David M. Mouser
42
Superintendent
Tri-Valley CUSD #3

1. How long have you been doing functional fitness workouts?
I gathered the courage to walk into the gym in August of 2014.

2. What, if any, training did you do prior to this?
Mostly I just ate a lot. However, I lifted weights in my twenties. In my early thirties, I began running consistently. I’d completed several half marathons and the training associated. To be very honest, I’d had friends ask me to try this for a few years. I’d always turned it down because I was extremely intimidated by the process and was generally private when it came to exercising. I also thought words like WOD, Paleo, and Box were stupid. In August of 2014, I was in a rut and reached out to a colleague of mine that I greatly respected for some advice (Barry Reilly). He encouraged me to show up. It took a ton of courage to walk into the gym for the first time. I walked into a lunch hour work out and felt like Danny DeVito showing up to a Magic Mike casting call 🙂

3. What motivates you to keep coming back each day?
Honestly, it’s because it makes me feel proud. The workouts to me provide stress relief and a deep sense of accomplishment. Lately, I’ve started to see some significant gains and that feels pretty good. I eventually decided that it didn’t matter if I needed to scale a movement. Nobody cares. The coaches are really encouraging (Erica pushes me when I’m dogging it) and I’ve made some friendships that I really value. I also recognize that my health is important and deserves effort and attention. Finally, I’ve got a smoking hot wife that also joined that I need to keep up with!

4. What is your favorite/least favorite movement & WOD?
My favorite movements are squats and power cleans.

My least favorite movement are snatches because I can’t do them, and am convinced that the human body is not meant to contort in that fashion.

5. What’s one thing you hope to accomplish in the gym in the upcoming year?
To continue down the path I’m on while working to improve my diet. Let’s face it, I’m not exactly counting calories 🙂 I also hope that I can give back in some way by being helpful to others.

6. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Everyone in the gym genuinely wants you to succeed and remembers just starting out. Don’t be intimidated, ask questions, have fun, and if I’m in your class please note the location of the AED.

What are other Five Alarm athletes saying about Dave?

When Dave told me over 2 years ago he was going to go to a gym class, I could NOT believe it. We had started running 5K’s and half marathons a few years before, but had been opposed to trying this because a few people had relentlessly tried to get him to go to a different gym. But, he was ready to try something new and Barry invited him to come to a class. It took a lot of courage, but he tried it and really liked it. A few months later I tried it, and we’ve been hooked ever since. I’m proud of him for sticking with it because he has become stronger and more confident, and it’s a great stress reliever too! Dave is one of those people that light up a room because of his humor and positive attitude. He has formed some new friendships (he’s an official member of Wayne’s Mile High Club), and we both love the community and family feel of Five Alarm. I’m proud Dave has been chosen as the Five Alarm Spotlight Member this month! – Amie Mouser

Dave is that guy who, when he is around, you know you’re going to laugh and have a good time. He is always up for anything. He never complains. Never wants to back off and is always pushing himself and those around him. He is super motivating to everyone in class. He works hard and is always at the center of the biggest laughs in the gym. We always share a rack and I have watched his strength numbers sky rocket over the last few months. Super impressive! I have only seen him upset one time……(I didn’t think the haircut was that bad.) I am glad he is at Five Alarm because every gym needs more people like Dave. – Wayne Geffon

Dave is one of the funnest people to coach in my classes. He’s not only hilarious but also very hardworking. When he comes into the gym, he’s always happy and joking around, but ready to tackle the workout of the day. For the past few months, he’s consistently setting new PR’s on pretty much everything he does. I’m glad I’ve been able to coach him and see all the progress he’s made. It’s been amazing! I can’t wait to see what the upcoming year has in store for you. Keep up the good work! – Ryan Reilly

Dave Mouser completes Five Alarm. Besides being arguably the funniest person in the gym, he’s just a delightful person. There are times he comes into the gym and you can tell he’s had a rough day, but he always manages to still crack jokes and never brings anyone down. As funny as Dave is, his main strength is, well…his strength! Sometimes he plays off that things are “too heavy” and then makes it look like baby weight! Keep up the great work Dave! We love having you here at 5 Alarm! – Catie Carlson

Dave really is a great guy to have around. He will make you work hard but also laugh with a unique ability to separate the two, yet always have a timely quip or moment of motivation hidden in his back pocket of his pocket-less work out shorts. Finding out that he hosts large seminars and speaking engagements in addition to his day job was no real surprise- as knowing Dave for only a short period of time you can see how these traits would translate to something interesting and meaningful. He is also an incredible dancer, and never one to be shy, regales the afternoon classes on almost a daily basis. His favorite music is “anything with a sick beat” and his hobbies include Jorts. Dave and his family are truly great people to know and in all cases will make you a better person just through being around them. I have attached my favorite picture of Dave below…. – Mark Larsen