My name is RoQue Harmon. It’s pronounced Rocky, I figured I’d save you the trouble! I am honored to join the LNPC team as the Fitness and Wellness Manager.
I’m originally from Orange County in southern California, not far from Disneyland. My wife Kylie and I met in college and moved to her hometown of Binghamton, upstate New York after we both finished grad school in California. After a life of seasons and snow in New York, we moved to Lake Nona.
We have two beautiful adopted pit bulls, Ivy and Elsa. We’ve had Ivy since she was a little puppy, and she’s still as cute and energetic as a puppy 3 years later. Elsa is a little older, about 6 years old, and not quite as interested in being as active as Ivy! We rescued Elsa from a neglectful situation, and we are so happy to give her a wonderful life.
Growing up playing the sports of basketball, baseball, and football, I’ve always enjoyed being active. However, having an ACL tear in my left knee at age 13 derailed enjoyment in playing sports. Through my teen years, I found confidence, enjoyment, and purpose in exercising and weight training. Working out made me feel great: improved my confidence, self-esteem, and feeling good looking in the mirror doesn’t hurt!
I worked out with a personal trainer in my late teens and early twenties, and it was monumentally beneficial for my understanding of lifting weights. However, looking back I can see the shortcomings in the service I received: a very old-school approach to weight training, focused solely on weight training, and emphasis on avoiding lower body exercises because of my past injury.
These experiences play a big role in my emphasis on proper movement technique, smart exercise prescription for performance, exercise for injury prevention, and the importance of understanding the science of exercise.
In figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, an education in exercise was the way to go. At California State University Fullerton, I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Kinesiology, focusing on health promotion and human performance. During my college career, I was able to learn and grow through many opportunities including interning with the UCLA football team, coaching and managing the CSUF Olympic weightlifting club for 3 years, and research in the many CSUF human performance labs.
I worked as a physical therapy aide for many years, helping people recover from injuries, surgeries, and chronic pain. I planned on becoming a physical therapist throughout college but realized I wanted to be more involved in the prevention of health issues, so moved on to become a personal trainer.
My training career began with the YMCA, where I trained people of all ages and skill levels, working with athletes, obstacle course racers, and designing a complete strength and conditioning program. In New York, I was the Wellness Director of the Broome County YMCA overseeing 2 family fitness facilities, and partnering with the local hospital system for medical integration.
Here in Orlando, I was the Wellness Director at the Dr. Phillips YMCA, and now currently teach Kinesiology courses at UCF including Introductory Health and Wellness, Assessment and Evaluation in Kinesiology, and Personal Fitness.
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges, grief, and change in all our lives. Overall health and performing activities of life at an optimal level have never been more important. I am thrilled to be part of the LNPC program and team as the Fitness and Wellness Manager, and excited for what we will accomplish as we focus on whole-person health.
As a personal trainer, team leader, and teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than the success a client, employee, or student sees from their hard work and efforts from providing them with the knowledge, guidance, and support to grow.
Exercising makes me feel good, and it is great to help and teach others how to feel similar positive feelings. As a fitness professional, I’m driven to make the world a better place through health, wellness, and fitness.
