Roland Genesy is hitting the gym.

Craig Collier

Magnify

Roland feels most at home in the gym. “This is my sanctuary. Working out is an outlet for me; I can be alone and just work through things.” As a struggling teen who often found himself in trouble, he began seriously working out to do just that. He became committed to fitness and at just 17 entered his first bodybuilding competition. He’s taken home about 20 titles and went pro in 2004. Now he spends his days at his Cooper-Young gym, Transforming Bodies, training competitive athletes and bodybuilders, but also helping general fitness clients. “I loved the way I felt when I worked out, and I wanted to share that with other people.” His training is centered on not just building strong muscles, but having strong communication with people. He is beginning a youth program for at risk teens this fall. Through instruction in fitness and a variety of life skills, he hopes to create positive change in the community.