South Windsor Resident Launches In-Home Personal Training Business

Torie Ives loves working out — not just because it helped her lose weight and look great.

“I’ve definitely gained a lot of confidence in myself. Before I started I was not depressed but I wasn’t happy with myself either. I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of,” she said in a recent interview.

The South Windsor resident graduated from Glastonbury High School, went to cosmetology school and was working at a salon in Glastonbury when she realized she wanted a change.

“I realized my clothes were getting tighter and I was not 100 percent happy with how I was looking and feeling. It wasn’t all about the weight but I was in a slump and I knew I could push myself a little more,” she said.

Out of the blue, Ives said she got the inspiration to do a triathlon, though she had never run more than a mile or two at a time and the date was just a few months away.

She met someone who helped her train and accomplished her goal. She did several more triathlons, the Hartford Half Marathon and several 5Ks.

But that was just the beginning.

“I realized it was such a great feeling to set goals and reach them. And that I’d love to help other people so they can feel that great feeling too,” she said in a recent interview.

Ives did an at-home study program in fitness through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She became certified as a personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist.

In September, Ives launched her business, Torie’s Fitness, by offering 30 or 60-minute training sessions. She visits her clients homes, mostly bringing with her what she needs to lead them in a variety of customized workouts.

She likes circuit training, strength training and “helping women realize that lifting weights isn’t’ going to make them super bulky.” Ives takes into account each client’s fitness level, goals and preferences and customizes a workout plan for each.

“I don’t like to use the same exact workout for more than one person… Some people are actually just looking to build up some muscle tone. I have some that don’t need to lose weight at all but they want to build upper body strength. Some want to be educated, learn some exercises they’re not familiar with,” she said.

While Ives is no Jillian Michaels, she said she tries to push her clients to do their best.

“I’m definitely not mean but I will push my clients. I believe that at the end of the day, it’s up to the client if they’re ready to change. I can inspire and motivate them, though,” Ives said.

“And I make it fun. There’s a lot of laughing. It’s not super serious,” she said.

Ives’ clients attest to the efficacy of working with Ives and how she’s encouraged them.

Christina Esche got matched up with Ives when Ives worked at a gym in Manchester. Ives was her personal trainer until she launched Torie’s Fitness, at which point Esche was assigned a new trainer.

“It was then that I saw what a benefit it was to work with her,” Esche said. “She takes into account your last workout. She has a progression of workouts catered to you, your goals and fitness level. “I left the gym and signed up with her…. she is absolutely awesome.”

Rosanne Gowdy lost about 16 pounds in about four months working with Ives, thanks to Ives.

“She has a very positive attitude and makes me feel motivated to work out,” Gowdy said. “I have a lot more muscle and energy than I did. And I can text her anything if I have a question or just need motivation not to eat that cookie,” she said.

Currently, Ives visits clients a few days a week, while she works at the salon the others. Her schedule is flexible and she is happy to accommodate clients in South Windsor, Manchester, East Hartford and occasionally others a little farther away.