John Nowacki
Feb 14, 2025
“The gym has more than likely saved my life. I was just coming off a deployment where in all honesty being in decent shape wasn't a high priority of mine. I was able to still pass my physical fitness test (which at the time was 2 minutes of pushups, two minutes of situps and a 2 mile run), but nowhere near being able to max any event out, let alone coming close to the entire thing. Fast forward to 2023 and the event was changed, geared more towards what I might see in combat. These events involves some simulated dragging of a casualty (sprint, drag, carry) , carrying heavy ammunition cans, being able to push off the ground over and over again from lying face down (hand release pushups), throwing a colleague up and over an obstscle (standing power throw), doing repeated heavy deadlifts, two mile run and plank. I told my boss my goal was to hit 500 out of 600 possible points. I ended up with a 521 in March of 2023. I took it again that October, and my score ended up at 556 out of 600. Last October (2024) I had taken it again at a different location. My total score had dropped 10 pts because my lack of cardio training leading up to it. Last summer I also injured my left shoulder during a competition. I was told to take it easy and I ended up with an MRI on NYE this past yr. The results ended up with a partial labrum and rotator cuff tear. Taking the fitness test in October didnt make the injury worse as I increased my hand release pushups and the power throw with no pain. Bottom line is had I not been in the gym putting in the work I feel as though it's possible I could've ended with a complete tear of the shoulder. I'm thankful so much to be able to come to a place where I not only feel welcomed by brothers and sisters but my family. Being able to work out even having to modify almost anything involving weight lifting or rig work still saved my life. I'm so humbled, thankful and honored to be a small part of community love and support”
