At 45, Ron Mathews is the epitome of muscle and fitness. Few can match his dedication and work ethic when it comes to being in top physical condition. And all that hard work has paid off once again — this time with a highly impressive showing at the 2015 CrossFit Games in Carson, California.
With top athletes from all over the world competing on the big stage, Mathews fought his way to a 3rd place finish in the 45-49 Masters’ division. “The guys who go to the Games in the (low to mid 40s) Masters Division are really only getting beat by high-level Regional and Games competitors,” Mathews says. “We are all competitive and want to test ourselves against the best. Like any pro sport, you just don’t see that many 40-year-olds still competing at that high of a level. But we still would like to be that one-in-a-million athlete who can win.”
That optimistic attitude combined with his on-going commitment to training is what keeps Mathews at the top of his game. It’s also what keeps his clients coming back. Co-owner of Reebok CrossFit LAB, Mathews has been one of the top personal trainers in the US for the last decade, and has helped physically transform a variety of A-list celebrities, such as Hugh Jackman and Joe Manganiello, into beasts.
Fortunately, Mathews didn’t call it quits after being humbled by his first CrossFit workout. Instead of heading for the hills to find something easier, he immersed himself into the CrossFit culture. “I thought I was in good shape. I looked good but it was all just smoke and mirrors. CrossFit exposed all of the chinks in my armor. Now I have a more complete level of fitness that goes beyond aesthetics. Looking good is the by-product of the work,” says Mathews. Here are some results of all that hard work.
