Meet Coach Rocky

Aka Raquel Santos

Founder & Owner of Rocky Fitness Coaching

Hey there! I'm Raquel, but everyone calls me Rocky. Fitness and nutrition became my passion in high school, starting with running and blossoming into a career. After earning my B.S. in Nutrition/Dietetics from Rutgers, I became a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

For over 13 years, I've helped hundreds of amazing clients achieve their fitness goals and become healthier, stronger versions of themselves. But fitness is more than just reps and sets. It's about empowerment.

Right now, I'm pursuing a Master's in Integrative and Functional Nutrition (holistic nutrition) and plan to continue toward my PhD. This advanced training allows me to dig deep into the root causes of health issues, creating more personalized and effective plans that seamlessly integrate fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being.

Finding your groove with exercise and fueling your body with nourishing food unlocks unstoppable confidence. Building mental resilience goes hand in hand with physical strength. My approach is all about translating your fitness gains into real-world confidence while also helping you connect with your body on a deeper level.

I sometimes incorporate tools like astrology to better understand my clients—what truly motivates you, your communication and learning styles, and even areas of the body to focus on. This is entirely optional and only if you're interested. It's just one of the ways I tailor my coaching to fit your unique needs.

My Expertise

With years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry, I understand that each individual is a tapestry of unique layers, combining different life experiences, goals, and needs. My approach integrates a range of disciplines, ensuring that every plan I create is comprehensive, addressing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Weight Management

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is more than just a numbers game—it's about embracing a sustainable lifestyle that aligns with your personal journey. I design personalized weight management programs that combine effective exercise routines with nutrition plans attuned to your preferences and requirements. By focusing on long-term habits rather than quick fixes, I help you integrate changes that support lasting well-being. Alongside physical transformations, I support you in developing a positive self-image and a healthy mindset, ensuring that your journey is both fulfilling and empowering.

Glute Enhancement (or as I like to call it, Booty Building 🍑)

Whether you're aiming to refine your physique or enhance athletic performance, targeted glute training can be transformative. I specialize in exercises and programs that focus on glute development, helping you build strength, improve posture, and boost overall lower body power. My methods promote balanced muscle growth and functional benefits that extend into your everyday life, empowering you to feel confident and strong in your movements.

Functional Bodybuilding

Functional bodybuilding bridges the gap between aesthetic goals and practical strength, addressing multiple layers of fitness. I incorporate movements that not only build muscle but also enhance mobility, stability, and coordination. This comprehensive approach ensures that the strength you gain translates to better performance in sports and daily activities, reducing injury risk and improving overall quality of movement.

Innovative Workouts

Routine can stifle motivation. To keep your fitness journey invigorating and engaging, I offer innovative workouts that challenge both your body and mind. By integrating unconventional exercises, diverse equipment, and dynamic routines, I make every session a new adventure. This not only keeps you motivated but also helps you break through plateaus by consistently challenging your muscles in fresh ways.

Yoga and Mobility Training

Flexibility and mobility are essential threads in the fabric of a well-rounded fitness program. Through yoga and dedicated mobility training, I help you expand your range of motion, enhance balance, and cultivate mental clarity. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, my sessions are tailored to your skill level, ensuring you reap the physical and mental benefits of this timeless practice. This reinforces our holistic approach, promoting not just physical flexibility but also mental balance and clarity.

Customized Nutrition and Fitness Plans

Recognizing that every individual is a blend of unique dietary habits, lifestyles, and genetic factors, I place a strong emphasis on personalization. By delving into the distinct layers that compose your life, I craft nutrition and fitness plans that align with your specific goals and preferences. This individualized approach maximizes effectiveness, helping you achieve results more efficiently while ensuring the process is enjoyable and sustainable. My plans focus on cultivating a supportive mindset and positive self-image alongside physical progress.

Why I Do What I Do

(and LOVE IT!)

My journey into health and fitness has been a lifelong transformation, and it’s still evolving. I used to be an anxious, shy girl who desperately sought comfort. Anything that pushed me out of my comfort zone or tested my abilities terrified me—sometimes to the point of throwing up from nerves. Gym class was a nightmare, and all I wanted in school was to be left alone with my books and doodles in the back of the classroom.

I had zero confidence. I thought being different and wanting to be alone made me a weirdo. But once I started exercising and learning about nutrition and wellness, things changed. I began to accept myself and embrace my quirks. I realized everyone has their own “weirdness”—and that’s what makes us beautiful. Fitness didn’t just change my body; it made me feel empowered, strong, and capable. For the first time, I saw my worth.

There’s nothing quite like the moment when you realize your body can do something you thought it couldn’t—whether it’s nailing a yoga pose you never imagined yourself doing or running a full mile without stopping. It’s transformative. At the beginning of any fitness journey, these moments happen a lot, giving you little jolts of confidence that build and build. Over time, they empower you to own your strength and embrace the incredible, resilient person you are.

This is why I do what I do. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching my clients shock themselves with what they’re capable of. Seeing those moments of surprise, those jolts of confidence that grow into a deep sense of self-worth, is like watching someone discover their superpowers. It’s an incredible process, and I feel honored to be part of it.

The Rocky Method

I believe that true strength comes from feeling empowered in every area of your life, which is why I take a holistic approach to fitness. It’s not just about the physical; it’s about developing a plan that honors your full, multi-dimensional self. Working with me, you’ll have a coach who recognizes your individuality, understanding that each layer of your life—from diet to mindset to lifestyle choices—plays a role in your health.

Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that combines effective exercise routines with delicious, nourishing food to fuel your body and a balanced, healthy mindset to support your journey. We’ll work to deepen the connection between your lifestyle and overall health because I believe well-being should resonate through every facet of your life.

If you’re looking for a coach who’s going to yell at you to do 50 burpees or “motivate” you with tough love, I’m not your gal. My coaching style is rooted in gentle accountability—a compassionate, empowering approach that allows you to find your own answers and build confidence along the way. I’m here to create a safe, supportive space where you can grow, make progress, and succeed without unnecessary pressure.

Why Gentle Accountability?

For many, the journey to health and fitness can be overwhelming or even daunting. With gentle accountability, I’m here to help you discover what feels best for you, guiding you with compassion rather than rigid demands. This approach allows you to approach each session, meal, and lifestyle adjustment with a sense of empowerment and ownership. I’ve found that when clients feel supported rather than pressured, their journey becomes more sustainable, and they achieve results that truly last.

If you’re ready to step into a new chapter where your health and well-being are supported in every way—mind, body, and spirit—then I’m here to help you make it happen, one empowered choice at a time.

Ready to Transform From the Inside Out?

Your journey toward a healthier, stronger, and more empowered you begins now. With personalized coaching, compassionate support, and a holistic approach that honors every facet of your life, I'm here to help you unlock your full potential. If you're ready to embrace a new chapter of well-being—mind, body, and spirit—let's make it happen together.

Take the First Step Today

Don't wait to start living the vibrant, confident life you deserve. Click here to schedule your free discovery call, and let's embark on this transformative journey side by side. Your best self is waiting—let's unveil it, one empowered choice at a time.

If you'd like to learn more about the values that guide my coaching practice, you can find my Personal Code of Ethics just below.