We are so pleased to announce our April 2025 Athlete of the Month will be Mark Reid! Way to go Mark!
A few summers back, a very friendly, sweet, hesitant person stepped through the doors at TW. That was Mark then. Today, a confident, encouraging, hilarious, outgoing, regular stands before us as the Mark we know now! Mark truly started his journey from ground zero with us and he is a brilliant example of what is possible if you just start. Along the way he has put in countless hours of work, he challenged himself to forge forward in fitness and now absolutely crushes it every single day. Mark is the perfect example of someone who believed he could do something, set his mind to it, and just went for it! Since then he has become someone we absolutely love having around, a genuine staple in our community. Thank you Mark for being you, you make TW awesome! Keep up the great work.
TW: Where are you from?
Mark: I am originally from Waltham, MA, but my family is now spread all over the state and I have lived in Winthrop for the last 2 years.
TW: What do you do for work?
Mark: I work in oncology research, specifically on individualized cancer treatments
TW: How long have you been at Tradewinds?
Mark: I started personal training with Gabby in 2023, and I started attending group classes in 2024.
TW: What motivated you to try Tradewinds?
Mark: My job was offering a gym reimbursement, so I decided to try it out in an optimistic moment, and I got hooked!
TW: What group class do you usually attend?
Mark: You can usually find me at the 5pm class if my life is together, and at the 6:15 if my life is running late.
TW: Did you have a fitness background prior to starting at Tradewinds?
Mark: I did not, in fact I had never stepped foot in a gym until 2023!
TW: If you could program your dream WOD, what would it be?
Mark: It would have to be a running clock style, and would include rowing machine, squats and ring rows.
TW: What would your dream meal be?
Mark: Chips and guac for an app, Chicago deep dish pizza and a margarita for the main course, tiramisu and an espresso martini for dessert.
TW: What is your proudest accomplishment since joining Tradewinds?
Mark: The shift in mindset from “I have to go to the gym” to “I get to go to the gym”. I’m excited to show up and it’s something that I get to look forward to during the workday. I never thought I would be one of “those people” who get excited to move, but here I am!
TW: How has Tradewinds helped you in your everyday life?
Mark: I feel like a new person! Before I started coming to Tradewinds my back and knees would always hurt, and I would just sit on the couch when I got home. Now my body feels stronger, my mind is clearer, and I’m able to enjoy life more!
TW: What do you like to do outside the gym?
Mark: When the weather is nice, I’m usually out with my camera birdwatching (If you want to get pulled into a too long discussion, ask about my bird photos) or in Framingham working in my parent’s garden. During the winter I’m usually inside playing video games because I hate the cold.
TW: What is your favorite song to workout to?
Mark: I don’t have one song that’s my favorite, but I love a good early 2000’s alt rock playlist, maybe throw some Britney or Xtina on there.
TW: What’s one thing you’d tell someone who is curious about trying Tradewinds but not sure if they could do it?
Mark: You absolutely can do it! The community here is so supportive of everyone, and the coaches are incredibly attentive and will make sure that each athlete is comfortable. Showing up for the first time is the hardest part because you have to do that part by yourself; afterwards you have a whole group of people helping and encouraging you!
AOM Closing thoughts…
When I first started looking for a gym, I was afraid. As a queer person who had been overweight my entire life, I wasn’t sure if I would be accepted or if I could physically do what was necessary. But on the first day when I met with Coach Andy, who was so welcoming, and I saw the pride flag on the wall, I knew I had found my place. Tradewinds has done so much more than make me physically stronger, it’s also been a community and a place I’ve found support. You all are the best, and I’m so happy to be a part of Tradewinds.
I also can’t recommend book club enough, we have some amazing cooks, and even if we forget to talk about the book, it will always be a night of laughing and good food. What else could you want!