In the mid-1990s, Rocco Mediate opened the first private personal training gym in Hillcrest, which was also one of the first in San Diego.

Mediate, a United States Air Force veteran, has made fitness a top priority since the 1970s. With his master’s degree in business administration, he used his education to make fitness his career. He opened shop in Hillcrest in 1995, accredited through the American Council of Exercise.

“My private gym caters to one-on-one personal training,” he said. “We have one of the most complete private training gyms in San Diego.”

Joined by trainer Kevin Chaisson, Mediate gives members of the Hillcrest and surrounding communities one of the best personal training experiences in a private setting.

Mediate works with clients of all ages, and says in older clients he does not see a noticeable slow-down in their capabilities or performance – proving, he says, that fitness makes a difference at every age.

When he’s not in the gym, Mediate is making a difference on his own for one of San Diego’s oldest HIV/AIDS service organizations.

“My biggest contribution is to Mama’s Kitchen,” Mediate said. “I’m a big believer that it is important to give back. All my clients – past and present – are special to me; because of them, I’m still here helping clients and the community. I support all Mama’s Kitchen’s events and think they do an excellent job. I have lost a lot of close friends through the years, and if I can keep my clients healthy and strong, I have achieved my goal.