Former high-profile bodybuilder Felicia Romero finds balance with her Gilbert Fit Method gym

She was an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness figure pro whose physique graced the cover of seven national magazines and earned her modeling and spokesperson jobs in the fitness industry.

But it wasn’t until Felicia Romero retired from that life that she started to get healthy. Years of intense cardio workouts, weight-lifting sessions and strict dieting created a flawless appearance. But below the surface, Romero’s body was anything but.

Thyroid issues and adrenal fatigue were part of the price she paid. She had body dysmorphia, was constantly on a diet and was terrified to eat a piece of fruit.

“It’s an extreme way to live. It took a toll on my body and my mind,” Romero said. “When I was done competing, I swore I would get healthy.”

The journey wasn’t easy. But Romero is pleased with the results, which led to Felicia Romero’s Fit Method, the Gilbert gym she opened in 2015. Her struggle with food and body image is not a unique experience and it’s a way Romero can help others while doing what she is passionate about.

“I want them to feel good from the inside out,” she said of her reasons for opening Fit Method.

'She can really relate to everyone'

Classes include spin, power yoga, cardio kickboxing, a hip-hop sculpt class and others. When she first opened, Romero projected needing 100 members to break even. She hit that mark at the end of 2015, and currently has 179 members, she said. This steady growth has Romero looking to expand her business.

Romero’s venture puts her in a national $25.8 billion fitness and health club industry that is made up of 55 million paid memberships, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.

The gym works on a membership model. The $139 a month membership includes unlimited classes and child care. About 70 percent of her clientele is female.

Chanell Clark joined Fit Method in March. The child care was an added bonus for the Gilbert mother of two, ages 4 and 9 months. Since joining, Clark lost all 65 pounds she gained with her second pregnancy thanks to a combination of a portion control-focused meal plan by one of Romero’s trainers and the diverse class lineup.

“I’ve never (before) gotten the results that I have (experienced) at Felicia’s,” who has been working out regularly since she was 16 at high-profile gyms. “And that’s after (having) kids, when it’s supposed to be harder.”

Clark said the familylike atmosphere makes her want to work out. Romero’s own experiences with exercise and weight control adds credibility.

“She’s been on both sides, so she can really relate to everyone,” Clark said.  “With all the accomplishments she’s made, she’s so humble, she never talks about it. Just being an entrepreneur and a woman is empowering. She’s my idol.”

Finding balance

A native of Gilbert, Romero was always active but got into fitness while majoring in political science at Arizona State University, where she also played softball. She worked as a trainer to help pay tuition. Officially, she was on the law school track. But, “I knew that’s not what I wanted to do. I loved training and helping people,” she recalled.

After earning her degree, Romero abandoned a legal path for one in fitness. She remained at ASU and earned her master’s degree in exercise science. This path led Romero to fitness competitions and turning pro in 2006. She shot her first magazine cover shortly after and a whirlwind career commenced.

But it also put Romero on a never-ending treadmill that demanded high-intensity workouts seven days a week and restrictive diets that made her obsess over every almond and caused anxiety-ridden deliberations over whether or not to eat a carb.

“Before, I was never lean enough. I was really hard on myself,” said Romero, whose 5-foot, 3-inch frame carried 116 pounds at her lightest during those years.

Health concerns were among the reasons Romero ended her competition days in 2012. To get her thyroid back on track, Romero realized she had to do the opposite of what had been the focus of her life for years. But it wasn’t just about easing up on the workouts and eating pasta. Romero battled the psychological component that manifested itself in a complicated relationship with food.

Her weight ballooned to 150 pounds and with that brought anxiety and depression.

“That year was really tough. Not working toward something anymore, it takes a toll on you,” she said.

With the help of counseling and strong support from family and friends, Romero was able to find that balance. She discovered being fit had to emerge from a healthy mind and outlook, rather than outward appearances.

“I’m fine with my body now. I’m good with food. I enjoy healthy food, but I enjoy a doughnut every once in a while” she said. “Now, I work out because I enjoy it. If I miss four or five days, it’s not a big deal.”

This is the message upon which Fit Method is built. Romero brings in guest speakers who address specific topics, including relationships to food, for members.

In the spotlight again, with new challenges

Romero is currently shooting the A&E reality show “From Fit to Fat to Fit,” that features a fit trainer who gains weight for his or her overweight client and the two work to get healthy together. Romero’s client is her sister, who is 100 pounds overweight.

This new venture, however, has Romero revisiting her once dodgy relationship with food. She has gained 18 pounds for the show and plans to gain as much as 15 more. She’s doing this by adopting her sister’s lifestyle: not working out and eating fast food. The show is slated to air next spring.

“I like the challenge and I know I can lose the weight. The challenge is the mental struggle and what food does to you,” Romero said. “It’s quite the journey and I feel it’s going to help me as a trainer and be more empathetic of people going through this.”

Romero talked about seeing her clients’ lives change. There’s a woman who was 40 pounds overweight and undergoing marriage difficulties and depression. As she lost the weight, her self-esteem increased and she had a more positive and upbeat outlook. She and her husband halted divorce talks and Romero said today they are happier than ever.

“Fitness isn’t always the physical. You don’t realize people’s journeys until you hear something like that,” Romero said. “It’s extremely rewarding and reminds me of what I want to be doing in life.”

Felicia Romero’s Fit Method

Where: 263 E. Warner Road, Suite 103, Gilbert 

Employees: Five 

Interesting stat: Total annual health club and fitness center visits in the United States have increased 25 percent since 2009, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. 

Details: 844-269-5354, frfitmethod.com