Morton gym grand opening on Saturday
MORTON » Veterans Day 2017 will be extraordinarily special for former Army Ranger Tom DeVietro. When all the pieces came together for DeVietro to realize his dream of opening his own strength and conditioning gym, it was perfectly fitting that the grand opening of “Thomas DeVietro Strength & Conditioning” at 32 S. Morton Ave. would be on Nov. 11.
Thomas DeVietro Strength & Conditioning is different from many other gyms because it will work with individuals to reach their goals, physically and mentally, through the pursuit of health and fitness, and a positive attitude. The gym will offer personal training, as well as small group fitness classes. TDSC will serve all ages and all levels of fitness, with an emphasis on each individual and their goals.
Opening a community fitness center is the culmination of a lifelong dream for DeVietro, Throughout his youth, growing up in the Drexel Hill section of Upper Darby, DeVietro played multiple sports and was an AllCatholic football and rugby player. From a young age, DeVietro was nicknamed “the gym rat” by friends because he was always happiest while working out at the gym. In high school, he was employed part-time at the Lansdowne YMCA. He also worked out at the Y, as well as the Springfield Healthplex.
“At one point or the other, I think I’ve been in every gym in Delaware County,” DeVietro remarked with a smile.
He attended Upper Darby High School as a freshman and sophomore and then Monsignor Bonner as a junior and senior, graduating in 2003. He joined the Army immediately following graduation and served his country until 2012, as a U.S. Army Airbourne Ranger, Third Ranger Battalion, Special Operations. DeVietro served in multiple combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While serving, he received the Physical Fitness and Leadership Award of his Ranger Indoctrination Program class. Throughout his military career, DeVietro was never once beaten in any physically fit competition, he said, obviously taking personal pride in his exceptional total fitness.
While in Ranger school in 2009, DeVietro received the devastating news that his mother, Joanne Nigro, passed away.
“My mother was my best friend. I can’t tell you how heartbroken I was when I lost my mom. Everything I do to this day, I do with the thought of my mother,” DeVietro said. “She was a wonderful lady.”
After almost nine years in the military, DeVietro came home and married his high school sweetheart, Megan Russo, who teaches third grade at Scenic Hills Elementary School in the Springfield School District. The couple makes their home in the Holmes section of Ridley Township, with their beloved dog Charlie Burger.
Soon after leaving the military, DeVietro began to pursue a career in helping others reach their health and physical fitness goals. He opened the Crossfit Gym in Cutler’s Plaza in Springfield with a partner but eventually sold out his half to the partner in April 2016. With a talent for aiding others in reaching their strength and conditioning goals, the physically fit DeVietro became in demand as a trainer. Operating under Thomas DeVietro Strength & Conditioning, DeVietro began training clients in his basement. Quickly outgrowing the space after only six months, he moved into Palangi Kickboxing in Morton in January of 2017 where he ran his own program.
DeVietro’s certifications are many. He’s certified as a Personal Trainer, CrossFit Endurance Trainer, CrossFit Kettlebell Trainer, CrossFit Power Athlete Trainer, USA Powerlifting Sports Performance Coach, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, CrossFit Level 1 Coach, CrossFit Level 2 Coach and a Nutritional Consultant. He is also CPR Certified.
After just nine months of operating TDSC out of the Palangi Kickboxing facility, DeVietro received “Best of Delco” accolades and his clients swelled from 20 to 110, spanning an age range of 12 to 68, from all over the tri-state area.
“In my program, everybody helps each other,” DeVietro said proudly. “We are welcoming and nice, and always non-judgmental — that’s why we received ‘Best of Delco’ for the best group fitness program. We’re like the ‘Cheers’ of gyms, a friendly, neighborhood place that is not intimidating.”
With the overwhelming success of his program at Palangi, he knew that the time had come again to expand. When the 3,000 square-foot building on the Morton Avenue side of Palangi Kickboxing became available, DeVietro took the opportunity to finally realize his longtime dream of opening Thomas DeVietro Strength and Conditioning in its own separate space.
“I really like being in Morton,” DeVietro said. “It’s got a really nice business community and the borough has been excellent to work with in getting our gym up and running. I am really excited to open up here!’
Veteran owned and operated, the new exclusive gym will feature state-of-the-art equipment, one flat rate for unlimited classes and full use of the gym, plenty of off-street parking and padded stadium turf. People can opt for daily, weekly, monthly or annual memberships.
“There are no contracts here,” DeVietro stated. “We are a payas-you-go facility. We even have a drop-in daily rate for those who want it. I want people to visit our website, check out our class schedule and then show up and try a class. The first class is always free. I want them to see if they like what we offer because I am totally confident that they will.”
The gym will specialize in strength and conditioning, and will be one of the only gyms in the area to teach rope climbing. DeVietro said that he hopes to offer gym members 24 hour key access by early December.
“The equipment is all made in America by Rogue Fitness in Ohio,” DeVietro explained. “This is the best fitness equipment that you will find.”
DeVietro, who has always been community-minded, will offer membership discounts to all active and veteran members of the military, as well as teachers, nurses, students, police, firefighters and EMTs.
“The discount is just a small way to thank them for their service to the community,” DeVietro explained.
DeVietro said gym members will also have the opportunity to join three optional clubs: An Obstacle Course Racing Club, Olympic Weight Lifting Club and a Power Lifting Club.
“We offer training and guidance for the avid gym-goer, as well as teaching the beginner stuff — nothing crazy,” DiVietro remarked. “We also have one-toone training available, as well as our small group classes.”
To introduce the unique gym to the community, Tom and Megan DiVietro will hold an open house on Saturday, Nov. 11, beginning with a free group class at 8 a.m., followed by light fare refreshments and an opportunity to check out the gym until noon and speak with the DeVietros.
“Even Charlie Burger will be there Saturday,” DeVietro said with a smile. “It’s a dog-friendly gym! We hope everyone in the community will stop by either Saturday or any day after our opening to find out more about our gym and how we can help them reach their fitness goals.”
For more information on Thomas DeVietro Strength & Conditioning, call 757-232-3166 or visit www.TDstrengthandconditioning.com.