Meet John

Whether facing age-related challenges or carrying a sandbag up a mountain, John Huffman views obstacles as opportunities for growth. Through determination and consistency, his fitness journey at MVP has taken him to places he never imagined. 

As John approached his 50s, he became determined to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. He began training for 5Ks and 10Ks, focusing on consistency as his primary goal. His membership at MVP Rockford, which he has maintained for the past six years, has been essential in supporting his fitness endeavors. The gym provided the tools necessary for his success, from the pool and weight room to personal training programs and, most notably, the track. “I would be lost without the MVP track in the winter,” he chuckled, highlighting how crucial it is to his routine, especially when the weather turns cold or wet. 

After completing several races, including marathons and obstacle courses, John received an extraordinary offer: an invitation to represent the USA at the OCR World Championships in Mammoth Lakes, California. Eager for the challenge, he committed to rigorous training at MVP to prepare for the competition. 

The OCR World Championships presented a nearly 10-mile mountain trail, filled with over 40 obstacles. John faced intense physical challenges, including sandbag carries, swinging monkey bars, rope climbs, wall climbs, and more. “The race was unbelievably tough, but I pushed myself as hard as I could,” he recalled. When the race concluded, John had far exceeded his expectations. He finished 15th in his age group, surpassing his goal of completing the course in under four hours by more than 40 minutes. He credits MVP’s “winning culture with no excuses” for his success. 

However, John’s fitness journey has never been solely about personal achievement; it’s also about setting an example for his family. He often includes his children in his training, teaching them the importance of living a fit and healthy lifestyle. “What I love most about MVP is the inclusive environment for all ages, with no judgment,” he said. 

Today, John continues to push himself. Earlier this December, he participated in the Central Florida Spartan Trifecta's three Main events and tackled over 20 miles of bumpy swamp trails. "I was able to successfully complete 73 of the 75 obstacles, with only two failures that demanded penalty loops," He said.  Jon exceeded his expectations again and finished in third place out of 59 contestants in his age group in the sprint event. 

Through consistency, determination, and the support of others, John Huffman has transformed obstacles into opportunities for growth, proving that the right mindset makes anything possible. “The mentality at MVP is contagious,” he said. “MVP is the place for me.”