Meet the SWIF family of personal trainers/performance coaches and staff:
Albert Eiler, CSCS, NSCA-PT
SWIF Founder and President
Al established Stick With It Fitness in 1997 as a state-of-the-art facility with only the necessary top-of-the-line equipment. But more importantly, SWIF was founded on Al’s back-to-basics philosophy of performance and wellness through: nutrition, conditioning, restoration and accountability. Al has clients who have, for years, traveled from all over Western PA and beyond, specifically to train with him.
His weight loss methodology has helped thousands of clients achieve their objectives. His book, A Mouthful of Truth, provides a hard-core look at why so many Americans are overweight.
According to Al, his intensity is often mistaken for grumpiness, but his clients know he mellows out when it’s his turn to pick what music is playing on the gym floor, especially if it’s Patsy Cline time. Al holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from La Roche College.
Matt Bargerstock. Matt, who joined the SWIF team in 2011, has been involved in strength and conditioning over the past 10 years with much of that time dedicated to helping others improve their health and performance. Matt is also an instructor and competitor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he has won several regional competitions. Matt graduated from Robert Morris University in 2011 with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and is currently preparing for his Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist certification through the N.S.C.A. It has often been said that Matt uses his wit and highly energetic personality along with a take care of business approach when coaching his clients to help maximize their “health & performance portfolio.”
In his free time, Matt can be found hiking with his wonderful dog Nala, or searching and sampling some delicious local culinary masterpieces.
Dianne “Bells” Bellisario. Bells has been part of the SWIF family from the beginning and in addition to greeting our members and grabbing the phones, she runs a bunch of the behind the scenes operations needed to keep us afloat. Also, our members can thank Bells and for tending to the greenery growing throughout the gym and for the flowers that bloom regularly at the front desk.
Wes Garstecki, CSCS
Wes, who joined the SWIF team in 2006, works with clients at all fitness levels and also works extensively with sports performance. Referred to by some of his clients as the ultimate “Enter-trainer,” he will keep your workout interesting not only with his knowledge of training principles, but with his often animated instructional style. (In other words, he keeps it real and fun.) Best time to train with Wes: Pre-Happy Hour Friday afternoons; worst time to train with Wes: Monday mornings after a Steelers’ loss.
When he’s not coaching SWIF clients or working out himself, you may see Wes out running the lake at North Park, getting in nine holes before dark, or playing left field on his hometown softball team. Wes holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dan “Old Timer” Himes. Old Timer is our Mr. Jack-of-All-Trades-Fix-It. He keeps much of what you see in the gym, up and running. He is not a big fan of mud — track it into SWIF and he’ll track you down. But most importantly, members can count on Mr. Himes’ friendly “Hey There!” when they see him in the gym.
Shelley Lucas is SWIF’s office manager. She is responsible for the all-important SWIF financial operations that keep us in business. Her sweet face turns sour when our bills are not paid. She’s even been seen knocking on doors in search of overdue membership payments. 
Patrick McNamara, MS, CSCS
Patrick, who has worked for over 15 years as a specialist in human performance and conditioning, joined SWIF in 2003 and has many long-term and loyal clients. His patient and deliberate style of instruction enables him to work well with members of all ages. As your trainer, Patrick will not only work with you to develop a structured conditioning plan, he will share his nutritional philosophy emphasizing natural, organic and minimally-processed foods. He supports and practices strong dietary principles to ensure optimal performance.
Members will tell you that seeing Patrick’s amazing mastery of SWIF’s gymnastics rings is a must (and catch him outside the gym sipping on a cold malt beverage and you may witness one of his hilarious impersonations of members and staff). Patrick holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from University of Pittsburgh.
William Vlakancic “JR”, MS, CSCS
JR became part of the SWIF Personal Training and Performance team in 2004 and brought with him his technical knowledge of health and fitness. JR has been described by both his fellow trainers as well as his clients as friendly, motivating and patient. As he coaches, he thoroughly explains the methods and purpose behind each strength and training movement.
When he’s not at SWIF, JR is in search of the nearest pick-up soccer or basketball game. And, be sure to check with JR if you’re looking for the coolest new restaurant in Pittsburgh. JR holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mary Werley, ACE
Mary gets the award for having the most endurance on our SWIF training team: she has endured the challenge being the only female in a cast of male characters. Mary has been part of the SWIF family since its founding days in 1997 and is the self-proclaimed “CEO of SWIF.”
Mary’s fun and friendly style makes her a favorite trainer for so many members. When Mary is your trainer, you will find the workout she builds for you to be well-planned, focusing on your short-term and long-term fitness goals. Outside of SWIF, Mary’s family and her pups are the most important part of her life (while, along with Wes, Friday Happy Hour is a close second).
The SWIF Gnome. Sporting the SWIF colors of Orange and Blue, the Gnome guards over our front entrance, greeting members as they arrive. However, he is truly a traveling Gnome. Without warning or explanation, the Gnome will appear performing amazing feats around the gym floor, at SWIF parties and other functions, and has even been photographed in other cities and states!