The Elite Personal Training Story

Elite Personal Training Studio was founded by Tina Wilkerson over 16 years ago after years of working in big-box gyms that prioritized numbers over real, lasting results. Driven by a personal journey of health transformation and a passion for helping others, Tina created Elite Personal Training to focus on quality, life-changing fitness. The studio is built on a mission to empower individuals, particularly women, to overcome gym intimidation, manage pain, and achieve sustainable health goals through personalized coaching, high accountability, and a supportive environment. Tina and her highly skilled team are dedicated to helping clients get stronger, move better, and fall in love with fitness.

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About
our Personal Training Studio

Our boutique-style studio offers a curated and comfortable environment designed to eliminate the intimidation often found in larger gyms. We provide private amenities including a cardio room, a shower facility for post-workout freshening up, and personalized extras like workout towels and water bottles. The studio’s parking is conveniently located right by the entrance, making it easily accessible for our clients. Additionally, our soft, non-intimidating environment ensures a clean, professional atmosphere that is conducive to both private and small group training.

Meet the Expert Personal Trainers in Irmo

Tina Wilkerson-Selix coach at Elite Personal Training
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Tina Wilkerson-Selix

Owner

Tina began her health and wellness journey in 2001, six months after her daughter was born. She suffered from low energy levels, headaches, and back pain and weight issues. After visiting her doctor for a physical and receiving no medical explanation for her ailments, she was determined to make changes that would guarantee her the opportunity to enjoy life with her daughter. She then began learning about weight management, fitness, and women’s health and wellness. Through changes in her diet, exercise, and lifestyle she went from a size 14 to a size 2. She decreased her joint pain and increased her stamina. She greatly decreased her headaches and improved her sleep. She’s a true testament to the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Now, she devotes her life to helping others look better, move better, feel better and be their best.

Tina is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer (CPT) and corrective exercise specialist (CES). Clinical Massage Therapist; SC #12067 (2019) Myofascial One; John Barnes Institute (2019) Small-Group Program Specialist; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2018) Level One Trainer; Functional Movement Systems (2016) Behavior Change Specialist; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2016) Senior Client Specialist; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2014) Weight Loss Specialist; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2012) Corrective Exercise Specialist; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2010) Certified Personal Trainer; National Academy of Sports Medicine (2008).

Deborah Fortner coach at Elite Personal Training
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Deborah Fortner

Coach

Deborah is a native of Columbia, SC and a University of South Carolina graduate. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, 10 year Breast cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two adult children and two German Shepherds. Throughout her life, Deborah has lived in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, and Bulgaria. As of September of 2011, she has been passionate about health and fitness, always striving to learn about health, wellness and the mind-body connection that leads to a healthy life. Deborah is certified by the American Council on Exercise and is currently pursuing her level 1 certification through FMS™. In her free time, Deborah enjoys creating and cooking healthy meals for family, trying new and different foods, going on nature walks, hiking, biking, traveling and spending time with her family.

Jenna Dent coach at Elite Personal Training
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Jenna Dent

Coach

Jenna graduated from the University of South Carolina and majored in elementary education. After 5 years of teaching, she decided to turn her passion for health and wellness into a new career. Her fitness journey began in her teens when she struggled to lose weight in a healthy way. After years of self-educating and evaluation, she emerged with a sustainable and balanced lifestyle. She now believes that transformative change must begin with the right mindset. Jenna is certified as a personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She will soon complete Level 1 Nutrition Certification through Precision Nutrition, the industry-leader in nutrition coaching. Jenna’s personal fitness journey uniquely enables her to help others find a well-balanced approach to movement and nutrition.

Sharon coach at Elite Personal Training
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Sharon

Coach

Sharon brings a wealth of expertise and experience as a personal trainer and exercise physiologist. With several highly-regarded degrees and 15 years in the fitness industry, she is well-equipped to provide our clients with top-notch experiences and exceptional results.

Sharon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fitness and Wellness Management. She spent eight years working as an Exercise Physiologist in a clinical setting before opening her own gym and bootcamp in 2008. There, she developed and managed customized personal training services, helping countless clients achieve their fitness goals. Recently, she earned certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist from the prestigious Medical Exercise Training Institute, further enhancing her ability to deliver the best personal training services.

Sharon and her husband recently relocated to South Carolina, where he is a coach for the Track and Field team at USC. Together, they have raised three sons and now also enjoy their five grandchildren.

Passionate about fitness and dedicated to empowering clients to achieve their best results, Sharon also stays active in her free time and is an enthusiastic participant in local pickleball tournaments.

Jeromy coach at Elite Personal Training
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Jeromy

Coach

Jeromy brings a wealth of expertise as a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, and athletic coach. His dedication to leveraging movement as a powerful tool for enhancing quality of life spans across diverse populations, from athletes to older adults. With extensive formal education and hands-on experience in orthopedic rehabilitation, Jeromy is exceptionally equipped to offer our clients top-tier training, movement coaching, and substantial improvements in all areas of fitness.

Jeromy earned his degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina and further honed his skills with a Master’s Degree in Biomechanics from Marshall University. During his studies, he gained valuable clinical experience working as an exercise physiologist at Palmetto Health Orthopedic and Prisma Health. Jeromy’s life has been deeply intertwined with the health and fitness industry, whether as a student, athlete, coach, personal trainer, or researcher.

Originally from Irmo, South Carolina, Jeromy spent years as a competitive athlete. In addition to his new role with us, he also serves as the Lead Sport Scientist and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the South Carolina United Heat soccer team.

Jeromy is a firm believer in the power of science-based movement to extend both lifespan and quality of life. As he puts it, “My passion is to help others find joy in movement and overcome the challenges of injuries and inactivity.”

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We can’t wait to chat.

Chat with us, on the phone or at our gym. Tell us about your goals and needs. Find out which of our programs will get you where you want to be.

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