March Featured Member: Andy Kratzert

If you've ever heard a perfectly timed dry joke during class or seen someone quietly getting the work done, you've probably met Andy.

Andy Kratzert brings humor, curiosity, and steady consistency to the RoughFit community. He is half of the 2025 Power Couple with his wife, Viria. Andy and Viria joined RoughFit about a year ago after spotting the sign at Citrus Ranch Park. He jokes that it only took them four months to remember to sign up for the trial. Having previously participated in outdoor fitness while living in Texas, they were drawn to the energy and accountability of training outside. After finally signing up for a trial week, they quickly felt at home.

Born in Downey and raised in Fullerton, Andy attended UC Irvine, where he majored in Computer Science. He has worked as a software developer since the early 1990s. During college, Andy became a Christian and developed a deep interest in theology, biblical prophecy, and Eschatology (the study of end times), a passion that continues today. Andy's favorite teacher was Chuck Missler, the world's best-known Bible instructor and a prominent speaker on Bible prophecy.

He and Viria were married in Costa Rica 17 years ago and even lived there for a couple of years, owning and operating a small coffee shop that Andy jokes "had no customers." The experience deepened their love of travel, with Israel standing out as Andy's favorite destination for its history and significance.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and volleyball— although he admits he seldom does any of them. He also enjoys biking, which he does get to do occasionally.

What Andy appreciates most about RoughFit is the creativity and variety of the workouts. While he has equipment at home, the programming challenges him in ways he wouldn't create on his own. He's especially noticed improvements in his core strength, which has supported his overall fitness and daily movement.

Andy's broader health journey includes losing about 40 pounds over a six-to-eight-month period — a milestone that reflects his commitment to consistency and long-term health.

His advice for anyone considering joining RoughFit is simple and practical: prepare in advance.

"Put all the stuff you need in your car so you can just get up and go.  Wake up early enough to have some coffee.  Get a nice thick mat; the paper-thin ones are terrible."

We're so grateful to have Andy as part of the RoughFit family. His steady effort, thoughtful perspective, and low-key humor make early mornings better for all of us. We love watching him grow stronger each week and can't wait to see what he tackles next.