Warren County YMCA

Meet the Personal Trainers

 

Meet Dr Lisa Roberts: A Lifelong Passion for Fitness and Helping Others

At the Warren County YMCA, you'll find more than just a personal trainer in Lisa Roberts—you’ll find a passionate, experienced educator and motivator who’s made a career out of helping others live healthier lives.

Lisa's journey into the world of fitness began in childhood. Growing up in the country with a pool in the backyard, she was constantly on the move—swimming, biking, skating, and exploring outdoors. Her early love of activity only grew stronger over time. She remained active through school and college, and after having children, joined the Glenwood YMCA in Erie, Pennsylvania. That’s where her professional fitness career began—first as a class participant, then an instructor, and eventually a personal trainer.

Over the years, Lisa deepened her expertise with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Doctorate of Education focusing on Health and Physical Activity. She has also taught in various fitness centers across Erie and at LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center. 

As a breast cancer survivor and someone who has overcome a serious back injury, Lisa understands the challenges many of her clients face and brings empathy and encouragement to every session.

Lisa has 27 years of teaching experience in health and fitness and has worked with infants, youth, and adults, including individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities and new immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S. While she previously held numerous certifications through the YMCA and LECOM, she is now pursuing certifications through the American College of Sports Medicine and will be attending their upcoming conference in Atlanta.

 

“Do not be nervous and just do something you enjoy—maybe it’s a walk or lifting light weights. Be consistent and make it fun. Exercise doesn’t have to be horrible—it can help alleviate medical issues, anxiety, depression, and improve sleep and mood. Just showing up is the hardest part.”

 

Her proudest moments as a trainer come from helping people become more confident and comfortable with exercise, especially those who are new to it or face unique challenges. She's particularly proud of helping adults who’ve never biked or swam before; adapt to a more active lifestyle in the U.S. 

Lisa’s personal motivation comes from how great she feels, mentally and physically, after a good workout. "On days I exercise, my mood and disposition are always better," she says. "I want to feel good, keep up with my family, and enjoy our travels and daily activities without fatigue."

 

Connection to the YMCA

The YMCA holds a special place in Lisa's heart. She learned to swim at a Y in Rhode Island and raised her children in the YMCA environment in Erie. “The Y has always been good to me and my family,” she says. After becoming a member of the Warren County YMCA with her husband, she realized she missed being around people and teaching—so she returned to her roots in fitness instruction.

She especially enjoys Jill’s raft class at the YMCA, praising it for its benefits in balance, core strength, and overall fitness. “I need to take it more often!” she says.

 

Personal Insights and Fun Facts:

Lisa’s favorite workouts are tough to narrow down—she enjoys a wide variety including MMA, running, biking, strength training, and more. Her current top three are MMA, running, and biking. She's a big fan of active recovery workouts, where she integrates core exercises between strength training sets to keep moving and maximize time.

A fun fact about Lisa? She’s adopted, grew up in a lively Italian family, completed an Ironman in Lake Placid in 2010, and dreams of writing a children's book about nature—with her son as the illustrator.

 

With her wealth of experience, infectious energy, and genuine care for others, Lisa Roberts is a valuable part of the Warren County YMCA community. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your fitness journey to the next level, Lisa is here to help you every step of the way.

 

 

More about our other personal trainers coming soon!

 

 

Personal Training

If you are not getting the results you are looking for by yourself, consider hiring a personal trainer. For more information about our personal training services, contact Chris Dolan, Wellness Director at 726-0110, ext. 121 or email Chris at chris@warrenymca.org to discuss your goals and options. She will be able to match your needs with the trainer that will suit you best.

Personal training services offered:

  • Weight-loss Training Programs: Lose fat, tone-up muscles and improve aerobic/cardio fitness.
  • Weight-maintenance Training Programs: Tone-up muscles, moderately increase strength and improve aerobic/cardio fitness.
  • Weight-gain Training Programs: Gain muscle, increase strength and power.
  • Athletic (sports) Training Programs: Increase speed, quickness, jumping and endurance.

What you can expect during your personal training experience:

  • An initial consultation to find out essential information about you. (Health issues, level of fitness, goals, etc.)
  • A challenging workout routine based on your specific level of physical fitness and goals.
  • An educational, encouraging and respectful workout environment.
  • An enthusiastic and committed partnership in the pursuit of achieving your physical fitness goals.

 

Individual Solo Sessions

  • 30 minutes $15 member / $22.50 non-member
  • 1 hour $25 member / $37.50 non-member
  • 1 hour (3 sessions) $60 member / $90 non-member
  • 1 hour (5 sessions) $100 member / $150 non-member
  • 1 hour (10 sessions) $200 member / $300 non-member

2 Individuals Sharing Sessions/Cost

  • 30 minutes $25 members / $37.50 non-members
  • 1 hour $45 members / $67.50 non-members
  • 1 hour (3 sessions) $105 members / $157.50 non-members
  • 1 hour (5 sessions) $175 members / $262.50 non-members
  • 1 hour (10 sessions) $350 members / $525 non-members