Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT
Plant-based personal trainer and online fitness coach in Richmond, Virginia
| Hourly rate range | $80 to $175 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | Strength and powerliftingBodybuilding and physiqueOver 40 and 50Nutrition and habitsMobility and injuryOnline coachingNutrition and healthy eatingPlant-based eatingHealthy habits |
| Also coaches | Health coach |
| Based in | Richmond, Virginia, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | ACE Certified Personal Trainer; Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist; Certified Muscle Activation Techniques Practitioner; BS in Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University; Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, Cornell University; WNBF and Naturally Fit Federation Men's Physique Pro |
| Practice | Root Force Personal Training |
Vegan Muscle and Fitness is a plant-based fitness practice that trains and coaches people who want to build strength and muscle on a vegan diet. Derek runs Root Force Personal Training, a plant-based gym in Richmond, Virginia, that opened in 2012. He is a natural bodybuilder who earned Pro status in two federations and qualified for NPC Nationals. He also offers online coaching, custom plans, and an app for staying strong into your 60s and beyond.
What Vegan helps with
Derek works on building muscle and strength with a plant-based diet. He also covers bone health, mobility, and coming back from injury.
- Building muscle on a plant-based diet
- Strength training for people in their 60s and 70s
- Building bone density without stressing the joints
- Returning to training after an injury
- Fixing mobility that stays tight
- Learning to feel glutes and lats working
- Adding more produce to meals for long-term health
- Preparing for bodybuilding competitions
Who Vegan works with
Clients include vegans and people curious about plant-based eating who want to get fit. Derek also builds programs for older adults who want to stay strong into their 60s, 70s and beyond. He trains people in person at his Richmond studio and works with others online.
How Vegan works
Derek builds his programming around one arc: Prepare the tissues, mobilize the joints, then train power. He also writes about tissue tolerance, isometrics, and measuring muscle power. His Stronger. Faster. Younger. app is a plant-based coaching system for staying strong later in life. He also offers custom plans and online coaching.
Background and qualifications
Derek became a certified personal trainer in 2007 and finished a biology degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. By 2010 he was Director of Personal Training at Gold's Gym in Richmond. In 2011 he began competing in natural bodybuilding. By 2017 he had won first place four times and earned Pro status in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation and the Naturally Fit Federation. He opened Root Force Personal Training in 2012 with his partner Marcella. He also holds a plant-based nutrition certificate from Cornell University.
Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT pricing
Programs and services
- In-person personal training at Root Force studio
- Online coaching
- Custom plans
- Stronger. Faster. Younger. coaching app
- Free online community
- 7-day free trial of the app
Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT reviews
The CoachVouch take
Runs Richmond's only plant-based gym and is a pro natural bodybuilder who competes on a vegan diet.
Best for vegans and plant-based eaters who want to build muscle and stay strong as they age.
Common questions
How much does Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT charge?
Coaching with Vegan runs $80 to $175 an hour. Message Vegan from this page for an exact quote.
What does Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT help with?
Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT helps with building muscle on a plant-based diet, strength training for people in their 60s and 70s, building bone density without stressing the joints and returning to training after an injury.
Does Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT coach online?
Vegan is based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT certified?
Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT lists: ACE Certified Personal Trainer; Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist; Certified Muscle Activation Techniques Practitioner; BS in Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University; Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition, Cornell University; WNBF and Naturally Fit Federation Men's Physique Pro.
Can I train with Derek online?
Yes. He offers online coaching and custom plans. He also has a coaching app and a free online community.
How do I contact Vegan Muscle and Fitness / Root Force PT?
Send Vegan a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.