PERSONAL TRAINERS @ PRINCETON YMCA

PERSONAL TRAINERS @ SOMERSET HILLS YMCA

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MEET Sarah

Sarah is an ACE-certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Spin and Spin Power Instructor, as well as a Les Mills Bodypump Instructor. She is also a qualified ‘LiveStrong at the YMCA’ Coach. After earning her degree in European Languages and Business in the UK, Sarah worked in Marketing before relocating to the United States with her husband and two sons in 2013. This move sparked her passion for fitness and led her to pursue it as a career.

Sarah is dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and encouraging individuals to reach their fitness goals. As she puts it, “I love helping others on their fitness journey. There’s something incredibly special and rewarding about supporting people as they become stronger, fitter, and more energized.” Regardless of where you are in your health journey, Sarah is committed to helping you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

SPECIALITIES

• HIIT Training, Bootcamp style workouts
• Spin
• Active Older Adults
• Strength & Conditioning

PHILOSOPHY

• Motion is Lotion!

FAVORITE WORKOUT

• Spin Bootcamp

CERTIFICATIONS

• ACE Personal Trainer
• ACE Group Exercise
• Maddog Spin Instructor & Spin Power
• Les Mills Body Pump

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MEET Nimika

I have had a passion for health and fitness my entire life. I’ve struggled with weight management all throughout my adolescence and young adult life. I chose this career path as an Exercise Physiologist and Health Coach so that I can educate and guide people on how to live a healthier lifestyle by eating healthier, exercising, and coping with external stress factors. I love helping people achieve their optimum goals.

SPECIALITIES

• Core Strength, stability & mobility.
• Pre & Post natal training
• Stretching-active & dynamic
• Strength Training-Special Populations.
• HIIT Training
• Post Rehabilitation Training
• Health Coaching

PHILOSOPHY

• Use a whole-person approach when it comes to taking care of your health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s when you’ll succeed.

FAVORITE WORKOUT

• HIIT

CERTIFICATIONS

• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach
• CDC Certified Diabetes Coach
• ACE Certified Pre & Post Natal Specialist

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MEET Malcolm

It all started with my kids. I can honestly say I blame them for kicking off my personal training journey. My 12-year-old son wanted to become stronger and faster for his sport, TaeKwonDo, and that set me on a deep dive into performance athletics. My passion to help my son soon expanded to my daughter, and before long, I found myself training other young athletes.

Alongside my work with young athletes, I opened my own gym and began training a wide variety of individuals. What began as a desire to be the best coach for my children quickly transformed into a focus on building agility and strength in everyone I trained.

I truly believe that no matter your age or ability, with the right exercises, anyone can become stronger and more agile. A body that is both strong and nimble can do more and, ultimately, enjoy life more.

SPECIALITIES

• Adaptive Exercises to improve quality of life.
• Variations to fit each person’s needs
• Building explosive power & Strength for aspiring athlete

PHILOSOPHY

• Everyone can be stronger and feel better without super muscles.

FAVORITE WORKOUT

• The one you did not know existed

CERTIFICATIONS

• NASM Personal Trainer
• ACE Fitness Personal Trainer
• Krav Maga Instructor

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MEET Liz

I have had 6 years as a Naval officer and have learned what the body can do and how we can push past what our mind says. I believe that being strong will help you live a long & healthy life.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength Training
• Kids Training
• Spin/Bootcamp classes

PHILOSOPHY

• You are stronger than you think.

FAVORITE WORKOUT

• Bootcamps

CERTIFICATIONS

• NSAM Personal Training
• Spin Certification
• Groupex Certification

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MEET Lauren

I received my NASM Personal Trainer certification during my freshman year of college. I am pursuing a degree in Radiology at the County College of Morris. My fitness journey has evolved greatly over the years, beginning with hiking with my family, playing soccer in High School, and doing home workouts. I joined the Y to further my passion for fitness.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength Conditioning
• Bootcamp Style workouts
• Muscle Hypertrophy

PHILOSOPHY

• Give it your all!

FAVORITE WORKOUT

• Planks

CERTIFICATIONS

• NASM Personal Trainer
• BLS Certified

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MEET Kevin

My Fitness journey began at a young age when my parents enrolled me into sports. They both worked, so I needed a place to go after school and to help burn off my excess energy. From there my desire to be the best led me into the gym where I began to really push myself. After High School I knew this is what I wanted to make my career, so I have now dedicated my career to work in a field where I get to help people achieve their goals.

SPECIALITIES

• Circuit Training
• Special Population
• Strength & Conditioning
• Weight Management
• Bodybuilding
• Nutrition
• Health Coaching

PHILOSOPHY

• Motivation is what gets you started. Determination is what keeps you going.

CERTIFICATIONS

• A.S Exercise Science
• AFPA Certified Personal Trainer
• dotFIT Nutrition Certified
• AHA CPR/AED Certified

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MEET ZACH

Zach is a highly qualified fitness professional holding a B.S. in Exercise Science from Hofstra University. He is a NASM Multi-Certified Trainer and a Certified Adaptive Fitness Trainer. A former NCAA Division I athlete, Zach draws on his elite athletic background to help clients optimize performance. His expertise is focused on improving posture, flexibility, and exercise mechanics to ensure effective, safe training. He is a specialist in Adaptive Fitness and serves a clientele that includes individuals with diverse physical and cognitive needs.

In his free time, he is an avid runner and engages in competitive sports like soccer, basketball, and golf, balancing this active pursuit with time spent with family.

SPECIALITIES

• Special Needs Clients
• Core
• Flexibility/Stretch

PHILOSOPHY

• Motivation is what gets you started, but habit is what keeps you going.

CERTIFICATIONS

• NASM Personal Training Certification
• NASM Stretch & Flexibility Coach
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• Certified Adaptive Fitness Trainer & Certified Adaptive Fitness Group Trainer

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MEET CHRISTIAN

Christian is a lifelong athlete and ISSA-certified personal trainer whose journey into fitness began with adversity. After a serious high school injury that left him partially paralyzed for two months, he spent nearly a year in physical therapy. That experience not only taught him about the resilience of the human body but also sparked his passion for exercise and movement science.

Since then, Christian has competed in a wide range of disciplines—including powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, ultra-running, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai. His training style emphasizes building strength through full range of motion, developing strength through movement quality, and building strength on a foundation of mechanics and mobility. The goal is not just to get stronger, but to create a resilient and durable body. Christian’s objective is clear: to align his coaching methodology with the client’s individual vision of success.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength & Conditioning
• Strength Through Quality Movement
• Mobility-Driven Resilience

PHILOSOPHY

• Strength is never a weakness

CERTIFICATIONS

• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer

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MEET CHAZ

Chaz is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with three years of professional experience and a B.S. in Exercise Science from Lasell University. His passion for fitness began in high school as a multi-sport athlete, where he became curious about how specific lifts translated to improved performance on the field. That curiosity grew into a deeper study of movement, ultimately developing into a strong commitment to strength training, functional fitness, and evidence-based exercise. Chaz now channels that passion into helping clients move better, get stronger, and perform at their best in everyday life.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength Training
• Functional Fitness
• Body composition

PHILOSOPHY

• Building strength is the foundation for longevity, independence, and a higher quality of life at every age.

CERTIFICATIONS

• NASM
• CPR/AED

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MEET ERIC

A high school baseball injury led Eric to discover a life-changing passion for fitness during college. By constantly testing new techniques and pushing his own physical limits, he learned firsthand the power of resilience and hard work.

Now a certified Personal Trainer, Eric is here to help you navigate your own journey—whether you are just starting out or looking to break through a new plateau. With a background in Economics and Science, he brings a disciplined, goal-oriented approach to every session. Eric is dedicated to supporting you as you hit your milestones and discover exactly what you’re capable of achieving.

SPECIALITIES

• Muscle Hypertrophy
• Strength & Conditioning
• Circuit Training

PHILOSOPHY

• Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

CERTIFICATIONS

• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• CPR/AED

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MEET JO

Jo is a Certified Personal Trainer with over 10 years of professional experience. His passion for fitness began in high school when he participated in organized sports. Playing in organized sports and having compassionate coaches drove Jo to want to be a leader and help people to reach their athletic goals. Jo now channels that passion into helping people get into shape, feel confident, and increase their energy. He meets clients where they are in their fitness journey and guides them with structured programming, encouragement and accountability.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength Training & Conditioning
• Personalized programs

PHILOSOPHY

• My focus is creating a supportive environment where clients feel motivated and empowered to reach their goals while developing lifelong healthy habits.

CERTIFICATIONS

• NPTI certification
• Nutritionist certification

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MEET LAUREN

Lauren is a passionate, people-first health and wellness coach dedicated to helping individuals live their boldest, healthiest lives—at every stage. With decades of experience guiding others through change, she believes meaningful transformation doesn’t come from extremes, but from understanding, consistency, and compassion. Lauren helps members create small, realistic actions that f it into everyday life and build lasting momentum. She believes confidence is built by keeping small promises to yourself—because over time, those small wins grow into strength, resilience, and lasting well-being. Lauren also has instructor experience in Les Mills™ BODYPUMP®, Mad Dogg Athletics® SPINNING®, Gravity Yoga, and PiYo.

SPECIALITIES

• Strength & Conditioning
• Stretching & Flexibility
• Behavior changes through mini habits

PHILOSOPHY

• Live Boldly: Living healthy is not about perfection, but about feeling capable, energized, and confident in your own body and life.

CERTIFICATIONS

• IIN® Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
• Athletics and Fitness Association of America™ (AFAA®)

PERSONAL TRAINERS @ SOMERVILLE YMCA

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MEET Marcelo

Make Them Both Strong!

Marcelo is a personal trainer certified through NETA and has been with the Y since 2022. Apart from personal training, he is also a floor supervisor in the Wellness Center and a basketball coach for youth players.

He enjoys seeing the growth and progress that is experienced throughout the fitness journey. With an AS degree in Exercise Science, Marcelo can provide various training styles that can help his clients reach their goals. He enjoys promoting a healthy lifestyle that goes beyond the weight room. Along with physical strength, he also promotes having a strong mentality.

Says Marcelo “Physical health and mental health are linked. You cannot treat them like they are completely separate. Whatever happens to one affects the other. Make them both strong.”

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Meet Mark

Fitness Training for the Mind, Body, and Spirit!

Mark is a Personal Trainer at the Somerville YMCA with a certification in ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Trainer and a 3rd Degree Karate Black Belt.

With over 25 years of experience, Mark has expertise in various fitness disciplines. Having guided more than 150 clients, Mark’s extensive background encompasses training youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. His coaching experience spans both group settings and one-on-one personalized training.

Mark specializes in a wide array of fitness domains, including Cardio Fitness Training, Weight Training (both machine and free weights), Core Strength Training, Self-Defense Training, Martial Arts Fitness Training, Balance Training, Private Yoga instruction, Nutritional Counseling, Mental preparation for reaching and achieving fitness goals (attitude), Mind/body cohesion, breath practices, and meditation.

Says Mark “Fitness training for the mind, body, and spirit brings personal uplift-meant for optimum living”

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Meet Dash

Mind and Body!

This simple yet profound principle defines my approach to health and fitness. I am deeply committed to nurturing both the physical and mental aspects of well-being, ensuring that each individual I work with experiences a holistic transformation.

Certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), my career in fitness has been diverse and fulfilling. I began my journey at LA Fitness, and, seeking a more community-focused environment, transitioned to the YMCA Somerville. Working with such a vibrant and dedicated community has been both inspiring and rewarding.

At the YMCA, I specialize in Strength Training and Hypertrophy, designing tailored programs to help clients build muscle, increase strength, and elevate their overall fitness. My approach is rooted in science, consistency, and personalized guidance to help you reach your goals effectively and sustainably.

In addition to my fitness expertise, I am also a passionate Chess Coach. I find immense satisfaction in teaching this strategic game, which sharpens the mind and complements the discipline needed for physical fitness. The mental focus required in chess aligns perfectly with the focus and determination needed to achieve physical transformation.

Says Dash “Let’s work together to unlock your full potential—whether it’s sculpting a stronger, more powerful body, mastering strategic thinking in chess, or both. I’m here to guide, support, and motivate you every step of the way.”

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Meet Ello

Build a Stronger, Healthier You!

With over 7 years of experience as a certified personal trainer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to helping clients achieve their fitness goals. In addition to my personal training certification through ISSA, I have more than 10 years of experience in amateur boxing, which has shaped my approach to fitness and discipline.

My specialties include boxing, calisthenics, aerobic exercises, weight training, kettlebell training, and a bit of Muay Thai. I focus on creating dynamic, results-driven workouts that incorporate both functional movements and conditioning, ensuring a well-rounded fitness experience.

I believe that discipline and perseverance are the key to achieving success, not just in fitness, but in all aspects of life. I am committed to helping you stay focused, motivated, and empowered on your journey toward better health.

Says Ello “Let’s work together to build a stronger, healthier you. God bless!”