Member Spotlight: Russ Hayward

He has since completed seven fourteeners (mountain peaks with elevations over 14,000 feet) and works out for an average of 40-50 hours a week between gym sessions at VASA and climbing.

“I feel a lot better now. It is a complete turnaround,” he states, reflecting on his physical and mental transformation. Russ notes that the mental toughness developed during his workouts at VASA has helped him accomplish so much more outside of the gym. “Job searching, climbing mountains, anything that requires a sort of mental strength, I get that from doing classes like STUDIO RED.”

His transformation and developed discipline became a necessity during one of Russ’s hikes in 2023. There had been an avalanche in an unexpected area that created an ice ridge, requiring the use of an ice axe to scale across. Faced with 10 feet of snow for 15 hours, he had to rely on the endurance, physical ability, and mental toughness he built at VASA as a lifeline. “Being able to come to VASA and do workouts during the day gave me the endurance I needed to keep pushing and stay motivated,” he explains.

The supportive community at VASA, the friendships he made there, and the inspiration from David Goggins drove Russ to the gym each day. The thought of being productive, meeting friends, and doing something good is enough for Russ to keep going and helped him to lose 120 pounds this past year.
Russ’s journey from a flooring installer in Connecticut to a mountain-climbing fitness enthusiast in Colorado Springs is a testament to the transformative power of community and determination. His story not only inspires but also highlights the crucial role that supportive gyms like VASA play in fostering personal growth and well-being. Russ’s story reminds us that with the right mindset and a supportive environment, anyone can achieve the extraordinary.

Russ completes his first 5k race.