Mingo also recalls watching, and learning from, the “godfather of fitness” Jack LaLanne, who hosted a television fitness program from 1953 to 1985, and lived to be 96 years old.  “I remember him always saying how fitness can enhance and extend your life,” Mingo says.  “He was the first to educate people on how important nutrition is, and how foods, natural versus processed, affect the body.”  That means, he adds, to know what to eat, when to eat, and how to exercise correctly.

When Tony was in junior high, he became a wrestler and soon got interested in weight lifting, power building and power lifting.  “And of course, with all that, comes the need to educate yourself on the importance of nutrition and losing body fat, not muscle.  Regular exercise also helps heal, and/or prevent injuries.”

Through the years, people began asking him for advice because he looks so fit and healthy.  “I would go into such great detail that they would tell me that I should be a trainer.”

He took those comments to heart and ultimately became general manager at FitWorks, where he remained for 12 years.  In 2015, he decided to open up his own studio so that he could provide more individualized, one-on-one, and couples training sessions.  He specializes in physical training, nutritional counseling, and offers massage and physical therapy at his studio.

It didn’t take long for him to acquire a loyal clientele—which includes people from all walks of life and age groups.  Sue Stanton, a “senior” over 65, says she has several reasons she began working with Tony.  “I do believe working out keeps you young and gives you energy.  I have back problems, so it’s important to me to prevent further issues.  Your muscles are attached to your bones and spinal column, so it’s imperative to develop strength, and strive to keep your frame straight.  So that’s my goal––to remain as young as possible, straight and energetic!”

Stanton visits twice a week, driving all the way from Shaker Heights. “There is a place I could go to that’s closer to my house, but I’m comfortable with Tony and I trust him to help me meet my goals.”

Zack Iafelice is only 14, but he already knows the importance of taking care of his body.  Keeping fit is a family affair in the Iafelice household, which includes his three older siblings and his mom and dad, who are all Tony Mingo’s clients. 

“I started working with Tony when I was 11 because my older brother and dad were doing it,” Zack says.  “I wanted help with my agility and to work different parts of my body.”

“Tony is a great teacher,” says dad, Loreto Iafelice.  “He has a great personality.  He’s fun, but he’s also tough when needed.”

Dan Miller, owner of Today’s Family, is also a client.  “I started training with Tony in 2016 after realizing that my home workout regimen was not addressing my entire body,”  says Miller.  “Working with Tony has had a huge effect on my overall health.  Tony's full nutrition training session has given me better eating habits and my acid reflux has all but disappeared.”   I lost fat, have more energy and have seen some toning in my body – all after turning 50!” 

While he obtains most of his clients through word of mouth, Mingo himself is his own best advertisement.  “Tony is 60 and looks fantastic for his age,” Miller says.  “And he is such a positive guy.  He can inspire anybody to be a better version of themself.”