Tradewinds is excited to announce our first AOM for 2024 is… John Knapp! Congratulations John, very well deserved.
John has emerged as one of our most dedicated PT Athletes, working diligently with Coach Andy for the last 3 months. In this short time, John has taken tremendous strides in his ehealth both inside and outside of the gym. He is dedicated to his workouts, puts his head down and does what needs to get done. He has done an excellent job of pushing himself in ways that he may not have thought possible before, and breaking through those challenging mental barriers we all face. Outside the gym, John has taken matters into his own hands. He has chosen to commit himself fully to total wellness, taking control of diet, sleep, and striving for healthier habits overall. John is an excellent role model for one of the most challenging aspects of health and fitness, which is personal accountability. We are beyond proud of John for his efforts so far and his continued efforts to come. Thank You John!
TW: Where are you from?
John: Born and raised in Chelsea, MA. However, I’ve lived in Winthrop for the past 28 years.
TW: What do you do for work?
John: I was a Service and Parts Director for Chevrolet for 25+ years.
TW: How long have you been at Tradewinds?
John: I have been at Tradewinds for about 3 months now.
TW: What motivated you to try Tradewinds?
John: One day I was on my porch and overhead Coach Andy having a phone conversation with one of his personal training clients. Hearing how much he cared for them told me everything I needed to know and I knew right then and there that I wanted to work with him.
TW: What group class do you usually attend?
John: I have yet to attend any of the group classes. I do one on one sessions 3 times a week.
TW: Did you have a fitness background prior to starting at Tradewinds?
John: Not really. I’ve done some workouts at home in the past. This is my first time going to a gym.
TW: If you could program your dream WOD, what would it be?
John: I would start with 5 minutes of warm up/stretching and then hit the weights. Bicep curls, hammer curls, cross body curls, skull crushers, overhead press, squat, bench press and reverse row. Then wind down with either the bike or rowing machine.
TW: What is your proudest accomplishment since joining Tradewinds?
John: Being able to push past when my mind and body tells me to stop. There is always time and strength for 1 more set.
TW: How has Tradewinds helped you in your everyday life?
John: So many ways…. I have more overall energy. My mood is better. I drink less coffee. I eat less and move more. I have been able to quit smoking which was a terrible habit that gripped me tight for over 30 years. 6 weeks now since I quit.
TW: What do you like to do outside the gym?
John: Spend time with my family. We love to travel.
TW: What is your favorite song to workout to?
John: For the Glory by All Good Things (featuring Hollywood Undead).
TW: What’s one thing you’d tell someone who is curious about trying Tradewinds but not sure if they could do it?
John: I would say “just try it”. You literally have nothing to lose (other than some sweat). The hardest part is just showing up. Once you get that out of the way, the rest is cake (and who doesn’t like cake).
AOM Closing Thoughts…
My experience has been amazing. Day one was the hardest. I literally thought I was going to throw up. So much has changed since then. I’ve learned that you just have to be patient. I didn’t get where I was overnight. So why would I expect to see change overnight. Slow and steady. Since joining Tradewinds, I have lost weight, gained muscle, confidence, strength (both physically and mentally). I have been able to quit smoking. I’ve reduced the amount of coffee I would normally have throughout the day because I am now running on natural energy. I sleep better at night and wake up feeling good. Working out no longer feels like a chore but rather a gift. Change starts from within. There are no bad days, only bad attitudes.