MADISON- Having a high-tech training center in your own home is definitely a basis for excellent physical health and even larger plus when you consider the equipment and training area is used as a locale for others to utilize on a limited basis. For Victor Verhage (ver-Ha-guh) and his high school age son, Darren, having what is basically one of the most impressive high-tech rooms full of fitness equipment throughout the immediate area in their home has paid dividends for all involved.

A multitude of the newest and most technical advanced training equipment is scattered across the first floor area of the Verhage’s home located in Madison. A 1,000-square foot area noted as “The Living Room” is dedicated to the 20 pieces of equipment worth an estimated $150,000. It’s there Victor bases his consulting side-business he calls Victor Vman LLC and trains an array of people and Darren continues his various training regimens in his quest to be a college football player after completing his high school years as a member of the James Clemens Jets squad.

“Virtual training programs are available as I have created a new opportunity for myself,” said Victor. “My training program is basically ‘work-plus-rest, equals success’ as I train any muscle movement a person needs and I keep adjusting the equipment to help the individual, which is the best way to keep from suffering injuries.”

For Darren, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound offensive and defensive lineman just completed his senior season at James Clemens and has yet to make a decision on where he would like to pursue a college education carrying a 3.9 grade point average and play collegiate football.

Just prior to the 2021 season and a few times during the recent campaign Darren had several of his teammates visit his home where each went through a battery of training exercises routines with the necessary equipment designed for each player by Victor. Darren said, “I’m sort of new to the sport of football as I have only been playing four years, but I have learned to execute at a high level and I feel I’m in good physical condition due to the training I have gone through here in my own home. This has been a rewarding setup at home.”

Living in Chicago, Victor was vice president of the XSport Fitness Club, which has 40 locations across the U.S. In 2019, Victor asked Darren if he wanted to move to Madison as Victor’s two twin brothers lived in the immediate area. Darren expressed he was super excited to make the move South after 16 years in the Windy City. While in Chicago high-tech equipment companies had Victor test its newest equipment and formulate the necessary knowledge needed to oversee the fitness capabilities of each piece of new equipment.

“I always liked training and coaching others who were struggling and challenged in physical training,” said Victor. “I started in a gym, migrated to a more club atmosphere gym and began to serve and coach others. I love working with individuals who have that desire to be better.”

A complete in-depth look at the training center and how the home area became a necessary piece of Darren’s possible future in football and a side business for Victor, who currently works as Vice President of sales and marketing for OMNI Fitness Channel, is in the January issue of the Madison Living Magazine available throughout Madison.