Beware, citizens of Westlake! There’s a mad scientist lurking amongst you, one whose goal of reanimating human tissue is not entirely dissimilar to that of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley’s fictional 19th-century gothic character.

But fear not, good people. Extinguish those torches and drop your pitchforks. For while posterity regards Dr. Frankenstein as a cautionary tale of well-intended science run amok, Tom Roso today is respected locally as an exemplary tale in creative, goal-oriented exercise physiology with tangible results to boot!

Certified as a personalized trainer and nutrition specialist by the IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association) and proprietor of The Restructuring Zone, Bay Village resident Tom Roso, 60, boasts a clientele as diverse as his various exercise regimens.

An active competitor in the unforgiving sport of bodybuilding during the mid-1980s, Tom learned first-hand what it takes to bring a body to its peak potentials and, perhaps more important, what pitfalls to avoid. It was through these trials and errors, coupled with early ownership in a health and fitness store, that Tom honed his personal training skills which he now seeks to impart to the citizens of Cleveland.

“It stemmed from owning a health and fitness store whereby I was able to help people select programs and supplements and simply knowing that I can make a difference in their lives,” he said.

Over the course of 22 years of working with individuals and groups of all ages, Tom developed his specialty: tailoring individualized programs to meet the needs and goals of his clients. But the tools Tom employs are anything but run-of-the-mill cardio and weight lifting, and this is where his “mad science” enters the picture.

Affectionately labeled “training outside the box,” Tom’s repertoire includes a variety of unconventional methods such as Asymmetrical Weight Training, Scooter-Assisted Core Training, Rope-Assisted Core/Cardio Training, Boxing and Bands and Kettle Bell Training. Of course, the creativity doesn’t stop here because Tom is constantly seeking out new and better means to physical fitness.

Asked what separates him from other personal trainers, Tom hesitates for a moment and then opines, with reluctant candor, “Keeping the ‘personal’ in personal training. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ because every client is different. And my training sessions do not include a lot of socializing and chit-chat – my clients are here to work out and get results. Period.”

Results are the touchstone for any personal trainer worth his salt, and just one glance at Tom’s chiseled features informs the observer, in no uncertain terms, that he practices what he preaches. And the results realized by Tom’s clients have yielded an ever growing clientele necessitating expansion of The Restructuring Zone.

“Due to the increased demand in my business, I hired Ms. Adrienne Costanzo who has been active in the health and fitness field for over 12 years and who shares my beliefs and principles with respect to helping people.”

Asked what his plans are for the future, Tom is sanguine. “My plans are to work on my Master Personal Training certification and expand The Restructuring Zone to reach more people and help them achieve more productive lives by being healthy.”

Bart Rippl lives in Westlake.