A Personal Trainer Who Uses A Personal Trainer – Client Spotlight, Tricia Roarty

At Vertex Fitness, we help folks of every level get fit and achieve their personal best. Sometimes that includes folks that have never done an exercise regimen before, and some, like today’s spotlight, have been a personal trainer themselves.

Tricia Roarty was a personal trainer for five years, and ran her own business for four of them. She hopes to return to being a personal trainer professionally, but for now she is kept plenty busy with three teenagers and two dogs at home, along with her volunteer work.

Tricia volunteers with the National Liberty Museum in Old City Philadelphia. The Museum is host to a collection of interactive stories and contemporary art meant to inspire guests to preserve America’s heritage of freedom by teaching the virtues of diversity and inclusion, peaceful conflict resolution, and civic engagement.

Tricia is also involved with Women for Women International, which supports marginalized women in countries affected by conflict and war by helping them earn and save money, improve health and well-being, and connect to networks for support.

Before eventually becoming a trainer herself and working with her own trainer at Vertex Fitness, Tricia initially sought out personal training to help her bounce back physically and do something for herself after taking care of three young children: “I began working with a personal trainer at a large gym after my third child turned two; this was about 11 years ago.  I really enjoyed getting back into shape in a safe and healthy way.  I worked out with him twice a week and started a running program.  I have run numerous 5ks and 10ks as well as the Broad Street Run (4 times), the Philadelphia 1/2 marathon twice, and the Philadelphia Marathon. I no longer participate in road races but I do try to run two or three times a week for cardiovascular health and to burn calories.  I like to eat!”

Once Tricia’s children all entered school full time, she began working as a personal trainer herself. “I enjoyed fitness and wanted to help others experience the joy of getting fit, feel good about themselves, and reach their fitness goals so I decided to become a personal trainer.  I received my Personal Trainer certification from NASM and went on to become a Certified Weight Loss Specialist and a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist.”

Tricia worked at a Philadelphia area sports club for a year before venturing off into her own personal training business, which she ran for four years before leaving.

As time went on without the training business, Tricia knew that she had to start another training program for herself.

“I still looked “thin” but I knew I had lost a lot of muscle tone and I really needed someone to push me to train hard and get back in shape.  I want to be able to run up the stairs without feeling out of breath, chase after my dogs on the beach, and go on adventure vacations without fear of not being able to participate in all the activities.  In the summer I enjoy beach and pool activities, long bike rides at the shore, stand up paddle boarding and going out on our boat.  All of these require strength and coordination. I also like to hike with my family and the dogs.

Let’s face it, a full life requires a fit body. Additionally, as we age we lose muscle and bone density and this is something that can be avoided or at least slowed down by strength training.  Even though I am a personal trainer myself, I’m just like everyone else when it comes to working out: there’s always an excuse to miss a workout.  Having an appointment twice a week at Vertex keeps me on schedule.”

Since starting at Vertex in August of 2016 and practicing twice a week on a regular basis, Tricia has seen an increase in muscle tone in every area of her body.  She also reports feeling stronger in general on a day to day basis. “I can lift heavy groceries, move furniture in my house if I need to, and lift large packages without fear of injury. My clothes fit better and I feel fit!”

Tricia’s advice to anyone is to make sure to stay active and strong so you can continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

“This means going for a run or walk on a regular basis, practicing yoga or any other activity that you enjoy, but always make sure you include strength training in your routine.  It’s the best way to slow down the aging process.  And Vertex fitness makes it so easy to fit into your schedule because the sessions are less then a 1/2 hour.  I am able to fit in a total body strength training workout within just 30 minutes, twice a week.  Plus the location is in the heart of the main line on Route 30 so you can fit in your workout in the middle of other errands and appointments.”

Dwayne and his staff are very knowledgeable and know how to push every client to their personal maximum effort. I always leave Vertex feeling completely physically spent but also satisfied knowing that I’ve just done something healthy for my body.  Even though I have a background in fitness I have still learned new techniques and ways to perfect each strength training move for maximum results.