Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ritorto.
Michael has overcome great physical adversity and built a formidable name for himself within the fitness community. Below, you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with him.
Michael, what led you to a career in fitness?
Born with hemophilia type A severe (a genetic disorder in which my blood does notclot, often leading to bleeding into joints of the body, causing severe pain and altered joint mechanics), I learned at a young age how to work out safely and efficiently. By the age of 18 I was a certified personal trainer and have been doing it since. I’m 32 now. I run my practice out of a physical therapy clinic in Beverly Hills, and spend most of my time doing house calls in the area. Alot of my clients are people injured during their routine exercise class or post-surgery trying to get back to their sport or activity. This year I’ve been swamped, traveling with a client who’s a performer and managing my local business. I work 7 days a week because I love it.
Wow – hemophilia is quite the challenge. Can you tell us a little more about your journey and how you overcame your obstacles?
Having hemophilia is an obstacle, but it’s made me good at what I do. Some days I wake up bleeding into a shoulder, so guess what, that day’s leg day at the gym. It makes it hard to get up sometimes when my joints are achy and hurt, but I know that once I get moving, I’ll feel better. I use the those same principles with my clients, if you’re taking care of a knee post ACL surgery, guess what, your upper body and core is going to be strong as hell by the time you’re back to your sport. Do what you can when you can. Train safe and smart. Milestones for me are having a busy practice in the premiere area of LA where there is so much trainer competition. I have a waiting list. Clients ask me to travel with them. It’s an amazing life.
It’s so inspiring to see what you are doing given how easy it might have been to do something less physical. Can you give us an example of one of those moments where you really felt like you made the right choice?
Probably when a well know hip hop artists asked me to travel with him as his personal trainer. That felt special. Also every day I get in my car and drive to work, I know how hard it is to be a successful trainer. I know how much competition there is out there, especially in LA. Every day I’m thankful for what I do, and I love doing it. I think that makes me successful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Michaelritorto
Check out his work below:
