Heather Rosario has long had a passion for fitness and helping others get in shape. The personal trainer and bodybuilder opened her own gym in Hilo in March 2020.
“Most people who find this place are very happy to have discovered a small safe environment where they can explore their health,” said Rosario, owner of Transformations Personal Training Studio.
Unfortunately, operations quickly hit the pause button with the pandemic’s arrival.
But the bigger concern wasn’t the bottom line.
Rather, it was her teenage daughter Naomi’s wellbeing.
“When COVID hit our business was shut down, schools were shut down and I saw my very vibrant daughter kind of retreat into her room like I think a lot of teens did,” Rosario said.
“It was very concerning.”
Distance learning took a toll and Naomi could feel it affecting her health. So for her senior project, the Waiakea High student pursued a fitness overhaul and entered a weight training program.
In a matter of months, she lost 30 pounds and then with her mom’s help came the next step ― competitive bodybuilding.
“I started losing body fat and gaining muscle,” Naomi said.
“The first time when I hit the stage in Las Vegas competing against the other competitors, it felt really good to win that competition, so I wanted to continue it.”
Since last August, Naomi has competed in four national shows with more to come.
