At 61 years of age, Jim Potts has had a concussion, torn ligaments in his chest and most recently, an injured knee. Not surprising, since he’s both an avid water and snow skier, two sports that come with high speeds and a lot of risks.

Potts’ favorite winter spot is Crested Butte, Colorado, where he enjoys the extreme skiing they offer on the Northface and Headwall. In the summer he competes in water skiing tournaments, running the slalom course.

“There are few things more exhilarating than skiing down a steep Double Black or hitting speeds close to 50 mph getting around six buoys on a slalom course,” Potts said.

Potts says no matter how good you are, there is always room for improvement.

“To be very competent,” he said, “both sports take good physical conditioning, strength, balance, flexibility and good engagement of your core. “I joined OrangeTheory Fitness about a year ago and have found their combination of cardio, strength, core and flexibility is a perfect fit for my activities.”

When injuries arise, Jim works through them so he can get back to doing what he loves.

“The fact that I have overcome all those injuries and still do these sports at a competitive level is probably my proudest fitness accomplishment.”

Potts plans to stay active and hopes to climb a fourteener in Colorado.

“I do not know how many times when I tell someone about my water or snow skiing, they say, ‘Oh, I cannot do that anymore, I am too old.’ The funny thing is, in most cases they are younger than me.”

His advice to anyone wanting to stay fit and active? 

“If you enjoy something that keeps you active, do not stop.”