Rocky Piwko
Interview by Nichole DeHart-Kribs
Rocky has recently come onto the Invictus Masters scene and has been a motivation for all in our community. He posts videos of his training in our FaceBook group that keeps everyone motivated, has a great energy about him that is evident even online, is dedicated to his training, has been crushing old PRs and has been breaking through mental barriers. He is truly an inspiration to our Masters community and continues to show us all what is possible when situations seem insurmountable.
Rocky, how long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit since 2011. I was very consistent for about a year until opening my own box in 2012. I put my focus more on my athletes rather than myself. However, after a few set backs, I got back on track about 8 months ago and decided I needed to practice what I preach.
What was your athletic background before CrossFit?
I have always been into fitness and weight lifting. In my early 20’s I injured my back while powerlifting. The doctors told me that I would never lift again. That news sent me into a major depression which in turn lead to a pain killer addiction and a severe weight gain. At my heaviest, I was 300 pounds. I entered rehab and started working out again and started to feel like my old self again.
How did you get into CrossFit?
After rehab, I reconnected with my best friend (and old workout partner) who had just returned home from the Marines. He introduced me to CrossFit. I had been doing CrossFit type workouts before this, but not at that level of intensity. Once I started, I was hooked.
How did you become part of Invictus Masters?
I have followed Invictus on social media for a while and I read about the Master’s Program. Prior to doing the Invictus Program, I wouldn’t stick to any training program for very long before moving on to another. The Invictus Master’s Program has helped me make major changes in all aspects of my training.
What challenges do you face with training and how do you overcome them?
The obvious challenge for me in regards to training is having been born with only my left hand. So for me, it’s about figuring out a way to perform without having to modify. I don’t want to be seen as only an adaptive athlete, I want to be seen as an athlete that happens to be adaptive. I just don’t want people coming up to me saying “hey, you are amazing for doing that with only one hand.”. To me that’s the same as someone saying to a female athlete “you’re strong for a woman.”. Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be an adaptive athlete, I just don’t want it to be only about that.
What keeps you motivated?
I love challenges. The best thing someone can do is to tell me I can NOT do something, I live to prove them wrong.
What is one tip you would give to someone who is looking to be a more competitive Masters Athlete?
I would highly recommend the Invictus Masters Program, but it only works if you do it! You have to stay committed, be patient, stay consistent, do the things you don’t like, listen to your body and keep pushing forward.
If you could have a theme song that played while you walked down the street, what song would it be and why?
A theme song, that’s a hard one…If I could have a mashup or remix of Rockys “Getting Strong Now” and Benny Hill’s “Yakety Sax”, that would be perfect! When it comes to training, I am very intense and hardcore, but at the same time I am known to be crazy and a bit silly. I love to entertain!
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