Since she was a teen, health and wellness were priorities for Trisha Vezirian.
For her high school senior year internship, Vezirian worked at a fitness center, teaching aerobics and instructing members on proper use of exercise machines. Little did she know that an interest that started at age 14 would turn into a passion in her 20s in the form of bodybuilding.
“I became serious about health and fitness as a career path at the age of 20. It was at this time that I decided to pursue a bachelor of science degree from Penn State University in exercise & sport science. Upon graduating, I became a personal trainer and later attended The National Personal Training Institute of Philadelphia, earning a certificate of achievement in both personal training and nutrition,” she said.
Vezirian earned her professional status through the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) and participated in their prestigious 1994 Ms. Universe competition in New York City, where she placed sixth in women’s bodybuilding.
She then took off several years to have a family. Currently divorced but raising three “amazing” children — ages 24, 19 and 16 — she started training again in 2014, and within two years restarted her competitive career.
This time, as a member of the National Physique Committee, she competed in several shows — eventually earning her IFBB Pro Card at the 2018 NPC Team Universe competition.
Most people underestimate how important a factor mental wellness is in achieving weight loss and healthy-living goals, says Trisha Vezirian, a Medford-based personal trainer and owner of BodyEPIK by Trish. Her business model is based on a 360-degree approach to health and fitness and she emphasizes that training, nutrition, mindset, and support must all be in play to maximize one’s wellness potential.
As a pro, she competed in several competitions, with the most prestigious being The 2020 Arnold Classic Invitational, where only 12 women including Vezirian were invited nationally to compete.
She later received certification in personal training and nutrition from The National Personal Training Institute of Philadelphia.
Her achievements led her to create BodyEPIK by Trish in 2016, her Medford-based home fitness studio where she trains clients. She will also travel to a client’s home or gym, if outside trainers are allowed.
Her business model is based on a 360-degree approach to health and fitness.
“My wellness philosophy addresses all the cogs on the fitness wheel: namely training, nutrition, mindset and support. These pillars must be at play 100 percent of the time to truly maximize one’s wellness potential. Most clients do fairly well with the training and nutrition structure I provide. My approach eliminates guesswork and instills client confidence. Support is very individualistic and unfortunately lack thereof has the potential to derail one’s ability to remain laser-focused on their fitness goal. Mindset is a critical component and I provide tools to help clients navigate the hills and valleys of motivation,” she said.
Bodybuilding and nutrition are “extremely interconnected,” she said: “You cannot have one without the other. Although personal training is not directly related, it definitely plays a role in keeping my bodybuilding and nutrition skills sharp and vice versa.”
To track weekly progress — whether for herself or for her clients — Vezirian assesses progress pictures; body measurements; scale metrics including weight, lean body mass, and percentage of body fat; as well as how one’s clothing fits.
“It is from this information that weekly adjustments are made to either the meal plan, cardio protocol or both. Although the scale typically changes weekly, it takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to observe noticeable and meaningful physique improvements,” she said.
And … most people underestimate how important a factor mental wellness is in achieving weight loss and healthy-living goals.
“The mental game is a huge factor in one’s ability to navigate the inherent highs and lows of their fitness journey!” she said. “One must practice positive self-talk by calling upon a Rolodex of positive affirmations to keep themselves motivated and on point. Additionally, setting and managing proper expectations helps keep one consistent, motivated and operating within the guardrails of their program. I work closely with clients to empower them with the tools necessary to achieve mental toughness.”
One of Vezirian’s most memorable moments was when she helped a 48-year-old mother of two fulfill her dream to compete in a bikini competition for the very first time.
“There was a lot of work preparing her for the stage but within approximately 3 months she did it. She followed my guidance, was patient and trusted the process. Her husband and daughters were so proud watching her grace the stage,” she said.
That’s why one of Vezirian’s biggest suggestions is to make time daily for yourself, no matter your responsibilities or time commitments.
“Many clients, especially those with young families, struggle with prioritizing their own health and fitness goals. I stress the importance of carving out daily time dedicated just to them and their fitness. This, in turn, empowers them to be a more present and engaged parent.
“Additionally, I share with my clients the importance of patience and trusting the process. As long as the right plan is in place, results will follow,” she said.
For Vezirian, her own personal results this year are based on being the best mother and person she can be, she says — as well as continuing to grow BodyEPIK “by helping people transform their bodies and becoming the best possible version of themselves,” she said.
And don’t think a personal trainer doesn’t get a cheat meal: one of her favorite places in Medford is Femmina Italian Grill, where she’ll indulge in their famous beef braciola and homemade blueberry cheesecake.
