Meet Rob Ruck!

Enjoy our new segment in the Weekly Grind so you can meet and learn more about our fighters! This week, meet Rob Ruck!

When were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s on September 1, 2021.
When did you start coming to 110 Fitness?
I started coming to 110 Fitness in October 2021.  Immediately after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s my wife Kathy dove into the research around the disease and we found 110 Fitness online.  I am fortunate to live so close to the best place around to fight back against Parkinson’s and to have a wife who motivates me every day to keep up the fight.
What’s your favorite class or activity at 110?
I really enjoy the boxing portions of the Thursday classes as well as Tai Chi.  I had trained in karate and judo when I was younger and it’s great to be able to get back into martial arts (without the contact!).
What do(did) you do for work?
I spent the majority of my career managing client services and consulting for financial services software firms.  The companies that I worked for provided the software that firms such as Fidelity and State Street Bank use for accounting and asset management.  I managed teams all around the globe and was fortunate to have been able to help many people get their start in the industry and then see them grow into leadership roles themselves.  Last year Kathy and I decided it was time for me to retire and focus on my health.
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
I grew up in Dorchester, moved to Hanover in 1992 and have been here ever since.  I attended Boston Latin School and then UMASS Boston – graduating with degrees in Religion and Economics.
Kathy also grew up in Dorchester and we knew each other for many years before we started dating.  We were engaged in 3 months, married a year later and are enjoying our ‘happily ever after’ every day.  I have a daughter Stephanie and a son Joseph, who both make me feel better by pretending that they still need my advice .  Stephanie lives and works in Maryland and Joseph is finishing up his bachelor’s at UMASS Amherst.  I’m proud to say that not only are they great kids, but they both turned out to be wonderful human beings (they get that from their mom).  Kathy is a fantastic nurse who not only takes care of me, but never hesitates to help if someone is hurt or needs a hand.
Any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
In my now abundant spare time, I have started to dabble in building furniture, playing golf with Kathy and taking on some projects around the house.  We are also planning on travelling more and have planned a family trip to Costa Rica in January and are planning a trip to somewhere in Europe in the next year.
How has 110 Fitness impacted your life outside of the gym?
110 Fitness has helped me to get in shape (work in progress) and manage my symptoms so that I can keep active every day.  Last year I was able to join the 110 team for the Spartan Race at Fenway Park.  I never would have thought I could have completed a race like this, but with lot’s of encouragement from Anna and Brett I did it.  I have also had that opportunity to meet some of the nicest, strongest and most caring people at the gym.