Hottest Trainer Contestant #12: Chris Reid

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Welcome to Racked SF's search for San Francisco's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking hot candidates who work at local gyms and studios. Then, once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite. Let the games begin!

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• Photos by Arlene Watson

Chris Reid is one tall drink of water. And at 6'9" he's also the tallest contestant for this year's Racked SF Hottest Trainer competition. The Barry's Bootcamp trainer is a former Division 1 basketball player who now uses that competitive spirit to train others—and to keep that body looking tight, of course. He's just the guy you want on your team because he'll encourage you to work your hardest and cheer you on to your goals, all with a handsome smile and a nice, hearty laugh. And as if that's not enough, a quick glance at his rippling muscles will get you through those last sets of sprints and squats, no problem.

In one line, tell us about yourself.

After college basketball, I transitioned to earning my personal training certification which led me to Crunch Fitness—and if it wasn't for Crunch I wouldn't have found Barry's.

Why did you become a trainer?

I was always fixated on being in peak shape and keeping my performance at a Division 1 level. It's a mindset that I've always had—that of a competitor. When I finished college, I was lost and slowly went down another path and I wasn't happy. It took me hiring a personal trainer to change my life around and to make me feel content and happy. Carlos, my trainer, inspired me to take on this field and I found a passion, a strength, a sort of power—relating with people on this very personal side and trying to use that to change lives. So Carlos inspired me to be where I am now.

What advice would you offer to someone who is just starting in your class?

Be patient, don't get frustrated, communicate, and have fun and be enthusiastic.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

I'm fluent in American Sign Language. And I come from a big, loud, obnoxious, entertaining Greek family. If you've ever seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that is my Greek family in a nutshell.

If you weren't a trainer what would you be?

You know, once I put a microphone on at Barry's, I turn into Mr. Entertainer. So I think right now, if I had to choose another path, I'd have to go with stand-up comedian, entertainer, backup dancer—something in front of people where I can be presentable and crazy.—With additional reporting by Mark Olson
· Barry's Bootcamp [Official Site]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 posts [Racked SF]