Meet Mark Weatherspoon | Fitness Enthusiast & Inspirational Figure

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Weatherspoon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born and raised in Detroit MI, being mixed race it’s been a struggle trying to make a name for myself in all aspects of life, inside and outside the classroom. It was such a journey trying to find my defining factor and trying to fit in. My Father was a weapon specialist in the military and my mother was an all-around sports enthusiast playing softball and basketball well into her mothering years. So I started sport at a very young age and it’s been part of my life ever since. This became my driving force. The black community didn’t accept me because I wasn’t black enough or I was too white at times, and respectively I wasn’t accepted in the white community because I was, well, too brown. So I constantly strived to fit in and find where I would create and find my community. Growing up in Detroit in the 90s this ultimately grew to being bullied by both sides of the community I was trying to build. It wasn’t until I found sport did I finally feel a sense of support and friendship not for who I was but for how I would perform on the field, in the air, or the water. It wasn’t until I graduated high school and was in college that I felt accepted, or should I say, I finally accepted myself for who I am and lived my life for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At a young age, I’ve wanted to be the change I want to see in the world. Lead by example so to speak. I’ve never been the biggest or the fastest. I’ve always tried to be the most positive. I began my coaching career in high school. Teaching diving and gymnastics to younger athletes. I caught the coaching bug right away. Being able to lead by example to the youth where I needed it the most was such a fulfilling feeling. Through the years I’ve had to deal with setbacks and injuries, but this never put me down for long. Breaking my thumb in 08, my ankle in 2010, my shoulder in 2014, and most recently I ruptured my patella tendon on August 17th, 2023, and still recovering. I would take it in stride and train the opposing muscle groups to not just prove to myself but to show my students that an injury is never the end it is but a new beginning. The biggest takeaway from this I think, take your time, do YOUR best, and do it for you. “Setbacks are never backsteps”. These things help you re-evaluate what you deem to be important, and progress still. I am where I am now because of these life changes and stressors. I think they have helped me just as much if not more than actually getting what I want when I want it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I must say the majority of the things I love about LA are the vast amount of activities. so to kick start the week I would take them to the ocean, maybe Manhattan Beach or Will Rodgers Beach or Malibus El Matador Beach, depending on the time of day and season. During that time it’s key to get fish tacos or poke bowls. something light fresh and easy to eat to fuel for a potential hike snorkeling or stand-up paddle boarding. over the next few days, we would entertain ourselves with some location hikes, maybe the Baldwin Hills stairs to get a view or the classic Runyon to see the community that loves the outdoors as much as I do. grand central market to get a little bit of everything and all the foods and enjoy a little downtown time reminding me of home downtown Detroit in areas. Museums and art have always been a part of my lifestyle, so we would go to either the Broad or the Getty one day, or the Hammer Museum, or the Lebrea Tar pits, and on a different day, enjoy a swim at the Westwood pool a year-round pool where I can get a swim in. To finish out our week of adventuring and food, entertainment would be in order. A 4D experience at one of the regal theatres or a sporting day visiting the Kings or the Dodgers for a game. Doing all-you-can-eat sushi at “Here Fishy Fishy” or a steak day at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is always a great experience and equally entertaining. Enjoying a night in for drinks at the house, a movie marathon, and some intention setting for the month always sets one up for success.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people, places, and things that I deem to be important and I credit to my success in life. The first is my teachers and coaches. Growing up they were the people that were willing to give me the time of day. They saw greatness in me at a young age and cultivated a positive support system around the potential of greatness not because I was great at anything specifically but because I truly wanted to be great at something. My Grandmother instilled the thoughts I still use today, “Positivity, Optimism, and Gratitude”, this has since become my mantra. The Boy and Girls Club in Michigan was an area at a time in my life when I needed support from the same generation the most. My sister has always been an inspiring figure in my life being my older sister I’ve consistently taken a page out of her book. My acting coach and best friend Amanda Bird, has encouraged me to be my best self since I’ve known her, allowing me to be vulnerable and proud of what, and who I am. They have all helped create the positive and supporting mindset I use today through coaching, leading, and inspiring. Everyone has their own story and it’s up to us to listen no matter what.

Website: markspoonzfitness.com

Instagram: @markspoonz

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-spoonz

Twitter: @markspoonz

Facebook: @markspoonz

Yelp: Mark W.

Youtube: @markspoonz

Image Credits
(Gymtonic Photos) – Nate.
(Head Shots) – Carson Nicely.
(Mark Spoonz Fitness Photos) – Cameronnoel_Photography.