June 16, 2006

Retail Roundup

Problem solvers

TotalFit Solutions aims to make working out more than just getting in shape

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

Business for Stacey Del Rosario and Laurel Neil has been filled with hard work and sweat, and that’s just how they like it.

That’s because Del Rosario and Neil, co-founders of TotalFit Solutions, are not only in the business of getting people in premium shape, but to also give their customers an overall better quality of life.

Their goals with customers are simple: provide the best quality workout, while also fine-tuning the overall wellness of the mind and body for the people they serve.

“I always believe that individuals will always achieve the potential that you set in front of them, as far as just pushing themselves to whatever expectations that you set,” said Del Rosario, an Evergreen native and Silver Creek High School graduate. “In my experience in the fitness industry, I’ve met individuals who were not what society would deem to be the classic, perfect-looking, healthy person who had stronger, more confident and more empowered attitudes than some of the most perfect, off-the-magazine, exercising, ideal-looking individuals who were devastated and upset. I really wanted to work to help everyone have the opportunity, not matter how they look and how they feel.”

The business, which opened earlier this year, grew out of both Del Rosario’s and Neil’s shared passion in fitness, as well as a craving to provide a better overall service than your average workout facility. To that end, the duo has more than 20 years of combined experience in the fitness industry. Prior to starting TotalFit Solutions, Del Rosario spent five years serving as a district manager for Bally Total Fitness, as well as 15 total years in high-level management in fitness, while Neil served as a master fitness trainer for the U.S. Army for five years before providing fitness services for corporations for seven years.

In making TotalFit Solutions about more than just workout routines, the co-founders of the company are in the process of providing their customers with four widely different aspects of the fitness industry. Their first phase, FitCamp, is a one-hour, five-days-per-week, six-week-long workout program for customers of varying abilities, ages and fitness levels. Each morning, the duo meets their classes locally at Montgomery Hill Park, near San Jose City College, putting their customers through the paces with constantly changing workout routines.

“I’ve had individuals out here that are full-blown joggers, and I’ve had people who are power walkers, and I’ve had people who have never worked out a day in their lives,” Del Rosario said. “Every age, every fitness level, everyone can reach the next stage in their personal ability.”

While the overall goal is to provide three days of cardio training and two days of strength training, the workouts may vary by the use of circuit training, the use of bands or weights, or simply by the use of the customer’s own body weight to provide strength training. Varying methods of cardio training are also employed in getting their customers fit.

“One of the things that we really aim to do is an entire lifestyle change,” said Neil. “It’s making sure that we provide a variety of workouts that are going to challenge every single one of your body parts. So not matter what phase you come to us, whether you’re in the beginning stage, intermediate stage or advanced stage, every single thing that we give you will always be to go little bit higher, a little bit harder.”

And while FitCamp has kept Del Rosario and Neil rather busy, it’s just the start of things to come for the duo.
The co-founders will soon be incorporating other aspects of their business plan in FitTravel, FitMind and FitPros.
FitTravel will feature adventure vacations for businesses and groups, incorporating fitness with vacation-like events such as water rafting, windsurfing, scuba diving and kayaking, to name a few. Travel will also be international, with adventure travel trips planned for Mexico, Del Rosario said.

FitMind will feature a special focus on the mind-body connection through wellness coaching, support groups, classes and seminars, in order to achieve total balance in various aspects of a person’s life.

Lastly, FitPros will focus on fitness services for both corporations and those seeking personal training. FitPros will feature advice in nutrition, group building and teamwork, while also providing design and setup of fitness facilities, staffing and program development for corporations.

Above all, both De Rosario and Neil said the goal is to make each person they encounter in their business feel complete, both physically and mentally.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to feel their personal best,” Del Rosario said. “There are so many different components with that. It’s not about the way you look, it’s about how you actually feel inside.”

For more information about TotalFit Solutions, go to the company website at www.totalfitsolutions.com.