Staying fit keeps couple's romance healthy, vibrant

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

They say the couple that plays together stays together. If that's the case, Rosa and Troy Hotz are heading toward a long and fit life together.

"We made a promise to each other when we got married that we wouldn't turn into couch potatoes, that we'd always keep fit," Troy said.

They met in Hilo, Hawai'i, while playing beach volleyball, and they've been friendly competitors ever since.

Name: Rosa Hotz.

Rosa Hotz, a financial educator, has made improving her tennis skills her next fitness goal. Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser

Profession: Financial educator.

Height: 5-feet-8.

Workout habits: Beach volleyball Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and tennis Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Lifting weights on Fridays and sometimes before tennis.

When and why I started working out: "I started when I was 12 and I always loved it."

My good foods/bad foods: "I like to eat healthy food, but I can't get away from chocolate."

My biggest motivator: "To stay fit and healthy and show a good example for my son, Makoa." Makoa has been a motivator since before he was born. Rosa worked out throughout her pregnancy. She was playing volleyball on a Sunday and gave birth the next day, Troy reported with pride.

My biggest roadblock to fitness: Time, and sometimes getting lazy.

My next challenge: Get better at playing tennis. (Although she has only been playing for two years, Rosa went to the USTA mixed doubles regional tournament on Kaua'i last month.)

Advice for those in the same boat: Do something that you love and do it with friends if possible.

Name: Troy Hotz.

Playing tennis is one of the many things that Troy Hotz does to stay in shape. Maintaining fitness has been a lifelong commitment. Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser

Profession: Chevron manager and Punahou volleyball and weight-training coach.

Height: 6-feet-2.

Weight: 185.

Workout habits: Beach volleyball on Saturdays and Sundays, running on the beach twice a week for about an hour and tennis once or twice a week.

When and why I started working out: "It's been a lifelong commitment."

My good foods/bad foods: "I don't eat many vegetables, but we never eat fast food. I love pasta and chocolate."

My biggest motivator: Staying fit and healthy. Son Makoa, age 4, usually trains right along with Mom and Dad, running and playing tennis.

My biggest roadblock to fitness: "Time."

What saves my sanity: "We never think of fitness as a stress reliever. We just do it."

My next challenge: "Lifelong fitness."

Advice for those in same boat: "Make time, don't make excuses!"