About Rock

Solid fitness

Our certified trainers specialize in High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™—helping you build strength, prevent injuries, and achieve lasting results with expert-guided, science-backed workouts.

MEET YOUR DUNEDIN PERSONAL TRAINERS

Working out is hard, especially when you have to juggle work, studies, family, and body pain—not to mention the unexpected challenges life throws at you. Our CEO Patty Durell began her career in Physical Therapy and came to understand firsthand how significantly people can improve the quality of their lives through safe, individualized High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™ programs.

Our Dunedin personal trainers are committed to providing this level of care and expertise to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Proven Results with Dunedin Personal Trainers

Since its inception in 2012, Rock Solid Fitness has helped thousands of individuals feel great, reclaim their health, and finally do what they love most with the extra time and strength they’ve gained. Our Dunedin personal trainers know how much that is worth.

Motivation & Support for Your Fitness Journey

All that really matters to us is that we guide you out of being stuck in a life lacking energy and motivation, feeling your body is not ready for the adventures you want to take; and help you achieve your best life by becoming your best self, full of vitality and ready to tackle anything.

Safe and Individualized Strength Training Programs

At Rock Solid Fitness our personal trainers specialize in creating safe and individualized strength training programs tailored to your unique needs. By focusing on proper form and personalized exercise routines, we help you achieve your fitness goals while minimizing the risk of injury through High Intensity SAFE Strength Training. Discover how our customized strength training programs can transform your health and wellness journey in Dunedin.

Dunedin Fitness Coaches

You Deserve A Team Of Coaches That Truly Understand YOU

Our personal trainers are all experts in the exercise field. They fully understand all parts of the workout: the exercises you need to perform to reach your goal, how to maintain proper form to prevent injury. Our InBody 570 analysis provides precise body composition tracking, allowing you to see real progress in muscle gain, fat loss, and overall fitness. 

And the nutritional aspect that makes results possible. This depth is rare within the personal training gyms in the Dunedin & Palm Harbor area. Our unique scheduling model allows you to come in and train when it’s convenient for you, not us. You have our entire team at your disposal, not just one trainer.

Our expert Dunedin personal trainers at Rock Solid Fitness are dedicated to helping you achieve your best self through customized High Intensity SAFE Strength Training fitness plans. With our guidance, you’ll experience improved strength, enhanced mobility, and increased overall well-being. Join us and see how personalized training can transform your life, giving you the energy and confidence to tackle any challenge.

“Rock Solid Fitness Was Built on the idea that we could improve the quality of people’s lives in our community through strength training, nutritional guidance, education & compassion, one person at a time.”

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Meet Your Rock Solid Fitness Team

patty-durell-personal-trainer

Patty Durell

CEO and Educator

matt-filomarino-personal-trainer

Matt Filomarino

Fitness Coach Manager

nino-padillo-personal-trainer

Nino Padilla

Fitness Coach

stephen-jones-personal-trainer

Stephen Jones

Fitness Coach

drew-carpenter-rock-solid-fitness

Drew Carpenter

Member Services

The Science of High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™ (HIST™)

At Rock Solid Fitness, our certified personal trainers are experts in High Intensity SAFE Strength Training and are dedicated to helping you achieve your fitness goals. Research from the Journal of Sports Medicine shows that professional guidance can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your workouts. Our trainers customize each session to maximize muscle engagement and ensure you get the most out of your 25-minute workouts. Experience the difference with a personalized training session today.

High Intensity SAFE Strength Training Explained

Explore our Rock Solid Fitness Comprehensive Guide to Strength Training!

Loaded with valuable content, this guide serves as an ultimate manual for mastering strength training, including beginner tips and expert techniques, ideal for residents in Clearwater and Dunedin looking to enhance their fitness journey.

See What Our Personal Training Members Say

Our awesome High Intensity SAFE Strength Training clients share a few words about their experience working with us. We are grateful for their trust and commitment. See what’s possible for YOU!

Free Report + Instructional Video

How to Feel Strong, Youthful, and Fully Alive in Only 50 Minutes a Week.

This Free PDF guide and instructional video will show you how feel great, stay healthy and live life to the fullest.

How to feel strong, youthful and fully alive

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Do Something Today Your Future Self Will Thank You For - High Intensity SAFE Strength Training

Personal Training in Dunedin and Clearwater
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We Will Contact You Within 1 Business Day

Open Hours

Mon: 6:00am-8:00pm
Tue: 6:00am-8:00pm
Wed: 7:00am-1:00pm & 4:00pm-8:00pm
Thu: 6:00am-8:00pm
Fri: 6:00am-7:00pm
Sat: 7:00am-2:00pm
Sun: CLOSED

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Patty Durell

CEO & Educator

Strength Training & Rehabilitation Expertise

  • Certified Medical Exercise Specialist – American Academy of Health, Fitness, and Rehabilitation Professionals
  • Certified Strength Coach & Fitness Educator – Specializing in High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™ (HIST™)
  • Developer of the HIST™ Certification Program – Training fitness professionals in safe, effective strength training principles
  • Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant – Extensive knowledge in movement mechanics and injury recovery
  • Certified Functional Aging Specialist – Helping clients maintain strength, mobility, and independence as they age
  • Certified in Post-Orthopedic Rehabilitation Exercise – Working with individuals recovering from joint replacements, injuries, and chronic pain conditions
  • Expert in Injury Prevention & Post-Rehab Training – Collaborating with healthcare professionals to create fitness solutions for orthopedic conditions


Leadership & Industry Impact

  • Founder & CEO of Rock Solid Fitness – Leading one of the nation’s premier High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™ facilities
  • Over 30 years of experience – Specializing in strength training, injury prevention, and post-rehab conditioning
  • Consultant & Trainer for Medical Professionals – Educating physical therapists, chiropractors, and healthcare providers on integrating strength training into patient care


Education & Advocacy in Fitness

  • National Speaker & Educator – Presenting at fitness and medical conferences across the country
  • Featured Speaker at Business & Fitness Conferences – Teaching industry professionals about effective strength training and business leadership
  • Frequent Guest on Podcasts, Local TV, and News Magazines – Spreading awareness of the benefits of safe, science-backed strength training
  • Published Fitness & Wellness Expert – Contributor to industry publications on strength training and overall health
  • Leader in Women’s Strength Training Advocacy – Empowering women to build confidence and longevity through strength training


Commitment to the Future of Fitness

  • Self-Health Educator & Speaker – Dedicated to helping individuals take control of their health through strength training
  • Certified Conditioning Specialist – Enhancing expertise in athletic performance and functional training
  • Member of Advisory Boards, shaping the future of health and fitness education:
    • Saint Petersburg College Health Sciences Program
    • Keiser University Exercise Science Program
    • Palm Harbor University High School Medical Magnet Program


A Passion for Helping Others

For Patty, strength training isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about changing lives. She has dedicated her career to helping people move without pain, gain confidence, and take control of their health, no matter their age or experience. She knows firsthand that the right kind of training can restore strength, freedom, and independence, and she has made it her mission to share that with as many people as possible.

At Rock Solid Fitness, every workout is designed with purpose and care—because true strength isn’t just what you lift, it’s how you live. Seeing clients move better, feel better, and live with confidence isn’t just her job—it’s what drives her every single day.

Matt Filomarino

Expert HIST™ Certified Trainer & NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Credentials & Experience

  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology
  • FSU Honors Program Graduate
  • Experienced in designing science-based strength training programs for all ages and abilities
  • As an undergraduate, volunteered as a Group Exercise Instructor for Alzheimer’s Care Programs and Elder Care Facilities
  • Served as an Emergency Medical Responder at Florida State University
  • Successfully rehabilitated his chronic shoulder tendinopathy using HIST methodology


Why Work With Me?

I believe everyone deserves to feel strong, capable, and confident in their body, no matter where they’re starting from. Strength training changed my life—it helped me overcome my own injuries—and now I’m dedicated to helping others do the same. Whether you’re looking to move without pain, build lasting strength, or simply feel better every day, I’m here to support you with expert coaching, encouragement, and a training approach designed just for you.

Nino Padilla

HIST™ Certified Trainer & Youth Strength Training Specialist

Credentials & Experience

  • B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida
  • Currently furthering his education with:
    • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Certification
    • ACSM Certification for Osteoarthritis & Low Back Pain
    • ACSM Youth Fitness Specialist Certification
  • Creator of the Rock Solid Fitness Youth Strength Training Program, designed to help young athletes build strength, improve performance, and prevent injuries
  • Passionate supporter of youth sports, including the Tampa Bay Rowdies & Orlando City Soccer Club, reinforcing his commitment to athletic development in young athletes


Why Work With Me?

Once I discovered High Intensity SAFE Strength Training™ (HIST™), I knew I wanted to help as many people as possible experience its life-changing benefits. This method helped me recover from low back pain and ACL reconstruction, and I’ve seen it do the same for so many others.

My passion for strength training goes beyond just the gym—I created our Youth Fitness Program to teach the next generation how to train safely, perform better, and develop strength that lasts a lifetime. Nothing motivates me more than helping people of all ages get stronger, move pain-free, and feel their absolute bes

Stephen Jones

HIST™ Certified Trainer

Credentials & Experience

  • Over 10 years of experience in resistance training and applied exercise science
  • Deep knowledge of strength training and muscle anatomy through dedicated research
  • Attended the Orlando Strength Forum, learning from world-renowned High Intensity Training practitioners
  • Passionate about helping others overcome weight struggles through strength training


Why Work With Me?

I know what it’s like to feel stuck in your own body—I grew up overweight, and strength training changed my life. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others take control of their health, gain strength, and build confidence in themselves. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your training to the next level, I’m here to guide you with knowledge, encouragement, and a proven system that delivers real results.

Drew Carpenter

Member Services

Credentials & Experience

  • B.S. in Exercise Science with a concentration in Adult Fitness – University of Tampa, 2013
  • An expert in CRM management having worked with the MindBody software since 2013
  • Dedicated team member at Rock Solid Fitness since 2013, serving in multiple roles including Fitness Coach and Fitness Coach Manager
  • Gained expertise from leading industry conferences, including:
    • Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA)
    • Resistance Exercise Conference


My Rock Solid Fitness Role:

As the Member Services Team Member with Rock Solid Fitness, I help manage member account payments, travel, forms, scheduling, app usage, and anything else that you may need outside of your workout routine.  Having previously worked as a Fitness Coach at Rock Solid Fitness, it is a bonus that I have institutional knowledge and experience in exercise science to help answer any health and fitness questions that you may have.  Before starting with RSF in 2013, I had debilitating lower back pain that limited me from doing anything besides walking.  After about a month of training HIST with RSF, I have completely rehabbed my back, gotten back to playing sports and hiking, and have been free of back pain with no setbacks.