had planned to take a break from writing today, feeling like I might not have the time or the right words. So I asked Rocky, my good friend and co-founder of BattleGrounds Fitness, to write something on perseverance—a topic we both know well from our time in the gym and in life.

But, as it happens, I ended up posting earlier today before Rocky sent me his guest post. After reading what he shared, I knew it was too good not to include. His words about family, fitness, and the power of perseverance hit home, and I think they’ll resonate with many of you too. So, without further ado, here’s Rocky’s take on perseverance and what it means in the gym, at home, and in life.

Enjoy!

Family, Fitness, and the Power of Perseverance by Rocky

This past weekend, I spent time helping my mother-in-law stage her house for sale, taking pictures and making sure it looked its best for potential buyers. Why? Because she’s moving in with us into our new home—a big change for all of us, but one that feels right. Family has always been at the center of what keeps me grounded, motivated, and moving forward. In both life and fitness, the people around you—the ones you lean on—are the ones who make you better.

This experience got me thinking about the deeper connections between family, fitness, and the lessons we learn in the gym. At BattleGrounds Fitness, we talk a lot about consistency, perseverance, and community. These principles don’t just apply to fitness but to every area of life. Just like preparing my mother-in-law’s house, achieving your goals takes planning, dedication, and a willingness to put in the work day after day. But there’s always a reward waiting for you on the other side.

Family as Your Foundation

Moving to Front Royal has been a huge turning point for my family and me. It wasn’t just about relocating—it was about starting fresh, setting new goals, and laying the groundwork for a better life. And honestly, it’s all because of CrossFit and opening BattleGrounds Fitness. When Joe and I decided to take that leap and start this gym, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

My family has become stronger and closer as a result. My wife, Celia, has seen a drastic shift in her health and mindset. She’s gone from setting fitness goals to absolutely crushing them—she’s already run a marathon and keeps raising the bar. She’s even starting a new initiative, which I’m excited to share more about soon. On top of that, she leads a youth group, and her role as a mother, coach, and spiritual guide has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching her juggle everything with grace has taught me so much about the power of perseverance and dedication.

Perseverance in Fitness and Life

Speaking of perseverance, that’s something I think we can all relate to, especially in the gym. Just like in life, fitness is about showing up, putting in the work, and pushing through the tough days. I’ve learned this firsthand through my own fitness journey. I’ve checked off some major accomplishments, like completing a half Ironman, and now I’m training for the 50K Marine Corps race. It hasn’t been easy, but every step forward is a reminder of the importance of consistency.

But here’s the thing: Perseverance doesn’t just mean showing up when it’s easy. It means staying committed even when things get tough—whether you’re struggling through a workout or facing challenges in your personal life. That’s where the real growth happens. And it’s the same principle that applies to every goal you set, whether it’s in fitness, family, or beyond.

Celebrating Small Wins and Big Goals

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, especially through CrossFit, is the importance of celebrating the small wins along the way. We don’t hit big milestones overnight. They come from the daily grind, the small victories that build up over time.

Right now, Celia and I are preparing for the Battle Buddy Brawl, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. She’s been my rock through this whole journey, and I know we’ll be stronger together for this event. Whether it’s setting new PRs in the gym or tackling a tough workout, those little moments of success are worth celebrating.

But that doesn’t mean the big goals don’t matter. Setting big, challenging goals like the Battle Buddy Brawl or a 50K race is what keeps us moving forward. It’s the pursuit of those goals that drives us to keep going, even when the road gets hard. And with the support of a community like BattleGrounds Fitness, we’re never in it alone.

Building a Stronger Community

Beyond the gym, moving to Front Royal has opened up so many opportunities for our family. Our kids are thriving at Randolph-Macon Academy, and they’re involved in the Young Marines, which has given them structure and purpose. We’ve also built incredible friendships through our church and the gym community. These relationships have been the backbone of our success and happiness here.

Joe and I founded this gym because of the brotherhood we shared in the Marine Corps. The bond we had—based on loyalty, trust, and perseverance—carries over into everything we do at BattleGrounds Fitness. The community here is like family, and it’s what keeps us going through every challenge.

The Power of Consistency

If there’s one takeaway from this journey, it’s that consistency is everything. Whether you’re preparing to move a family member into your home, training for a race, or working on your fitness goals, it’s the small, consistent efforts that add up to something greater. And just like in life, you won’t always see results right away. But with perseverance and the support of a strong community, you’ll get there.

As I prepare for the Battle Buddy Brawl and continue on this journey, I’m reminded of the importance of family, friends, and community in everything we do. Whether it’s in the gym, at home, or at work, we’ve all got goals to chase and challenges to face. But with the right support and a mindset focused on perseverance, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

Here’s to family, fitness, and the road ahead—let’s keep pushing forward together. Semper Fi!