Oro Avery ’26 greets the day and his clients with an electric smile and upbeat “Good morning!” Known for his can-do approach, he has worked as a personal trainer since his sophomore year at Berry. The exercise science major started his position at Rome Strength and Fitness (RSF) in May.
His talent for working with clients of all ages and fitness levels caught the attention of RSF owners Jeff Holloway and Glenn Getchell. Oro coaches a variety of classes:
- X4 combines strength training, cardio, flexibility and recovery without complexity
- CrossFit combines functional movements, strength training and cardio in high-intensity group workouts
- Next Gen helps kids 8–13 develop strength, agility and healthy habits
- Foundations eases beginners or those recovering from injury into quality movement, core stability and lifting techniques
“Oro has a great mix of knowledge, energy and genuine care for people,” Holloway notes. “Berry gave him a strong foundation, and he's already doing a great job using that to make an impact with our members.”
Oro’s courses in physiology, exercise assessment and prescription, biomechanics and sport nutrition laid a firm foundation. He racked up 3,600 hours of experience training students, staff and alumni in The Cage Athletic and Recreation Center. The result is a holistic fitness coach who considers each client’s movement, nutrition, rest, lifestyle, motivation and attitude.
As a scholar-athlete and recipient of the merit- and work-based Gate Scholarship, Oro mastered transferable skills early in his college career. He applies leadership, teamwork, communication and time management. Attention to detail is paramount. Oro partners with individual clients to set goals, and he tracks each session’s progress.
Buster Wright ’73, who serves on Berry’s board of trustees, is a longstanding client. He has observed Oro’s evolution from student to professional.
“Oro has been and still is a true blessing to me as my personal fitness trainer,” Wright says. “His expertise acquired through his Berry degree, his work ethic and accountability which were developed in the work program, and his positive spirit and people skills which come from his faith make him the epitome of Berry's head, heart and hands tradition.”
