Melissa Russo

Melissa has been working as a fitness professional since 2006, displaying a solid knowledge of group fitness and personal training techniques with proven results. An outgoing and friendly personality, as well as abundant energy and captivating motivational techniques, create an environment that builds lasting client and participant relationships. Possessing a true passion for health and fitness, she has always focused on keeping exercise and healthy eating a top priority.

Her career began while studying at Philadelphia University by teaching group fitness classes to the students on campus. After the birth of her son in 2001, she started taking multiple classes a week and worked with a personal trainer to help successfully lose the weight that she gained during pregnancy. Shortly after that she acquired a National Group Fitness Certification with AFAA and began teaching at multiple locations around the community. These classes included lunchtime fitness sessions at a corporate office in center city Philadelphia as part of a wellness program. 

In 2012, after working in the field for over 10 years, Melissa became the Wellness Director at a local non-profit community gym. It was then that she discovered her true passion for helping and motivating people. She went above and beyond to work with a diverse group of health seekers from all types of socio-economic levels. Melissa worked with everyone from school age children and teens to senior citizens and everyone in between.

While, motivating her participants to develop their fitness levels and achieve their goals, Melissa stepped outside the studio on her own time and took up an active interest in running. She placed in the top 3 in her age group in several local 5K and 10K races. In 2013, at the fabulous age of 40, Melissa completed the New Jersey Marathon. The following year, in 2014, she entered her first of several Bodybuilding competitions, competing in the Figure Division for the Organization for Competition Bodies. After successfully placing well in her 2nd and 3rd show, she knew it was time to share this drive and determination with as many people as she could reach. To expand her knowledge and education, she acquired her certification in Sports Nutrition.

What is so special and unique about Melissa is her ability to connect with people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and genders. She spent several hours of her time volunteering with teen girls at a foster home once a week as part of an outreach program. These teen girls adapted great to her intense workout routines that combine upbeat music and easy-to-follow cardio and conditioning moves. Two of the girls lost 15 pounds and showed a tremendous improvement in their confidence and self-esteem. The therapists and staff couldn't have been more thrilled with the results.

Today, Melissa works at her home gym, Fit It In for Life, training clients and teaching small groups of all levels everyday. Specializing in HIIT, Pilates, and Bodyweight training, Melissa continues to motivate people with personalized workouts for all fitness levels.