URFIT - Breathe it...Live it...Be it! URFIT programs are products of passion for Melinda Peterson and Ralyn Strong. Growing up, both were actively involved in sports and recreational activities. They met in 2001 at a public speaking contest where Peterson and Strong found their first commonality, a passion for motivation and education through public speaking. That same year they met again as newly hired group fitness instructors at the University of Arizona. The love of exercise and enthusiasm to share this with others, began at a very young age for both women. They began team teaching group fitness and soon began participation in marathons, cycling events and triathlons. Melinda Peterson recently completed her first Ironman Triathlon Race, while Ralyn Strong went off as a volunteer in Africa to teach HIV/AIDS risk reduction education in rural villages. These women challenge themselves and each other. They believe in others abilities and inspire their students to live life to the fullest. With the goal to share their love for fitness and life, Melinda and Ralyn invite you to be a part of their passion. From traditional group fitness to one-on-one training they are continuously increasing their knowledge, credentials and repertoire to meet the needs of clients of all ages, levels and fitness abilities. URFIT is an organization dedicated to the fight against obesity. Founded in 2007, URFIT has already made tremendous strides in the fight against obesity. The members of URFIT are committed to the education and implementation of programs to reduce obesity and increase health and fitness. URFIT - Breathe it…Live it…Be it! |
URFIT - Breathe it...Live it...Be it!
Melinda Peterson
Ralyn Strong
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About Our Business
Founders of URFIT
The URFIT Trainers
Ralyn Strong - Co-Owner; ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Atlanta, Georgia
I began my fitness career in 2001 shortly after my grandfather had a heart attack. The doctor
explained that he survived due to his aerobically conditioned body. I then began to teach group
fitness at the University of Arizona as a way to show my appreciation.
Fitness, health and wellness are not only a strong passion of mine but it is also a lifestyle that I
lead and encourage others to do the same as well. I believe in education and physical movement
as a form of preventive health care.
I graduated from the University of Arizona with a focus on Public Health. I was a health
promoter for the Boys and Girls Club and volunteered for a summer in rural villages of East
Africa to teach HIV/AIDS risk reduction education. Together Melinda and I developed a public
health program for overweight and obese adolescents. I have had seven years of competitive
Martial Arts in my background and love to enter in an organized race from time to time. I am
currently training to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I enjoy working with all populations, love to have fun, enjoy laughter and am highly spirited. I
see fitness as a choice and a way of life. As a trainer I will challenge each person to get to know
their own physical body so that he or she may use it to it’s fullest potential. I want to enhance
one’s quality of life. I use the power of education, encouragement and accountability. I dedicate
myself in a personable way to motivate others to love fitness.
Atlanta, Georgia
I began my fitness career in 2001 shortly after my grandfather had a heart attack. The doctor
explained that he survived due to his aerobically conditioned body. I then began to teach group
fitness at the University of Arizona as a way to show my appreciation.
Fitness, health and wellness are not only a strong passion of mine but it is also a lifestyle that I
lead and encourage others to do the same as well. I believe in education and physical movement
as a form of preventive health care.
I graduated from the University of Arizona with a focus on Public Health. I was a health
promoter for the Boys and Girls Club and volunteered for a summer in rural villages of East
Africa to teach HIV/AIDS risk reduction education. Together Melinda and I developed a public
health program for overweight and obese adolescents. I have had seven years of competitive
Martial Arts in my background and love to enter in an organized race from time to time. I am
currently training to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
I enjoy working with all populations, love to have fun, enjoy laughter and am highly spirited. I
see fitness as a choice and a way of life. As a trainer I will challenge each person to get to know
their own physical body so that he or she may use it to it’s fullest potential. I want to enhance
one’s quality of life. I use the power of education, encouragement and accountability. I dedicate
myself in a personable way to motivate others to love fitness.
Melinda Peterson - Co-Owner; ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Tucson, Arizona
"Enjoy your body. Use it everyway you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think
of it. It is the greatest instrument you will ever own." Baz Luhrmann
I discovered many years ago that fitness is freedom. Having the ability to move without
restraint enables you to experience life in a way that the sedentary (who remain sedentary) will
never understand. Fitness means different things to different people. Perhaps your goal is to
complete a marathon or climb Mt. Everest – or maybe it is to be able to touch your toes, play
basketball with your son or pick up your grandchild.
We are all driven by different motivations, experiences and interests. We all have different
strengths and weaknesses. By embracing these differences, it is my goal as a fitness
professional to help you discover your personal motivation. It is my hope to inspire, encourage
and empower you to begin your fitness journey. I would never ask you to do things you are not
capable of doing - nor would I expect for you to participate in events that you have no interest
in.
Fitness training is about you. What are your goals? True fitness enhances every aspect of your
life with long-lasting and life-changing benefits. Allow my knowledge, experience and passion for
fitness help reach your goals and improve your life!
Tucson, Arizona
"Enjoy your body. Use it everyway you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think
of it. It is the greatest instrument you will ever own." Baz Luhrmann
I discovered many years ago that fitness is freedom. Having the ability to move without
restraint enables you to experience life in a way that the sedentary (who remain sedentary) will
never understand. Fitness means different things to different people. Perhaps your goal is to
complete a marathon or climb Mt. Everest – or maybe it is to be able to touch your toes, play
basketball with your son or pick up your grandchild.
We are all driven by different motivations, experiences and interests. We all have different
strengths and weaknesses. By embracing these differences, it is my goal as a fitness
professional to help you discover your personal motivation. It is my hope to inspire, encourage
and empower you to begin your fitness journey. I would never ask you to do things you are not
capable of doing - nor would I expect for you to participate in events that you have no interest
in.
Fitness training is about you. What are your goals? True fitness enhances every aspect of your
life with long-lasting and life-changing benefits. Allow my knowledge, experience and passion for
fitness help reach your goals and improve your life!
David Gillespie - ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Tucson, Arizona
I gained my love for exercise when I was a freshman in highschool. I could not even do five
situps. Five years later in Marine Corps boot camp, I did 134 sit ups in 90 seconds, two away
from the USMC record.
During my four years as a Marine I excelled in physical fitness and leadership with over 30
awards in professional Certifications, Notable Course Completions, Special Appreciations,
Meritorious Masts, Promotions and Prestigious Physical Fitness Awards. Though I specialized in
platoon fitness instruction and Marine Close Quarters' Combat Conditioning; my greatest sense of
accomplishments came from training overweight soldiers and getting them back to Marine Corps
standards.
Physical fitness has not only changed my life but it also quite seriously saved my life. Following a
devastating train wreck in 2003, I was involved in over three years of intense physical, cognitive,
and vision therapies. I was told I would never be able to work out and exercise the way I did
before, or do gainfull work again. At first I could not handle the situation and suffered major bouts
of depression. But because of my desire to become physically fit once again, I never quit and I
never gave up. Now, I am even stronger and faster than I was prior to the train wreck.
As a walking success story, I understand the importance of fitness. I want to share my first-hand
experiences and knowledge with others, to make a difference in their lives.
Tucson, Arizona
I gained my love for exercise when I was a freshman in highschool. I could not even do five
situps. Five years later in Marine Corps boot camp, I did 134 sit ups in 90 seconds, two away
from the USMC record.
During my four years as a Marine I excelled in physical fitness and leadership with over 30
awards in professional Certifications, Notable Course Completions, Special Appreciations,
Meritorious Masts, Promotions and Prestigious Physical Fitness Awards. Though I specialized in
platoon fitness instruction and Marine Close Quarters' Combat Conditioning; my greatest sense of
accomplishments came from training overweight soldiers and getting them back to Marine Corps
standards.
Physical fitness has not only changed my life but it also quite seriously saved my life. Following a
devastating train wreck in 2003, I was involved in over three years of intense physical, cognitive,
and vision therapies. I was told I would never be able to work out and exercise the way I did
before, or do gainfull work again. At first I could not handle the situation and suffered major bouts
of depression. But because of my desire to become physically fit once again, I never quit and I
never gave up. Now, I am even stronger and faster than I was prior to the train wreck.
As a walking success story, I understand the importance of fitness. I want to share my first-hand
experiences and knowledge with others, to make a difference in their lives.
Ralyn Strong
Melinda Peterson
David Gillespie
Email Ralyn at rstrong@pilatesstudio.biz
Email David at dgillespie@pilatesstudio.biz
Email Melinda at mpeterson@pilatesstudio.biz
| Discover more ways URFIT can serve you! urfit@pilatesstudio.biz 520.207.1625 www.myspace.com/thepilatesstudio |
