11/03/2025
First Member Monday of November? You know we had to start strong — meet Joe K! 💪🍊
1. How/When did your Orangetheory journey begin?
T’was a dark and stormy evening in February 2019. Snow was blowing through my house as I worked out alone, and lonely, in the corner of a dimly lit basement. I needed something new. I needed encouragement, support, and comradery. But where? Well, back in the day, I frequently wandered past the doors of OTF GR North, usually on a quest for donuts, the latest fashion wear from Five Below, or cat supplies from neighboring storefronts. I watched in horror as sweaty people staggered out of OTF, many of whom appeared to be in need of immediate medical attention. And yet my shock was tinged with curiosity because everyone was smiling as they shuffled to their cars. I wondered if drugs or cult-like behavior might be involved, but I decided to risk it and I signed up for the introductory free class. Wow! The energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement was just what I needed. I became a regular member only ten days later after mostly recovering from that first workout.
2. Are you loyal to a particular day/time at OTF?
For quite a few years I was a 5 am person. But then Covid changed everything, and today I can barely imagine working out at such an ungodly hour. My body now requires a more gentle introduction to the day. I am still a morning person and would say that 7:15 is probably my sweet spot.
3. What are some hobbies you enjoy doing outside of OTF?
While I love to complain about my teenager twins, I most enjoy being part of their activities and interests. I love being the nerd parent helping out with my kids’ high school sports teams, marching band, booster groups etc. Any day I can publicly embarrass my kids in front of their friends is a good day. I also enjoy biking, movies, music, and books—all kinds of genres. My current personal goal is to achieve passable Spanish proficiency and travel incognito through Central and South America under my alias—Jose Pantelones.
4. What is your profession?
I direct an interdisciplinary law and social work program at MSU. The bulk of my time is spent supervising/training interdisciplinary teams of students who represent children in court cases. The work can be stressful, and often somewhat depressing. But I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing my students devote themselves to a very challenging field, not seeking the highest income, but wanting to do the most good.
5. What is something you are most proud of?
This is a hard one. It would be far easier to share an embarrassing experience, like the time I went through an entire OTF workout with my shorts inside out. But I suppose I am most proud of having made many, if not all, of my most important life decisions based on my values and beliefs. I was criticized for some of these decisions because they did not align with societal expectations—more money, status, playing the traditional male role in the family etc. In hindsight, I can say with complete confidence that every single such decision was the right one. Thus, my unsolicited career/life advice to students and my kids is simple: gather info, make plans, but stay flexible and follow where your heart leads.
6. If you could craft the perfect OTF workout (for YOU), what would it consist of?
A tornado style workout that adds Bro’s Doughs as a station in between the treadmills and the rowers.
7. Favorite thing about OTF?
Easiest question yet. Coaches and staff make OTF the best. Enjoying one’s life is about creating the right frame of mind—accepting where you are at and what you have—rather than focusing on what you lack, or what your neighbors have. This might sound strange given that I am talking about a gym after all, but when I think about all the places I spend my time, and all the people with whom I interact, OTF is probably the only place where I am certain that will I leave in better mental and physical shape than when I entered. For this I thank all the great coaches and staff that I have met over the years.
