Personal Best
by Emily Hohenwarter'I became a personal trainer and found I loved it," says Ferraro. 'I could actually help people obtain health, wellness and the lifestyle-change benefits that were missing from traditional gyms."
As a certified personal trainer, Ferraro worked with clients in their homes and at gyms throughout southeastern Louisiana before moving into his Mid-City location in 2005.
'My dream had been to own my own studio where I could help people toward greater wellness on a one-on-one basis," he says. 'I opened Salire Fitness one month before Hurricane Katrina. We had 7 feet of water. However, with the help of family and friends, we were able to reopen nine months later " bigger and better."
Lots of personal attention for clients is what sets Salire apart from other gyms, Ferraro says. Above all, he wants his clients to feel comfortable working out. He makes sure to create individual fitness programs for customers based on their needs and comfort levels.
'We strive to make everyone feel welcome and empowered to make lasting, long-term lifestyle changes," Ferraro says. 'Salire is different from other fitness studios because of our genuine concern for our clients, our authenticity, our knowledge of the stages of behavioral change, our enthusiasm and our unique approach to individuality. No matter your age, health or fitness capability, you will find us to have the most comfortable surroundings and caring people. We remove the intimidation that is felt in other fitness facilities."
Salire recently expanded its staff and its services. The gym now offers Pilates, and Ferraro hired two new personal trainers.
'We are very excited about the growth our business has been experiencing over the past six months and look forward to helping more New Orleanians benefit from increased wellness," Ferraro says.
He has lofty goals for the company's future, and hopes to impact the fitness lives of as many New Orleanians as possible.
'Salire (strives to be an example) for how fitness and wellness go hand-in-hand with life coaching, behavioral change and lifestyle commitments," Ferraro says. 'It is only when our clients achieve a true commitment to health and wellness that Salire can say, "We served our community well.'"
