FitRev’s August Member of the Month – Mike Raineri!

This month we are celebrating Mike and all of his accomplishments! If you know him, you know Mike is a staple in our spin room. He drives all the way from the Southshore to spin with FitRev four days a week. August is Mike’s last month with us as he is retiring from Teradyne. Mike, we are so incredibly happy for you and all that retirement will bring you. Thank you for motivating us every morning – we will miss your enthusiasm and spirit in the spin room!

We asked Mike a few questions before he left us for good. Congrats!

First and foremost – congrats on your retirement!  Tell us what you have planned. Not getting up at 4:00 AM every morning. Getting out on my bicycle more. Spin is great but nothing beats real miles in the saddle.  Traveling, my wife and I are planning multiple trips over the next year.

Who or what keeps you motivated? 12 years ago I let the pressure of my job get to me; I was put on a new project and had to work long hours and weekends. I wasn’t exercising or eating correctly. I developed a serious health issue.  I really need to focus on keeping in shape. My wife Marilynn is very supportive and she helps to keep me in line.

Any mantra you repeat during an especially grueling workout?  Not a mantra, I close my eyes and just try to zone out and get into the music.

Which superpower would you like to have?  I guess the power of flight.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?  My wife, I never attended college after high school. I was working full time in a shipping room, as well as two part time jobs. Nine years after graduating high school she helped me to understand that I could do something different. After 7 years of nights and weekends I got my engineering degree and the rest is history.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A professional motorcycle racer.

What are you known for? My love of music.

If you could live anywhere for one year where would you live?  Alaska

What were you like in high school?  Reserved and quiet.

If you could be any age for one week, what age would you choose? 20

What are your favorite and least favorite words? My least favorite is when people say “basically” in front of any statement. I don’t have a favorite word.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Right now it’s people texting while driving.

If you had a warning label on you, what would it say?  I talk very loud due to hearing issues. So I guess it would be caution, noisy environment, hearing protection required.

What’s one thing you will never do again?  Not take care of my health and well-being. Health and family come first. You can always get another job.

If I had one more hour in the day, I would… sleep

What’s one thing about you someone wouldn’t know unless they really knew you? I am extremely loyal.

How is FitRev different than other gyms you’ve tried? I think that the instructors have a unique way of connecting with the people in their class. That is VERY important.

What’s your favorite FitRev memory? The day I realized that I can do multiple classes in a week and not die.

Could you share with us a favorite meal or recipe that we could share with the rest of the FitRev community?  For special occasions I will drive up to Medford and go to Bella Ravioli, they make fresh manicotti while you wait. I then make a basic sauce using only genuine San Martzano tomatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, wine, teaspoon of Frank’s Red Hot, and a little fresh basil. 35 minutes in the oven and heaven.