I don’t know if I can pinpoint one thing that I like more than another about CrossFit and the Fire Tower crew. Everyday presents a unique challenge and I find myself enjoying aspects of the gym that I was oblivious to 24 hours prior. But if I’m forced to choose, I would have to start with the environment!
I’m Ty Sizemore and I was born in Polson Montana and currently reside in Helena with my wonderful wife Courtney and our two beautiful daughters Adlee (4), Everlee (10 months) and a 10-month-old Newfoundland named Sturgill. I joined the military during my Junior year of High School in 2003 and have continued with that career until today. I’ve attempted to complete my BSN (Go Saints) however, an overseas deployment in 2019 effectively derailed that plan. I now work full-time for the Montana Army National Guard as a Standardization Instructor Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot flying both the UH-60 Blackhawk and LUH-72 Lakota helicopters.
I first tried CrossFit back in 2013 while deployed in Iraq. I went through their version of “on ramp” and enjoyed the journey I was about to embark on. That was until reps became more important than form and quality and the “boot camp” style yelling was supposed to provide motivation. Needless to say, I didn’t stick with that gym for very long and didn’t reattempt CrossFit until this last year. The Army just revamped its physical fitness test from running, pushups, and sit-ups to a CrossFit type workout. My wife, knowing that I’m dense in my logical reasoning and cheap, signed me up for a Fire Tower membership. She knew that if we were paying for gym memberships that I would absolutely go and make sure that it was worth it. And I’m sure glad she did. I haven’t looked back on her decision!
I don’t know if I can pinpoint one thing that I like more than another about CrossFit and the FireTower crew. Every day presents a unique challenge and I find myself enjoying aspects of the gym that I was oblivious to 24 hours prior. But if I’m forced to choose, I would have to start with the environment! Jay and Juli have established a fantastic climate that harbors camaraderie, is welcoming, and friendship. Lastly, is having the workouts scheduled and planned. I love the convenience of walking into class and seeing the workout already on the board.
I’m an early riser so my alarm usually goes off around 0445 – 0500. That gives me roughly an hour to wake up and pound a couple cups of coffee and pack lunches for my wife and I before I leave for the day. I’m fortunate in that my job mandates I get 1 hour to work out every day. Since my workday is usually from 0700-1730, you can usually find me in the 0630 class. During the summer months my schedule shifts around some and I attend the 1200 class before going into the office. After my workout I zip down to Helena Airport and start my day. I usually eat my breakfast around 0930 (an apple or oatmeal) while standing at my desk catching up on emails and other administrative taskings. I travel around the state daily, so lunch tends to be a little sporadic. Most times I eat my lunch when I land, other days I’ll eat my lunch wherever and whenever my schedule allows.
FireTower and CrossFit have been amazing additions to my life. If you’re reading this and asking yourself if you should take the proverbial “leap,” I hope you’re already airborne! As Nike’s slogan states, “Just Do It!” I promise that you won’t regret it. In the last 9 months, I’ve gone from, “I’ll go to the gym if my schedule allows” to “I won’t start my day without the gym!” These last few months have been very challenging as I’ve been plagued with injuries and undergoing various surgeries. However, when I walk through the door it’s as if I’ve never left. Jay, Juli, or Jenny is always there with their positive attitude and welcoming demeanor that motivates me to push myself to get better. To me, that’s what this is all about.
