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Guest Name
Melissa Orth Fray
Guest Occupation
Personal Trainer, Performance specialist
Guest Biography

For over 25 years Melissa, a well-respected, former world champion athlete, hall of fame inductee, exercise physiologist, and single digit handicap golfer has built her practice around helping athletes improve their game, health and sense of well being.  

In her private practice she coaches a select group of elite athletes (players from the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls and Cubs) and seven touring golf professionals.  Power Break Fitness Edge is a program that incorporates key elements of her training and brings it to facilities in the chicagoland area. 

Melissa holds the following certifications:

  • TPI Fitness Certified (levels 1,2 and 3)
  • TPI Junior Certified (levels 2 and 3)
  • TPI certified golf coach (level 2)
  • TPI Speaker (level 2)
  • TRX Certified
  • Power Plate Certified ( Levels 1 and 2)
  • Spin Certified
  • K-Vest Certified
  • Russian Kettle Certified (RKC)
  • Has held certifications in (Zumba,  and Wellness Coaching)

In 1978, Melissa Orth was in the process of training to make the Olympic gymnastics team when a knee injury side-lined her. To strengthen that knee she began weight training with the former Mr. Universe (Mr. Olympia and Mr. America!), Bob Gadja. Under his guidance, Melissa discovered she had talent and in 1980, at the age of 17, Melissa became the World Champion Power Lifter in her division!

In 1982, she earned the body building title "Miss Collegiate America."Along with her athletic accomplishments, Melissa graduated from George Williams college in 1985 with her Bachelor in Science. She went on to achieve her MBA in 1987 from Aurora University proving that not all MBAs wear a 3 piece suit! After graduation, Melissa decided to try something new and different and for two years worked in sales for a large software company becoming their #1 sales person in her division.