Founder of Geri-Fit^®

Francesca Gern, founder of Geri-Fit®

"Don't get older, get stronger." Those are the words Francesca Gern, vice-president and founder of Geri-Fit®, Ltd. lives by. Her Geri-Fit® exercise program was developed with the help of noted geriatrician, Dr. Martin J. Gorbien and is specifically designed to accommodate all older adult fitness levels.

Using just a set of dumbells and a chair, Geri-Fit^® strengthens and tones all the major muscle groups of the body while, at the same time, helps to improve flexibilty and arthritic conditions. In addition, clinical studies have shown the program significantly improves balance and coordination in older adults thereby lessening the risk of falls and fractures. Geri-Fit^®, having been proven to combat osteoporosis among other ailments, is surely the most effective form of exercise for older adults.

Before creating the Geri-Fit^® program, Francesca developed other exercise programs such as Body Sculpting^™, Phenomenal Abdominals^®, Teen-Fit^® and Back-Fit^®. These programs are currently offered at over 150 locations in northeastern Ohio and are taken by more than 25,000 people per year. Several state colleges and universities have recognized their validity and even included her programs as part of their continuing education curriculum.

Francesca started her career in the fitness industry by becoming the first personal fitness trainer in Cleveland, Ohio. She quickly became very successful and has trained many well-known celebrities and Olympic athletes. In researching and developing her programs, Francesca worked closely with a medical advisory committee consisting of doctors, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and other health care professionals. In addition, she has presented her programs and methods to several prestigious organizations including the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the United States Weightlifting Federation, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Metro Health General Hospital.

Ms. Gern shares her fitness expertise not only through her programs, but as an author of several training manuals and videos. She is also a free-lance writer whose articles have been published by national magazines including Glamour, Body Wise, and Muscle Training Illustrated. She has been featured in articles appearing in Crain's Cleveland Business, Cleveland Magazine, Hospital News, Club Industry, Idea Today, Fitness Management, and many others. Francesca has also been recognized as an authority and a leader in the fitness industry in Cleveland Business, Healthsense, Glamour and Newsday with a specialty in weight training.

Francesca's childhood was highly athletic and was a decisive factor in her choice to start a career in the fitness industry. Among other activities, her background includes 10 years of ballet, jazz, acrobatics and gymnastics. She also has more than 25 years experience in strength training and was a former international competitive bodybuilder and title holder. She was chosen as one of the Top 10 Women Business Owners in 1998 by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Lastly, Francesca has served as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Advisory Committee and is a frequent presenter at conventions and trade shows. Today, Francesca is at the top of her field as she serves as the acting Executive Director for the International Weightlifting Association, the governing body for the sport of weightlifting.