Meet our April MAD Member of the Month, Mike Spaeder; husband, father of three boys and pediatric critical care physician. When he’s not running or getting his steps in at the hospital, you can catch Mike training with us at MAD. Mike has been an OG client of MADabolic Charlottesville since 2015 and we’re happy to have him back as a founding member! Check out his Q&A below. Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your fitness background:
A: I live in Charlottesville with my wife and three boys and work as a pediatric critical care physician at the University of Virginia’s Children’s Hospital. I’m a bit of a music nerd and have an unhealthy preoccupation with turning 50 next month. In the fall of my freshman year of high school, I started running (track and cross country) and that has been the foundation of my fitness ever since.
Q: How long have you been a member at MADabolic?
A: I joined the first iteration of MAD C’ville in November 2015 and was a member up until its closure. When I heard that Kirsten and Todd were reopening MADabolic in Charlottesville last fall, I rejoined as a founding member.
Q: What drew you in to take your first class?
A: I had just run the Marine Corps Marathon and was feeling a little burned out from running, and frankly, a little lonely from training by myself. I liked the idea of trying out a group training format but was looking to be motivated and inspired by the group, not in competition with them. In doing my research, MADabolic seemed to best fit the bill.
Q: What is your favorite thing about MADabolic?
A: Consistency. I know that no matter the time or the day or the interval or the Coach that I am going to get a killer workout and be out the door in 50 minutes. I also love my Coaches, who are encouraging, patient and good people.
Q: What interval is your favorite (M.A.D) and why?
A: Durability – I think the longer intervals allow me to get into a zone in my head while still being part of the group. I feel like some of my best ideas have come to me during a two and half minute farmers carry interval. I also feel like these are exactly the types of movements that I had been missing prior to joining MAD.
Q: What are your favorite and least favorite movements?
A: I rather enjoy the slideboard and find it oddly meditative. I don’t think I possess the words to accurately describe how much I hate the Turkish Getup.
Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting MADabolic?
A: That I’ve stayed committed to MAD. For the three or four years that I belonged to MAD C’ville in its first iteration, I had achieved a level of health and fitness not experienced since my 20’s. My fitness took a backseat during the pandemic so I’m thankful to have MADabolic back in my life now.
Q: What’s your favorite way to stay active on your off days?
A: I work in an intensive care unit so I’m typically able to get my steps in running around the hospital. Outside of work, I still run on a regular basis and am training for a marathon this fall. Q: What’s one fun fact about you that not many people know?
A: I drove a school bus in Washington, DC for two summers during college.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to take their first class at MADabolic?
A: Consider coming for a mid-morning or mid-day class when the class might not be full, so you can get oriented to the format, tier system, and movement around the room. Then come back for a busy class and be motivated and inspired by your 24 fellow classmates.
If there’s one thing that MADabolic prides itself on it is that our workouts are truly for all people at various phases of their lives. Whether you’re new to the fitness scene, a seasoned athlete, or mom of three, the MADabolic programming is suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
Rooted in science, MADabolic’s signature intervals are designed to torch body fat, increase strength, and promote lean muscle. Come channel your inner athlete at the industry’s original strength-driven interval training gym. New clients can take advantage of our introductory “5 days for $5” special HERE.
Rooted in strength, structure, and accountability, MADabolic has 70+ studios operating or in development across the country. MADabolic offers a sustainable approach to strength-driven training, helping everyday people age athletically. Our approach to franchising blends a team of experts and proven systems, robust training, and extensive resources to optimize our franchise owners’ success. When it comes to strength, structure, and accountability, MADabolic delivers.
For more information about the MADabolic franchise opportunity, please visit www.madabolic.com/own-a-madabolic.
