We always say one of the best things about Cynergy is the community and support of fellow athletes. John Holland is one of the best. He is a long-standing 5amer, who is also one of the most encouraging. He is a “helper” by nature, and that follows him into the gym atmosphere. If he notices someone hasn’t been there in a while, you can count on John to check in. If he overhears that someone needs something, you can bet that John will find a way to get that something to that person. John never complains about the workouts an always encourages other athletes. His positive attitude is contagious, and Cynergy is so lucky to have him and his daughter, Addy as part of the gym family. Congratulations on this well-deserved acknowledgement, John!
What do you do for work?
I am a Holbrook Firefighter/Paramedic and also work for South Shore Hospital EMS
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
I am one of six, grew up in Walpole and now live in Bridgewater with my wife, Michelle and two girls, Lauren who is 16 and Addy who is 13 and a fellow 5am’er at Cynergy.
What is one thing that we may not know about you.
Hmmm,🤔 I’ve delivered 6 babies in the back of an ambulance in my career which was pretty cool. I have 4 great friends that I’ve known since kindergarten. Together, we have ridden the Pan Mass Challenge 8 times.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
I think it has been 9 years give or take.
What time do you typically train?
I’m a 5am guy. At first I started going at 5am because it was the only time I could make the time with two little ones at home. There’s still something to be said for getting your workout in before the sun even comes up. It’s a great way to start the day.
What is your favorite lift and why?
I would have to say the deadlift. A simple lift that makes you feel strong.
What are your current life goals?
My current life goals are first and foremost to stay healthy so I can be there for my girls and to find a better life/work balance. I, like most people spend too many hours at work and too little time enjoying life. Still working on that one, though.
What is your most memorable time as a CrossFitter?
One of my fellow 5amer’s convinced me to do the Game of the Ages Competition a few years ago. One of the last comps was rowing. I was so gassed by the end but I had about 30 people including my wife ,young kids and Mark O’Reilly enthusiastically cheering, ok maybe screaming at me to keep going. The energy from the people cheering me on , especially, Mark O’Reilly helped me get through that comp. It was a perfect synopsis of what CrossFit is all about.
How has CF impacted your life outside of the box?
I know it sounds cliche but it has made me a better person. It is such a great way to start the day. Literally, some of the best people I have met in life have been through Cynergy. Starting your day with a positive group of people that celebrate each others accomplishments and collectively try to be a better version of themselves each day is very refreshing. Often times, you begin to become the company you keep. I make an effort to keep my circle filled with positive and decent people and Cynergy has plenty of those type of folks!
How would you best describe Cynergy to others?
Family and community. When my Dad got sick with cancer a few years ago, so many people from Cynergy checked in with me to see how I was doing. It was a long road but when he passed away, so many of them came to his wake in Walpole to be there for me and my family. They even all pooled enough money to buy a memorial tree for him which still grows in my yard. Jen Tully and her husband, Joe even showed up to plant it for me. To this day, I think that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. That’s what Cynergy is to me. A community of extraordinary people who promote physical and mental health.
John’s WOD:
500m Row
+
5 Rounds…
5 Deadlifts
50 Double Under
50m Sled Push
4 Deadlifts
40 Double Unders
50m Sled Push
3 Deadlifts
30 Double Unders
50m Sled Push
2 Deadlifts
20 Double Unders
50m Sled Push
1 Deadlift
10 Double Unders
50m Sled Push
+
500m Row