Transformative: Melissa ‘Missy’ Reder

By Dan Guarino

Beyond the sun, sand and sea, Rockaway is a place known for reinvention, growth, transformation.

As Melissa “Missy” Reder recalled last year about her own journey, “I stepped on stage for the first time in a physique competition in 2012, when I was 42 years old. I placed second in the Masters Bikini Division at Musclemania SuperBody held in Atlantic City.” Musclemania, billing itself as “Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness For Everyone,” runs competitions and tours all over the world.

Twelve years later, she would step on the OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders), the “Largest All-Natural Bodybuilding Organization,” competitive stage, and walk away with three trophies. Reder placed fifth in the 35+ Masters Bikini, fifth in the 40+ Masters Bikini, and third in the 50+ Masters Bikini Divisions. “This contest prep was the most fun and most successful physique transformation,” she later noted. “I keep learning more about my body and fine tuning the process. I’m excited to continue and see what’s next.”

“Training my body has enhanced my self-discipline, the highest form of self-esteem,” she now says. “I am committed to personal development and continually take purposeful action to rewire my subconscious mind in order to actualize outcomes. Physique competitions are a way to showcase your dedication to fitness and bodybuilding.”

Though physique training may be the most visible of her endeavors, it is not the only one. Reder’s “life resume” continues to include success as both a fitness and yoga instructor, nutrition consultant, personal trainer, business owner, inventor, entrepreneur, speech pathologist and more.

Most proudly, she states, she is a mother. “This past April, I entered a competition that coincided with spring break and surprised my kids when they were home from college,” Reder said. “I trained for four months before and after work without telling anyone my plan. It was such fun hitting the stage again at age 54, and hearing my kids cheer me on! Most importantly, they witnessed me continue to set and achieve personal goals in the midst of working full-time and raise the bar for myself.”

Originally growing up in New Jersey before moving to Rockaway, Reder said, “I was raised by a single mom who exemplified independence, resourcefulness, determination, resilience, and innate beauty that others perceive as ‘good looks.’ I continually strive to emulate my mother and set an example for my own children.”

The most amazing thing she herself has done, she says, is to become a mother. “I absolutely loved being pregnant and to feel the miracle of life growing within.

“We were so fortunate to raise our children in Rockaway, playing at the beach, riding around the neighborhood, walking to school, and participating in Rockaway Theatre Company,” Reder said. “Our children thrived at RTC and fell in love with entertaining.”

Reder’s son, Nathan, a graduate of Brooklyn College with a degree in theater, has appeared in many RTC productions, including lead roles in the musicals “Spamalot” and upcoming “Sweet Charity.” Daughter, Lauren, just earned her Florida State University master’s degree in counseling, with a 3.98 GPA, and is a songwriter/singer/musician playing the live music circuit.

Ready to start her senior year at The Citadel Miliary College of South Carolina, Rachel participates in the Episcopal Church Group and arts club, captains the rugby team and has received awards in the arts and sports. Emma, a Citadel sophomore this fall, is part of the select Cadre, Ranger team, and triathlon club. Both women receive Army scholarships and will go on to serve their country upon graduation.

Reder recalled, “I began practicing yoga in my late 20s by reading yoga books and studying the poses,” passionately exploring the shapes of the postures and “how they combined strength, flexibility, and balance. Every time I practiced, I felt realigned with my higher Self…”

“I decided that I wanted to offer this gift to everyone, so I trained to become a yoga teacher while pregnant with Nathan, my first baby. I started a yoga studio in our home called the OM Home, which quickly grew to 11 classes a week,” she said. This led to setting up a more centrally located studio, then opening a “cafe next door called the Lotus Lounge where we offered an organic menu and showcased local artists. The businesses complimented each other beautifully.”

After deciding to enter a physique competition to “optimize my health and appearance when I entered my 40s,” spending time at the gym highlighted for her “the struggle so many women face at different phases of their life,” Reder said. “We just want to feel and look our best but it was evident that the methods women use to ‘get in shape’ actually pit them against their bodies.”

“They invest time, money, sweat…and tears…but never achieve their goals.” She decided to become a personal trainer to “teach them how to work with their bodies instead of against them and finally get the body of their dreams, without the struggle. Nothing feels as good as helping others make friends with their bodies,” she said.

Reder would also invent the AB-EZE home exercise device, designed to target abdominal muscles, shoulders, back and triceps.

About her physique competitions she says, they “require steadfast commitment to exercise and nutrition to achieve physical transformation. The true gifts are not the aesthetic result or trophy — the real rewards are the self-discipline, time management, prioritizing behaviors, and dedication it takes to achieve a goal.”

What advice does Reder have for those considering their own transformations?

“Do it! You are only alive once and it is such fun to see what your body is capable of. Our bodies are made to move and love to move. It doesn’t matter what your health history is, what injuries or diagnoses you had or have — you would be surprised how fast your body responds and transforms at any age when you have the right tools,” Reder said. “We are gifted bodies through which we get to experience the miracle of life. The greatest way to show God your gratitude is by taking care of your body. The purpose of life is to be ALIVE and live life to the fullest!”

Photos courtesy of Melissa Reder.