Riley Trombley, a 2013 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School and owner of Land Mine Fitness, has been a pivotal figure in the fitness industry since 2015. His journey, however, began long before that, shaped by personal experiences and a passion for helping others. Born and raised in the area, Riley was introduced to fitness during a challenging time in his life. Following his parents’ divorce at the age of 14, he felt directionless but found solace in exercise. His introduction to fitness was unconventional—his mother bought a heavy bag to release her own stress, and Riley quickly embraced it. “I was so angry one day, and I hit the bag—it felt like a release. That’s when I first realized how powerful fitness could be,” he recalls.
From that moment, fitness became Riley’s outlet. He spent his teenage years experimenting with bodyweight exercises and makeshift equipment, filling buckets and doing what he could with limited resources. His first job at McDonald’s allowed him to afford a membership at a local gym, Custom Fitness, where he began weightlifting. It was there that he met his first personal trainer, Jason Yelle, who would have a profound impact on his life. “Jason’s clients were always so happy, and I remember thinking, ‘How do I do that? How do I make people feel like that?'” Inspired by Yelle, Riley pursued his first personal training certification at the age of 15.
After graduating from high school, Riley briefly stepped away from fitness to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by enlisting in the Army. However, due to being color deficient, he was placed in the reserves instead of active duty. After completing boot camp and training, Riley returned home and re-entered the fitness world, which had changed significantly in his absence. Custom Fitness was struggling, and there was a growing interest in CrossFit, a high-intensity fitness regime gaining popularity nationwide.
Riley’s introduction to CrossFit came through his friend, Mundo Veloz, who was managing Custom Fitness at the time. After trying it out, Riley became hooked. He started incorporating CrossFit methodologies into his personal training sessions, and as demand grew, his classes outgrew the small spaces at Custom Fitness. “I was running classes out of the aerobics room, but we’d spill out into the parking lot, lifting weights and flipping tires. The classes just kept growing,” Riley remembers. He began borrowing equipment from the gym to accommodate the larger sessions, a move that, while necessary, didn’t sit well with other gym members.
Recognizing the growing popularity of his classes, Riley took a leap of faith. He rented his own space and officially launched his CrossFit gym. The business grew rapidly, and at its peak, Riley was running sessions with up to 40 participants. But as the gym expanded, Riley noticed a troubling trend—people were not getting the results they needed. “I thought helping more people meant getting more people in my sessions, but what I saw was that I couldn’t give them the attention they needed. They weren’t making progress, and some were even getting injured,” he admits.
By 2019, Riley made the difficult decision to unaffiliate from CrossFit, citing concerns about the high-intensity approach and its lack of individualized attention. He restructured Land Mine Fitness to focus on small-group personal training, a model that has since become the gym’s hallmark. “We specialize in fitness, nutrition, and accountability. Our mission is to make things as simple and effective as possible, offering individualized attention within a small group setting. That’s where real results happen,” Riley explains.
Today, Land Mine Fitness offers a hybrid model of strength and conditioning, emphasizing sustainable fitness tailored to each individual. Riley and his highly credentialed team work with clients of all ages and abilities, from seasoned athletes to those with physical disabilities. “We have clients in their 70s who are moving better now than they did when they were younger,” he says proudly. The gym limits its membership to ensure quality, often with a waitlist, and offers 24-hour access for those who prefer working out on their own.
Beyond fitness, Riley is dedicated to building a strong community foundation through the four pillars that guide Land Mine Fitness: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Service. “Faith, family, fitness, and service—those are what guide everything we do here,” Riley explains. Faith represents the importance of belief in a higher purpose and the strength found in unity, while family highlights the deep sense of connection and belonging. Fitness remains at the center of their mission, promoting healthier lifestyles, and service is reflected in their commitment to giving back to the community. These pillars not only define Land Mine Fitness but also influence how Riley and his team approach their members and outreach efforts.
Riley has always been deeply committed to giving back to the community since 2016. From food and toy drives to supporting local schools, the gym has consistently organized charity events aimed at helping those in need. One of the most impactful initiatives has been their annual holiday drive, which has raised more thank 15 thousand dollars over the years, including monetary donations as well as toys, clothing, toiletries and more. “This community has given me so much, and I feel it’s my responsibility to give back,” Riley shares, underscoring his dedication to the place he calls home. “Hopefully this year takes us over 20 thousand!”
Most recently, Riley and Land Mine Fitness donated 50 pairs of shoes to the Nye County School District just before the start of the school year. The goal was to ensure that children in need had a fresh start, something as simple as new shoes to help build confidence. “Every kid deserves to feel confident walking into school, and a new pair of shoes can make a world of difference,” Riley says. “It’s something small, but it gives them that extra boost, and everyone should get to experience that feeling.” This initiative is a shining example of the gym’s commitment to uplifting the local community in meaningful ways.
As Land Mine Fitness continues to grow, Riley remains committed to his mission of helping others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, while also maintaining his deep ties to the Pahrump community. Whether through fitness, family values, or acts of service, Land Mine Fitness reflects Riley’s dedication to creating a positive and lasting impact for all who walk through its doors.
To secure a free, seven-day trial to see if Land Mine Fitness is right for you, visit them at 1481 State 372 Unit A or text (775) 537-4252.
