X-Force Philadelphia

Roger Schwab (1942–2024)

Roger was a pioneer in strength training whose career spanned more than five decades. He served as college football’s first strength and conditioning coach at Penn State (1964–1965) and introduced the Nautilus system to Philadelphia in 1976. From 1976 to 2015, he owned and operated Main Line Health & Fitness, recognized by Men’s Health as one of the top gyms in the nation, and was named by the magazine as one of America’s top personal trainers.

Roger trained Olympic athletes, professional bodybuilders, and countless individuals seeking health and strength. He authored over 100 articles, published the book Strength of a Woman, and was inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2012, he introduced X-Force “negative accentuated” training to the U.S., later founding X-Force Philadelphia, where his passion for innovation and education inspired all who trained with him.

Elanna Schwab

Elanna began her fitness career in Tel Aviv, where she owned and operated a successful health club before returning to Philadelphia. Alongside Roger, she helped build Main Line Health & Fitness into one of the country’s most respected health clubs. She is a certified personal trainer and spinning instructor, recipient of Philadelphia’s Fit Woman of the Year award, a champion dragon boat paddler, and one of the first trainers in the U.S. certified to coach on X-Force equipment.

Together

Roger and Elanna dedicated their lives to health, strength, and community. Their shared vision created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and support the members of X-Force Philadelphia today

Jesse Schwab is the owner and operator of X-Force Philadelphia, carrying on the legacy his parents, Roger and Elanna, built with a passion for helping people get stronger and healthier. Known for his down-to-earth style and personal connection with clients, Jesse is dedicated to making every workout both effective and welcoming.

Before running X-Force full time, Jesse worked as a video editor in film and television — a background that gave him a creative eye and an appreciation for storytelling. He brings that same creativity and focus into training, always looking for ways to make the gym experience engaging and impactful. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys movies, TV, and all things creative, which inspires how he connects with people inside and outside the gym.

Francesca was born and raised in West Chester. As a four-sport athlete in high school, Francesca grew up incredibly passionate about fitness. Her competitive drive and love for health and wellness grew stronger over the course of her collegiate career, where she continued on to play soccer for Penn State University. During that time, she realized that she wanted to make her a passion a career. Her first step was a degree in Kinesiology specializing in Exercise Science. After graduation, she continued on to be a personal trainer focusing on slow-motion training and eventually learned of negative accentuated training and she never looked back. Francesca’s main goal being a part of the X-Force family is to completely dedicate herself to helping her clients reach their strength training goals. While not training, she loves going to the beach, traveling, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, James grew up all over due to his father’s Air Force career, finally settling in Philadelphia in 2002. His passion for health and wellness began early as an avid runner, competing in cross-country and track while also swimming during the winters. James’s degree in Health Sciences from St. Joseph’s University ignited his passion for health and wellness. After experiencing various gyms and fitness trends in the city, James found his home at X-Force, where he discovered the efficiency of negative accentuated strength training and saw (and felt!) real results from day one. He is excited to share this effective workout methodology with others, encouraging them to reach their strength training goals and grow stronger. Outside of training, James enjoys running, supporting wellness initiatives for Stonewall Sports Philadelphia, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Martina has spent nearly a decade in the fitness industry, beginning her career as a personal trainer and quickly growing into leadership roles that supported the success of multiple training locations. While guiding teams and shaping programs, she remained committed to coaching clients directly—helping them build strength, improve nutrition, and create lasting lifestyle changes.

Her coaching style is holistic, combining strength training, nutrition, and mindset development to deliver sustainable results. Martina’s mission is to empower every client to push past limits, gain confidence, and reach their full potential both in and out of the gym.

Outside of training, Martina is a proud mom of three who loves staying active, running, and cooking healthy meals—living the balanced lifestyle she encourages her clients to embrace.