ALPENA, Mich. — A decorated Paralympic powerlifter and U.S. Army veteran who lost his leg in Iraq has joined a Northeast Michigan gym as its new Bench Press Coach.
SkellaFit Personal Training announced Friday that Bobby Body has joined its staff, bringing with him an international competition résumé and a mission to make strength training accessible to athletes of all abilities.
Body enlisted in the U.S. Army after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. While deployed in Iraq, a roadside bomb struck his Humvee during a mission, resulting in the loss of his leg. He turned to fitness during his recovery, which sparked a career in Para powerlifting that has taken him to the sport’s highest levels.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Body represented Team USA and finished fourth in the men’s 107-kilogram division. He followed that with a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships and a gold medal at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
SkellaFit owner Cristi Johnson said Body’s arrival marks a significant moment for the gym and the broader Alpena community.
“Bobby is an absolute force. What he has been able to accomplish at an Olympic level is not just impressive but also a true testament to how capable we are when we believe in ourselves and are willing to put in the work,” Johnson said. “He has transformed his challenges into purpose. Having him coach at SkellaFit is an incredible opportunity for our athletes and our community to level up.”
In his new role, Body will work with athletes ranging from first-time lifters to competitive powerlifters, with a focus on technique, discipline, and mental toughness. He will begin this weekend with the “Level Up Your Bench” Seminar, open exclusively to SkellaFit members.
Body said the gym’s culture drew him to the opportunity.
“I am filled with enthusiasm and beyond excited to become part of the SkellaFit team,” Body said. “After watching how the team cheered each other, as well as their competitors at the APF/AAPF State competition, I knew it was the right atmosphere for fitness training for everyone. The smiles from everyone, the hard work that is put into becoming fit regardless of age, and the joy of success is what it is all about.”
Beyond the platform, Body is a certified peer support specialist who works with fellow veterans and amputees living with PTSD, helping them work through obstacles and rebuild their lives.
His addition comes as SkellaFit’s powerlifting team continues to build a national and international profile. The gym has produced world and national champions while maintaining a mission centered on accessible, empowering strength training for all.
Johnson said Body embodies that mission.
“At SkellaFit, we are committed to changing lives for the better,” Johnson said. “Bobby is living proof. He served our country, overcame unimaginable adversity, competed on the world’s biggest stage, and now he’s bringing that knowledge and inspiration to Northeast Michigan. We are honored to welcome him to the SkellaFit family.”
Team SkellaFit Powerlifting is scheduled to compete at the WPC World Championships in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in November 2026. Sponsorship information is available at skellafit.com.
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