For over 20 years, Sergio Rojas, our October 2018 PFP Trainer of the Month winner, has experience in nearly all facets of the industry. His career in fitness – at-a-glance - has taken him from the gym setting to training high profile clients; from a recognized media figure in both print and television to Executive Director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports; and from facility owner to a leader in corporate wellness and impacting lives with his commitment to holistic healthy living. Sergio’s success is a prime example of the continual rewards this great industry can offer those professionals who are committed to being authentic and willing to think outside the box in order to be of greater impact.
Here is a look at how Sergio is raising the bar…
Certifications/qualifications: NASM-CPT; NSCA-CSCS; AASDN-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS); FMR (Functional Manual Reaction) and FAFS (Fellow of Applied Functional Science) from Gray Institute
Business Name: Vitality by Sergio
Website: www.VitalitybySergio.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VitalitybySergio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitalitybysergio/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitalitySergio
Year started in business: 1997
PR/recognition/awards received:
- Fitness Contributor for NBC5 Chicago for 10+ years
- Today Show appearance
- Trainer of the Year finalist on Dr. Oz Show
- Contributor for Men’s Fitness Magazine
- Region V Health & Human Services Honorary Certificate of Health Contribution
- Member - City of Chicago Mayor’s Fitness Council
- Member - Illinois Governors Fitness Council
- Executive Director of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports
What inspired you to start your business?
After overcoming my own struggles with anger and depression through diet, exercise and meditation, and then noticing how so many others were not as healthy or as happy as they wished to be, I made it my mission and career to help people achieve higher levels of health and happiness. I worked for 10 years in the industry before going out on my own and developing a holistic wellness program for companies to help their employees achieve higher levels of health, happiness and productivity.
What is one hard lesson you’ve learned in business you believe has been most valuable?
Never allow yourself to get too busy that you cannot spend enough time coaching and mentoring your team; and never underestimate the power of positive recognition and feedback.
If I asked one of your clients why they choose you over other trainers, what would they likely say?
“While Sergio leads with his heart, his mind is filled with knowledge in functional movement, cellular nutrition and holistic health that is unparalleled and brings about a level of confidence and comfort that he will get you the results you are looking for in a safe, effective and caring manner. He goes above and beyond teaching exercise and diet and gets to your heart and teaches true health and happiness.”
Name one or two ways you are trying to raise the bar in the industry.
I am in the process of creating a 2-Part Vitality Self Care Certification for trainers, health professionals, HR personnel and anyone that wants to enter the health and fitness arena with the focus of improving quality of life and longevity from a holistic approach. First level is understanding self-care and what behaviors prolong life and fight disease the greatest. The second level is how to implement this model into companies with an organic organizational behavior model.
