Brad Hill wants to make
his clients feel comfortable at his base of operations, the Vineyard
Fitness Center. With a ready smile and a friendly word, Mr. Hill
welcomes physical fitness enthusiasts to his emporium with an eye
toward making each experience a rewarding one.
Vineyard Fitness Center, also known as The Hideaway, is tucked
into the shopping area off State Road by the Black Dog Cafe, across
from SBS, with a sense of acceptance for each person’s capacity
to better themselves.
Mr. Hill, who purchased the center four years ago, has developed
a following among locals. He uses four distinct styles of management,
depending on a client’s individual needs. He is at once
a psychiatrist, a life coach, a drill sergeant and a visionary
who pictures the possibilities of each client.
For the non-exercising client, Mr. Hill says, “I start
out nice and easy. ‘How you feeling?’ Pretty soon
they realize, I’m really a nice guy.”
He tries to show the reluctant athlete that exercise is fun.
To start off he recommends five or ten minutes on each machine,
“so it won’t feel too much, but you can feel the blood
going through the body.” He urges clients to do a little
more, gradually. “I’ll talk them through it. I’d
like them to come back,” he says. “I want you to feel
good about yourself.”
A big part of his effort is motivation. “I’ll feel
you out, work around you.” His gentle nudges reinforce a
client’s drive. He keeps the pressure off, but slowly encourages
the client to do more. “They feel safe here. They leave
their problems outside. Do it slowly.”
Mr. Hill’s gentle manner belies his serious commitment
to the improved physique of his clientele.
“I go there. He’s done a great job,” says Bob
Tankard. “A lot of people in the community are pleased.
I usually go four to five times a week.”
For a new person, Mr. Tankard said, “it’s advisable
to use Brad’s services. He puts you through the tasks, then
you’re on your own.”
So who comes to the gym, which is open seven days a week? From
6 to 8 a.m., the pre-work crowd show up. Retired people or parents
who have dropped off their children congregate around 8 a.m. The
older crowd, in their 70s and 80s, come by at noon. High school
students show up from 3 to 6 p.m., and the heavy weights and loud
music lasts from 5 to 7 p.m. Single parents and working people
drift in from 7 until closing at 10 pm. It’s a full day
and Mr. Hill knows his clientele. He obviously loves every minute
of it.
”I can’t
speak highly enough about him,” says Janice Blum, a faithful
adherent to the fitness center. “As a trainer, he takes into
consideration whatever your physical limitations are, but has a
great ability to push you further.”
She continues: “He’s so good with people of all ages.
And very well-respected as a trainer. Sensitive to client’s
needs.” She adds that the fitness center has a “wonderful
membership with a real sense of camaraderie.”
For those in search of training, Mr. Hill offers hourly sessions
from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. “You own that time. It’s your
time,” he says. For newcomers, he offers a 10-session ticket,
which means you come any time, whether it’s once a week,
or five times. For best results, Mr. Hill recommends visits three
times a week.
He offers nutritional advice, though it’s more a suggestion
to reduce intake, rather than eliminate certain foods. “I
want you to be relaxed and comfortable,” he says.
Mr. Hill moved to the Island when he was 10. As a product of
Vineyard schools, has cultivated a wide circle of acquaintances
who appreciate his efforts. He speaks admiringly of Island teachers,
from Margaret Stafursky to Shauna Nute.
Jay Schofield taught Brad Hill at the Martha’s Vineyard
Regional High School.
“He had plans centered on self improvement,” Mr.
Schofield said. “He began weight training and never looked
back as he lifted relentlessly. Now you talk about hard work.
There is little that can compare with the dedication required
to ‘hit the weights’ even on days when you don’t
feel like it. He knew if he was going to be a personal trainer
that he would have to have some visible credibility so he stuck
with it.”
Mr. Schofield adds: “His job calls for some psychology,
as he has to be a ‘velvet hammer’ of sorts to get
people to do their best during each workout.”
Mr. Hill has been certified by the American Fitness Training
of Athletes for the past 16 years. As a well-known Island trainer
in a number of gyms, he felt, “It’s time for me to
have my own.” He has worked with professional athletes,
but chooses not to divulge their names.
As far as equipment, he is certified to make repairs and replacement,
and doesn’t mind ordering and assembling exercise equipment
for his clients.
Mr. Hill is married to Maureen McManus Hill, former Lafayette
College basketball hall of fame member and a former co-owner of
Espresso Love. They have two daughters, Erin, 9, and Devin, 6.
Mr. Hill says, “I’d love to have everyone come in
and join. Great hours, great spot, and no reason not to come in.”
The Vineyard Fitness Center, on State Road Vineyard Haven,
can be reached by calling 508-693-5533.
