Bobby Body

ALPENA – SkellaFit Personal Training is proud to announce that Paralympian, Army Veteran, and International medalist Bobby Body has joined the SkellaFit team as Bench Press Coach.

Body’s journey to elite athletics is one of extraordinary courage and perseverance. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country. While deployed in Iraq, his life changed forever when his Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb during a routine mission, resulting in the loss of his leg.

Rather than allowing tragedy to define him, Body chose a path of resilience.

As part of his recovery, he turned to fitness–a decision that would ignite a passion for Para powerlifting and launch him onto the world stage. Today, Body is one of the top Para powerlifters in the United States and a respected advocate for Veterans and adaptive athletes.

“Bobby is an absolute force. What he has been able to accomplish at an Olympic level is not just impressive but also a true testament to how capable we are when we believe in ourselves and are willing to put in the work,” said Cristi Johnson, owner of SkellaFit Personal Training. “He has transformed his challenges into purpose. Having him coach at SkellaFit is an incredible opportunity for our athletes and our community to level up.”

Body represented Team USA at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where he finished fourth in the men’s 107-kilogram division, narrowly missing the podium. He followed that performance with a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships and previously captured gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago.

Beyond his accomplishments on the platform, Body is a certified peer support specialist who counsels fellow Veterans and amputees living with PTSD, helping them overcome obstacles and rediscover hope.

“I am filled with enthusiasm and beyond excited to become part of the SkellaFit team,” said Body. “After watching how the team cheered each other, as well as their competitors at the APF/AAPF State competition, I knew it was the right atmosphere for fitness training for everyone. The smiles from everyone, the hard work that is put into becoming fit regardless of age, and the joy of success is what it is all about.”

As Bench Press Coach, Body will work with athletes of all abilities, from first-time lifters to competitive powerlifters, emphasizing sound technique, discipline, and mental toughness.

His addition comes at a time when SkellaFit’s powerlifting team continues to gain national and international recognition. The gym has produced world champions and national champions, while maintaining a mission that strength training should be accessible and empowering for everyone.

“At SkellaFit, we are committed to changing lives for the better,” Johnson said. “Bobby is living proof. He served our country, overcame unimaginable adversity, competed on the world’s biggest stage, and now he’s bringing that knowledge and inspiration to Northeast Michigan. We are honored to welcome him to the SkellaFit family.”

Body will begin working with the powerlifting team this weekend in the “Level Up Your Bench” Seminar open exclusively to SkellaFit members. Team SkellaFit Powerlifting is set to compete at the WPC World Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in November 2026. Sponsorship information is available at skellafit.com.