ASAP Classic Podcast with the late Fitness and Training Pioneer Roger Schwab

ASAP Classic Podcast with the late Roger Schwab who passed this past March 2024. 

ROGER HAD BEEN A PIONEER IN WEIGHT TRAINING FOR DECADES. HE WAS COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S FIRST STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH (PENN STATE 1964-1965) AND THE MAN WHO INTRODUCED THE NAUTILUS TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT SYSTEM TO PHILADELPHIA IN 1976. FROM 1976 TO 2015, HE WAS THE OWNER AND OPERATOR OF MAIN LINE HEALTH & FITNESS, RECOGNIZED BY MEN’S HEALTH AS THE FINEST WORKOUT IN THE UNITED STATES. ROGER WAS ALSO NAMED BY THE MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE TOP PERSONAL TRAINERS IN THE U.S.

ROGER TRAINED BOTH THE U.S.A. WOMEN’S OLYMPIC SWIMMING AND FIELD HOCKEY TEAMS. HE ALSO TRAINED MIKE MENTZER FOR THE 1978 MR. UNIVERSE AND THE 1980 MR. OLYMPIA COMPETITIONS, AND SERVED AS HEAD JUDGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF BODYBUILDERS, PROFESSIONAL DIVISION, FROM 1978-1982.

A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN THE PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION OF SPORTS RELATED INJURIES, ROGER HAS CONDUCTED IMPORTANT RESEARCH INTO THE PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION OF INJURIES OF THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE LUMBAR AND CERVICAL SPINE. HE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF OVER 100 ARTICLES IN NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS ON STRENGTH TRAINING AND BODYBUILDING, AND PUBLISHED THE ACCLAIMED BOOK, “STRENGTH OF A WOMAN,” IN 1997. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE PHILADELPHIA JEWISH SPORTS HALL OF FAME FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS/MEDICINE IN 2008.

IN 2012, ROGER INTRODUCED X-FORCE “NEGATIVE ACCENTUATED” EXERCISE IN THE U.S. HE IS CURRENTLY THE OWNER-OPERATOR OF X-FORCE PHILADELPHIA, AND IS A LECTURER AND FEATURED SPEAKER ON THE BENEFITS OF “ECCENTRIC” TRAINING IN STIMULATING A SYSTEMIC PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT.

In this episode of the ASAP Podcast, brought to you by SpecAthletic The Sports Flooring Professionals, Ed Cicale traveled to Philadelphia to visit the Mainline Health and Fitness Training Center in Byrn Mawr. Founded by the passionate strength trainer, Roger Schwab, Mainline Health and Fitness evolved from a small 1,200 square-foot facility to a whopping 35,000 square-foot behemoth. The conversation with Schwab uncovers the rich history behind the center's transformation and the unique approach towards strength training it offers.

Starting operations on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 as Mainline Nautilus, the gym was equipped with only nine machines. Inspired by his personal strength training journey, Schwab took the initiative to elevate his small fitness center. It wasn’t long before they expanded to include 120 Nautilus and Med-X machines, Nautilus medical testing machines, and a complete line of X-Force machines from Sweden, hailed by Roger Schwab for delivering the most effective workouts, brings a "wow" factor unseen in other fitness equipment due to its unique design for stimulating negative training.

Schwab elaborates on the benefits of X-Force machines, particularly for negative or eccentric training, citing how the technology has contributed significantly to the success of his fitness center over time. The remarkable physical transformations witnessed by clients, insists Schwab, are a testament to the efficacy of the X-Force equipment. This forward-thinking approach to fitness has not only garnered positive responses from patrons but has notably tripled business for Mainline Health and Fitness.

Wrapping up the episode, Cicale commends Schwab for his innovative and dedicated approach to fitness and strength training within the Mainline Health and Fitness Training Center. Tune in for an insightful look into one of the most incredible centers in the country and the inspiring story of its founder, Roger Schwab.

RIP Roger