staff spotlight
To Ken, each client
is an individual filled
with possibility.
Ken is not only
committed to
his health, but
to that of his
clients, too.
HAC STAFF
MEMBER
KEN
ROBERTS
By Shannon Fioravanti
Shannon Fioravanti has been a client of Ken Roberts’ for
more than five years. After a 30-year career in broadcast
journalism, government, and corporate communications,
Shannon serves as a volunteer writer for local arts organizations and schools. Shannon credits Ken for helping her
recover from a badly broken ankle in 2012, for restoring
her physical strength, and building her confidence in the
gym. Shannon lives in Wilmington with her husband Paul
and daughter Francesca, a rising senior at Wilmington
Christian School.
Consider for a moment the exercise and wellness routine
of a “typical” 80-year-old man. Is it occasional brief, mild walking?
Some light weightlifting on good days? Reduced activity on a
stationary bike? If that’s the common notion, HAC’s Ken Roberts, 80,
has not only dispelled it – he has shaken up the idea
and turned it on its head.
On any given day, you can find this Master
Personal Trainer working out during downtime between clients, lifting with the same
gusto and determination as club members
half his age. He’s awake at 3:30 a.m.
five days a week, arriving at the
club from his Newark home
by 5:30 to begin working
with his clients, most days
until 10 a.m. After his shift,
he can be found at the
University of Delaware
pool in the summertime,
at the HAC indoor pool
during winter months, or
out on HAC’s walking path,
squeezing in some cardio
before heading home to Shirley, his wife of 55 years.
Ken’s clients range in age from 18
to 83. To them, Ken is a living testament that
one is never too old to start exercising, never
too old to become – and remain – physically
fit. To Ken, each client is an individual filled
with possibility – and he customizes workouts
to suit every age range, to accommodate
every physical limitation. His workouts build
upon strengths, combat weakness, and
above all, provide a sense of courage
and determination to those who
fear that some shortcoming
may trump their potential for
achievement.
“Ken is a superb personal trainer, who works
to develop an understanding of each client’s training
goals, and any rel