Travis Demko – March 2023 Athlete of the Month
Travis “Terminator X” Demko, 29, hails from Stoughton and started doing mixed martial arts (MMA) at the age of 8, and has been training with Elite co-owner and master trainer Pete Rappoli, MS, CCS, CSCS, for over 10 years between both of Elite’s locations in Foxboro and Stoughton. Travis currently works with his coaches Tom Egan & Joe Ennis, but continues to work with Pete at Elite Health & Fitness Center “to get in better shape and more prepared for my sport”. Travis has put in the work consistently throughout his MMA career, and recently won his CombatFC fight at UFC FightPass in Wilmington, MA with a first round submission.
Prior to winning this fight February 10, 2023, Travis was busy training at Elite while rehabbing his knee following surgery last summer. In addition to training with Pete, Travis worked with Elite co-owner and Physical Therapist Keith Callanan, PT, MPT, CSCS. He tells us working with Elite Physical Therapy “got me back to tip top shape and ready to workout and train again”.
When asked what defines a true athlete, Travis describes “someone who’s dedicated to their craft, takes care of their body & mind, and works diligently at their sports day in and day out,” and his favorite athlete is Emmitt Smith. When asked about the best advice he’s received as an athlete, he tells us, “Make the sport you’re doing your number one priority and never let anything get in the way of your dreams.” With over 20 years in the sport, Travis’ advice to younger athletes is to “stay in the gym and stay away from distractions”…and Travis has certainly done just that! In recent months, Travis was training 4+ days per week at Elite, in addition to his training with his other coaches.
Travis emphasizes the significant improvements he has seen to his functional strength and conditioning since working with Pete, and would like to continue to improve both of those areas. When asked about his experience at Elite, Travis says, “I train at Elite because I get to work with the best personal trainer for sports and fitness in the area hands down.” Travis recommends Elite to others, because training at Elite will elevate every athlete’s abilities to the next level.
Travis tells us he continues to train and fight because it’s part of who he is, and continues to help him in his life in all aspects. He says the sport has impacted him by giving the tools needed to be healthy, confident, structured, and overall a better person, and we couldn’t agree more. We love to see hard work pay off, and Travis continues to exemplify his own definition of a true athlete. Congratulations, Travis, for being selected as our Elite Athlete of the Month! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Elite Sports Performance & Physical Therapy offers Sports Performance programs and Sports Physical Therapy at both our Foxboro and Stoughton locations. To learn more about our programs and services for athletes of all ages and sports and how YOU or an athlete in your family can become our NEXT Athlete of the Month, click HERE or email us at EliteSPC@EliteFitCenter.com!