Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

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ByCrossFitFebruary 18, 2022

“Everybody says, ‘OK, this is an old geezer and so he’s gotta go easy,’ and I’m in here shouting quietly, ‘No, I’m not going to put up with that. I’ve gotta get in shape.’”

Dick Ross suffered extreme injuries to his legs when they were crushed under the weight of boulders during a hiking trip in the Sawtooth Mountains. After more than 12 hours, Ross was taken to the nearest hospital by helicopter where doctors were able to successfully operate on his legs.

Determined to get stronger, Ross began working with co-owner of Arbor CrossFit Maria Gonzales.

“He came in and said, ‘I’m old. I know I’m old, but I know I can do what everyone else is doing,’” Gonzales says.

And with Gonzales’ help, Ross did just that.

At 71 years old, Ross is moving in ways he was told he shouldn’t, and is building strength in the gym to be able to stay healthy and active as he ages.

“I just want to be strong,” Ross says. “I want to be able to go skiing, and fishing, and backpacking, and bikepacking, and just bike riding, and taking the dog out for a hike and the park. I mean, it’s so important.”

Stay active like Ross at any age. Join www.crossfitarbor.com in Idaho or drop in at another affiliate near you: map.crossfit.com.

Comments on Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

7 Comments

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Frank Rizzuto
February 21st, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

Awesome. I'm 70 in may. I joined xfit St. Catharines 5 years ago march. 30 years of doing nothing, smoking too much, drinking too much. Now I have my life back. Keep going my friend.

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Michael Schoendorf
February 19th, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

Excellent! Dick keep on Rocking. We keep moving or we stop. Mike, 62, Crossfit 262, Waukesha, WI

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Chris Lazaroff
February 19th, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

Amazing perseverance. What an inspiration!

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Bruce Warren
February 19th, 2022 at 3:26 pm
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

67 here. Joined CF four years ago after 30+ years of sloth, and never looked back.

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Peter Friis
February 19th, 2022 at 7:38 am
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

Great story. I’m so impressed by Dick’s spirit and his commitment. And what an amazing coach he’s found in Maria.

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Chris Sinagoga
February 19th, 2022 at 3:23 am
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

Great story you guys, thank for sharing. Plus Dick seems to be moving with really good form on those cleans, must be some good coaching going on there as well. Keep up the good work guys.

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Bob Beardsley
February 19th, 2022 at 3:12 am
Commented on: Dick Ross Decides To Be Strong at 71 — Arbor CrossFit

So impressive - very inspirational! Well done! Great attitude

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