We recently connected with Todd Ristorcelli and have shared our conversation below.
Todd, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1996 and was skiing on the U.S. Pro Water Ski Tour. Soon after, I was fortunate to find my dream job at WATERSKI magazine, where I eventually became editor and chief and traveled the world competing in events and reporting on the sport I loved dearly. During my tenure at the magazine, I learned many skill sets that are still valuable to me now as a virtual fitness and mindset coach. I trained and learned from some excellent coaches and wellness experts, and I was always intrigued by new ways to reach peak performance.
During that time, I also became interested in photography and videography. I love the art of storytelling through all media forms, and my friend Dasher and I created two top-selling water-ski documentaries (2006, 2009) that showcased the superstars of the sport in exotic locations. We shot in Italy, France, St. Martin, Mexico, and several states within the U.S. The skills I learned as a journalist have really helped me market my fitness business. Creating engaging content with good visuals and a strong narrative allows me to reach and help new people from all over the world. In addition to fitness coaching, I also spend quite a bit of time in the boat coaching skiers who come to train in Orlando. Orlando is known as the water-ski mecca of the world because of its many lakes and year-round warmth. It’s also where the majority of pros live and train.
During my time as a professional water skier, I also learned quite a bit about having the right mindset to perform up to my ability. I definitely struggled at times with performance anxiety. There were many events where I finished at the bottom of the pack. But giving up was never an option for me. I knew that if I put in the work, it would pay off. Eventually, it did. My best pro slalom finish didn’t happen until I was 35 years old. I placed second at the 2008 MasterCraft Pro Water Ski Championships in Talking Rock, GA, defeating several world and masters champion skiers. A few years after that, another highlight of my career included setting a national tournament record that I still hold to this day.
There have been other ups and downs along the way that have led me to where I’m at now. As a longtime athlete, I’ve had my share of injuries along the way. Multiple knee surgeries, lower lumbar back surgery, bone fractures, severe ankle sprains — you name it — I’ve been through it and used the power of a positive mindset combined with the right type of therapy to get through it and come back stronger. I now use that experience to safely guide my clients through a virtual full-body workout that addresses their weaknesses and conditions the body to perform at its highest level. My fitness programs offer a combination of strength training with body weight, fitness bands, and free weights. Yoga and deep breathing training are also part of my training protocols, and I enjoy getting people out of their comfort zone and showing them a path to wellness that they never imagined. For example, I’m currently working with a couple of clients who are in their late 50s and early 60s that are doing headstands and developing greater core strength, and they’re on the path to soon doing handstands. The human body is capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for, but it’s the mind and consistency of taking action that will allow us to grow and achieve new levels of performance.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
It’s all about relationships. If you genuinely care about your clients’ well-being and go above and beyond their expectations, you’ll get referrals and your business will grow. I love helping people, and I really like this Zig Ziglar quote: You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough people get what they want. Nothing makes me feel more alive than seeing someone transform their health and wellness with my guidance.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I have to admit that I wasn’t much of a reader after college until my early 40s. Now I really enjoy learning new things and it’s good to keep my brain engaged. Here are a few books that I’ve enjoyed.
Atomic Habits: A great read for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the micro behaviors that lead to incredible results.
The 10X Rule: This book lit a fire in my belly. It helped me stop thinking in terms of basic needs, and started aiming for abundance in all areas of my life. As Grant Cardone says, “Success is your duty, obligation, and responsibility.”
Can’t Hurt Me: Author David Goggins reveals that most of us tap into only 40 percent of our capabilities. His story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, conquer fear, and reach their full potential.
Winning: Mindset expert Tim Grover reveals the truth about obstacles and challenges that could be standing between you and your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swervemastertfitness.com
- Instagram: Swervemastertfitness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-ristorcelli/
- Youtube: Swerve Master-T Ristorcelli