Certifications: AFPA and ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Pre-Post Natal Specialist, CPR Certified through the American Red Cross, CYO Youth Coaching Certified

Education: St. Edward High School, Class of 1986; Eastern Michigan University

Experience: Over 20 years of personal training

Favorite Quote: See you at the top.” – Zig Ziglar

Joe Butler, a Cleveland native and founder of Prescription Fitness, has dedicated his career to changing lives through fitness. With over two decades of experience and a passion for helping others achieve their personal best, Joe’s journey began in wrestling, where he earned accolades such as a freestyle state championship at St. Edward High School and a national freestyle title at Eastern Michigan University. His leadership skills shone through as the captain of his wrestling team, and he continued to shape athletes as an undergrad assistant wrestling coach at EMU, where he also designed strength and conditioning programs for Division I athletes.

Joe’s competitive spirit didn’t stop at wrestling. After college, he ventured into the world of natural bodybuilding, winning both his class and the overall title at the 1994 Natural Body Building Championships. In 1996, Joe moved to Los Angeles, where he honed his skills working alongside top trainers, including Steve Zim of NBC’s Weekend Today Show. While in LA, he gained invaluable experience training everyone from professional athletes to Hollywood stars. But Joe’s true calling was back home, where he saw an opportunity to impact lives on a personal level by establishing a personal training company that tailors training programs to individuals’ lifestyles.

In 2006, Joe founded Prescription Fitness with a mission to provide personalized fitness solutions and create a support system that goes beyond just training—helping clients make lifelong commitments to their health. His passion for fitness, coupled with his extensive knowledge of how the body works, makes him one of the most respected trainers in Northeast Ohio.

Training Philosophy:

Joe’s approach to fitness is rooted in the belief that everyone has the potential to reach their goals with the right program and support. He’s inspired by visionaries like Steve Jobs and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who achieved things no one thought possible by thinking outside the box. His favorite exercise? The dumbbell incline press—because “it’s all about the pump!”

Hobbies & Interests:

When he’s not at the gym, Joe enjoys playing darts and cornhole, and he’s a dedicated supporter of the St. Edward High School wrestling team and his five children. Joe also still trains his mom weekly!