Louise Amato, Massage Therapist
Louise is a graduate of the Virginia School of Massage and a Certified Massage Therapist. She is also registered with the Virginia Board of Nursing. Louise is trained in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and uses reflexology and trigger point therapy when needed. She started her practice in 2003 and has worked with a wide range of clients like those suffering from sports related injuries. Louise is also experienced in pre-natal massage, seated chair massage and general relaxation treatments.
Arlene Bjork, Yoga/Pilates Coach
Arlene has practiced and taught yoga and Pilates for the last eight years. She was inspired to begin her avid practice in both disciplines after taking her first yoga class. It was during this class when she realized that her chronic back pain (from scoliosis and spinal fusion surgery) had completely disappeared.
Certified by YogaFit and well on her way toward earning her RYT Yoga Alliance 200-hour credential, Arlene primarily teaches the Ashtanga method of Yoga, a practice which builds strength, creates heat, cultivates the breath and calms the mind. All levels of practitioners, from the beginner to the advanced, can find pleasure and challenge under Arlene’s creative guidance. A few times a year, Arlene spends extended time under the wings of master yoga teachers in places such as New York, Washington, DC, and Denver. She never completely rests in what she knows or understands; she believes that the body and mind have the potential to do almost anything, if there is practice.
Arlene wants students to know and understand that yoga and Pilates aren’t just about fancy poses. “Taking the time to know yourself is the key. On the mat, we learn to better deal with ourselves, others, and our issues off the mat.”
Arlene lives in Southern Chesterfield County with her husband, Joe, her daughter Whitley, and the animals. The dog Gilbert is particularly inspiring in “downward dog.”
Bobby Shakespeare, Personal Trainer
Bobby is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University and has spent the last 16 years in the fitness and strength and conditioning field. In the winter of 2005 Bobby realized it was a true passion and became a certified personal trainer with American Fitness Professional and Associates (AFPA). Bobby enjoys playing and coaching team sports and spending time with his wife and kids.
Ike Pethtel, Personal Trainer & Fitness Evaluation Specialist
Ike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from West Virginia University and spent 20 years working as a Sales and Marketing consultant for computer companies, but in 2001 he turned to fitness as his profession. Ike says sports and fitness had been apart of his life for 25 years, but it was not until he noticed significant weight loss from his nutrition and cardiovascular routine (tennis and running) that he decided to make a change. Ike became an IFPA Certified Personal Trainer and IFPA Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist. At Fitness Rx you will see Ike in our testing center performing our metabolic and wellness tests. You will also see him on the floor training clients and reshaping their bodies. Ike knows first hand what it takes to help his clients achieve this lifestyle change and the benefits which will result from his own improved “quality of life.”
Tommy Jefferson, Personal Trainer
Tommy is a native of Richmond, Virginia and attended VCU where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Business Management and Sports Medicine. After graduation, Tommy worked as the Athletic Trainer for the Richmond Speed Arena 2 Football Team, as well as Hermitage High School. Tommy also has 12 years of personal training experience and competes as a national body builder and holds two state titles in Virginia and North Carolina.
Tommy says his clients are his motivation for his sport. When they achieve their goals, it makes Tommy work harder to achieve his own. His philosophy is this: “you can achieve all goals if you put the Lord first in your life.”
"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."
-- Vince Lombardi
Fit TipsGet Outside! Take some time to engage in an enjoyable recreational activity; take a walk or a bike ride with the kids, do some gardening, or play your favorite sport.
Results“Fitness Rx has helped me reach my goal of weight loss by losing an excess of 40 pounds and getting my body in better shape to be able to enjoy a more active life such as water skiing, snow skiing and wind surfing. This was something I said they would not be able to do, but Fitness Rx made a believer out of me.”
--Jim Soyars, 60