MEET OUR TEAM
SAM
GYMGUYZ OWNER
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
- International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer
- Bachelors of Science from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business with degrees in Finance and Operations Management.
Working out and training has always been an important staple in my life! Ever since grade school, I realized that if I wanted to excel in sports, being physically strong was an essential ingredient. Once I joined the corporate work force, co-workers would ask me for assistance in getting themselves into shape. This is when it hit me to make a career out of helping others doing something that I love and can relate to on a daily basis. From there, I knew that fitness coaching was my life’s goal!. In 2014, James and I signed on as the first GYMGUYZ franchisees and have loved every day since!
I am an avid golfer but also have a passion for other sports such as football and baseball. My purpose and mission in life is to do what I love! For me, waking up every day to help people live longer, healthier lives is a passion on mine and something that keeps me motivated! My passion for fitness is shown in every session either I or one of our trainers conducts.
JAMES
GYMGUYZ OWNER
Trainers Certifications & Education :
- NASM Cert PT
- Nutrition
Fitness Background:
Certified personal coach (trainer) with a specialty in group fitness training. James earned his certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. James brings a wide ranging skill set to his clients along with his energetic and spirited personality. He began honing his training skills in his college days where he played football as an offensive lineman for Sacred Heart University. Additionally, he earned his Communications degree from Coastal Carolina University in 2012. When he is not inspiring his clients to reach their goals, James can be found motivating kids in his community as he serves as a youth sports coach. James seeks to bring out the inner athlete in all his clients regardless of age or ability. His passion for basketball, football and sports is reflected in every training session as he teaches, motivates and inspires his clients to reach their goals.
KYLIE
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
- ISSA Personal Trainer
- OFNC Certified Fitness & Nutrition Coach
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
I was an avid high school sports athlete which was where I developed a love for fitness. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, I pursued my passion of becoming a certified personal trainer and turning my active lifestyle into a career.
Fitness and nutrition will never be one size fits all. Each individual deserves a regimen catered to them and their needs. Over the years I have perfected my skills on putting together fitness & nutrition programs for individuals of many populations.
My goal is to help each individual develop new habits to achieve a healthier and more confident lifestyle, while learning how to sustain those habits!
Siena B
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
A.S. in Exercise Science
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
USA Powerlifting – Club Coach
- USA Weightlifting – Level 1
- Pre/Post Natal Certified: Pronatal Fitness
- CPR/AED Certified
Siena started her fitness journey in 2016 when looking to improve her own physical fitness. Immediately she fell in love with weight training, and enjoyed it so much that she enrolled herself in classes and earned her Associates Degree in Exercise Science. Over the course of her career in fitness, her clientele has been very diverse, ranging from teens to 86 years of age, and has worked with some clients with disabilities. With the incorporation of resistance-training, Siena has successfully helped her clients reach their fitness goals, whether it’s weight loss, toning, muscle strengthening, or to achieve the physiological benefits of exercise to improve their overall health and resilience. She believes that resistance-training is the key to longevity and a high quality of life.
In addition to working as a Personal Trainer, Siena has also worked as a Flexologist guiding private stretch sessions; And she is currently working on obtaining her Precision Nutrition certification as well. Outside of personal training, you’ll find Siena olympic weightlifting with Team Connecticut USA Weightlifting or staying active with her two dogs!
Nate J
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
- USA Boxing Coach – Level Bronze
- 2024 Western New England Golden Gloves Champion
- 2024 New England Golden Gloves Champion
- ACPR/AED Certified
Nate is a USA Boxing Coach and Certified Personal Trainer who specializes in HIIT Training. Nate is an active decorated amateur boxer, who brings the same dedication and competitive spirit into each and every session. Nate offers training experience focused on quality rather than quantity. If you value a trainer who embraces a gentle and nuanced approach to training, then Nate is the ideal choice. Nate is driven by the focus of increasing the self-esteem and overall health of all his clients. His goal is to stimulate both the mind and body while unleashing your inner warrior spirit
ERNIE
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
- Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- B.S. in Exercise Science – University of Connecticut
- CPR/AED Certified – American Red Cross (Infant, Child & Adult)
Ernie is a Certified Personal Trainer with a strong background in exercise science, athletic performance, and injury rehabilitation. He has trained a diverse range of clients, including post-surgical patients, individuals on medication for conditions like diabetes, anxiety, and depression, as well as Division I athletes. His personalized programs focus on improving strength, mobility, and overall health. His clinical experience at Rick Stebbins Performance Therapy, High Quality Home Therapy, and Crossroads Physical Therapy allowed him to work closely with physical therapists and patients recovering from spinal injuries, knee replacements, and neurological conditions. He helped clients regain motor control, improve balance, and build confidence during recovery.
Ernie also served as a Strength and Conditioning Assistant Coach for the UConn Football Team during a full season, supporting athletes who now play in the NFL. He utilized biomechanical tools like force plates, Perch velocity systems, and motion capture technologies to improve performance and reduce injury risk. His research experience at UConn includes working with the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), which focuses on heat illness prevention in athletes, and the Sport Optimization and Rehabilitation (SOAR) Lab, where he contributed to biomechanical data collection for motion analysis studies. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Ernie combines science-based training with motivational coaching to help each client succeed, whether they are recovering from injury, managing health conditions, or striving for peak performance. He is passionate about the impact of exercise on both physical and mental health and continues to build his expertise in biomechanical movement, injury prevention, and performance science
