Team Tradewinds is excited to announce our October 2024 Athlete of the Month is… Ruslan Kagramanov! Congrats Rus!
Rus has been with us just shy of 6 months but he quickly became a staple in our early morning crew and overall within the community. Rus stood out to us because of his undeniable work ethic. He is self motivated, he holds himself accountable, and he works hard every single class, set and rep to be better. Rus is extremely coachable and always makes our coaches feel appreciated for the work that they do. Not only that, he goes out of his way to encourage others and make them feel welcomed- a true stand up guy! Athletes like Rus remind us how important it is to work on not only our fitness, but on being a strong community where all are welcomed and encouraged. Thanks for being you Rus, we appreciate you!
TW: Where are you from?
Rus: I’m an Armenian born in Baku, Azerbaijan. Came to America when I was 4 years old as a refugee and grew up in Brookline, MA.
TW: What do you do for work?
Rus: I’m a Branch Manager at Brookline Bank in Danvers, MA and I’m also a real estate investor.
TW: How long have you been at Tradewinds?
Rus: I’ve been at Tradewinds since the end of April, 2024.
TW: What group class do you usually attend?
Rus: 5:30AM Crew!
TW: Did you have a fitness background prior to starting at Tradewinds?
Rus: I worked out a lot when I was in school and played a lot of sports. I have a small background in CrossFit and stopped working out when the pandemic came around as gyms closed.
TW: If you could program your dream WOD, what would it be?
Rus: KETTLEBELL EVERYTHING! – Was my favorite full body workout.
4 ROUNDS
Kettlebell Swings
15 reps
Kettlebell Goblet Squats
12 reps
Kettlebell Clean and Press
8 reps per side
Kettlebell Deadlifts
12 reps
Kettlebell rows
8 reps per side
Kettlebell Lunges
8 reps per leg
TW: What is your proudest accomplishment since joining Tradewinds?
Rus: Honestly, getting myself back into the routine of working out. Prior to joining I spent 5 months just losing weight, lost 30 pounds – I’m very proud of that. I’m proud that I can now complete entire classes at pretty much full strength. In the beginning it was tough but the motivation from the coaches as well as sticking to my goal and following through gave me the sense of confidence I needed. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it’s possible.
TW: How has Tradewinds helped you in your everyday life?
Rus: Since getting back into shape, I have more energy throughout the day and can handle everyday tasks with ease. My confidence has also grown, and I feel stronger and more capable in both work and personal life.
TW: What do you like to do outside the gym?
Rus: I like to spend time with my wife and 3-year-old son. We like to visit farms, spend time outside and travel.
TW: What is your favorite song to work out to?
Rus: Till I collapse – Eminem
TW: What’s one thing you’d tell someone who is curious about trying Tradewinds but not sure if they could do it?
Rus: I wasn’t sure if I could do it either. When I initially reached out to Tradewinds I was greeted with a warm welcome and light conversation. I scheduled a day, went in and had my first workout. IT WAS GREAT! Amazing, motivating coaches and the workouts are fun. Just give it a shot, you won’t regret it.
AOM Closing Thoughts…
Joining Tradewinds has completely transformed my life. I’ve never felt stronger or seen such positive changes in my physique, seeing and feeling progress boosted my drive to keep going. All the aches and pains that used to bother me have vanished. The coaches at Tradewinds are truly exceptional (special shout out to 5:30am Coach GABBY!!) – They’re knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated to helping everyone reach their fitness goals. Beyond the trainers, the community of members is equally fantastic, creating a supportive and motivating atmosphere that keeps me coming back. Being part of Tradewinds fitness isn’t just about working out; it’s about belonging to a community that values health, wellness, and personal growth!