Our Team of certified personal trainers in white plains

Fitness Certification:

• 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.

Fitness Background:

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.

Fitness Certification:

• 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.

Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer
• ACE Weight Management
• TRX Suspension Training
• Exercise ETC Knee, Shoulder, Posture health
• Functional Movement Systems
• Everlast Boxing Certification
• Strongfirst Kettlebell
• Kabuki Principles of Loaded Movement
• NCI Nutrition L1

Like many others, I grew up not being comfortable in my own skin. After a lot of trial and error in workouts and diets, I realized that it didn’t matter the training program or the nutrition as much if I kept being my own biggest adversary. I had to learn to work with myself. So my passion became just that!

My purpose as a coach is to teach people to get out of their own way. I believe that’s what fitness is inherently about. I aspire to help my clients to leave every workout moving better, with less pains and STRONGER. I’ve worked with 100+ clients over 7+ years on getting better with their nutrition and confidence to build sustainable results. All while having fun with their tailored programs!

Certifications:

• NASM/AFAA Personal Trainer
• NASM Nutrition Specialist 
• NASM/AFAA Group Instructor
• CPR/AED Certified

Melisa has been in the personal training field since 2008. She is a result driven trainer who brings energy & passion to every client.

Melisa has perfected her trade by putting together detailed nutrition outlines & individualized fitness programs for each client. She has been awarded the highest client retention rate in the U.S franchise system!

Certifications/College Degree(s):

• NFPT Certification
• Adaptive Special Needs Trainer Certification Level 1
• High Intensity Training Cert
• Principles of Stretching Cert
• Mechanics of Running Cert.
• CPR/AED Certified

About Chris: Chris is an expert when it comes to joint friendly exercise, with 4 years experience and over 1,000 one-on-one training sessions under his belt, Chris has learned that there is no injury or limitation that can not be worked around with the correct knowledge and modification in order to deliver an effective exercise experience. Having worked with kids as young as 10, and adults upwards of 85, Chris values the importance of catering toward each individuals specific needs. As a proponent of High Intensity Training (HIT) Chris is a firm believer in the vast amount of health benefits that come from developing strength, especially as we get older. With efficiency and the proper dosage, exercise should not be complicated. Like anything else, done properly, it can bring about amazing rewards.

Fitness Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM/AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• Adaptive Special Needs Fitness Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor
• STRONG Nation Instructor and Personal Coach
• Track & Field Hurdle Coach- Archbishop Stepinac High School
• ISSA Certified Glute Specialist
• CPR/AED Certified

Bio:

Tara Graduated from Fordham University where she was a four-year member of their NCAA Division I Track & Field team specializing in sprints and indoor and outdoor hurdles. She continued competing in track after college and began coaching while obtaining her law degree in which she currently practices.

Tara’s passions include fitness, running, and working out and motivating and inspiring others to become the best version of themselves. She is passionate about helping others become confident in attaining their fitness goals. Tara is also a volunteer with a local pet rescue and is a student-athlete mentor at Fordham University.

Certifications:

• American College of Sports Medicine Certified
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Promotion and Wellness
• CPR/AED Certified

In addition, he has a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and wellness with a minor in nutrition concepts. With this experience Michael has been able to cater to his clients of all abilities and injuries/limitations from the ages of 13 – 81! His knowledge and passion for fitness has helped many of our clientele reach their goals by creating workouts that are individualized, creative, and fun. Michael puts great emphasis on core, proper body mechanics and strengthen training. 

Certifications/College Degrees:

• Degree’s/Experience in physiology, anatomy, exercise science and weight lifting.
• CPR/AED Certified

Fitness background: 

• Boxing, kickboxing, strength and conditioning classes
• Self-defense and Combatics Training (reality based close quarter hand to hand and weapons training system for the modern world)
• One on one private training and coaching
• Small group training

Fitness Certification:

• 200-Hour Kripalu Yoga Teacher Training
• 30-Hour Karma Kids Certification
• 30-Hour Yin Yoga Certification
• Restorative Yoga Teacher Training 
• Level One Usui Reiki Practitioner
• Souluna Life Coaching Certification
• CPR/AED Certified

Fitness Background:

• Yoga
•  boxing
•  lifting
•  belly dance 

Certifications/College Degree(s):

• National Academy of Sports Medicine - CPT
• Herkimer College - Physical Eduction
• Nassau College - Physical Education
• CPR/AED Certified

Paul excelled in Lacrosse & Football in high school, & in college became an 2x All conference lacrosse player, as well as Honorable mention All-American

Paul has the skillset and knowledge to work with people of all ages and levels. Especially for those athletes who want to develop a better understanding of how to get stronger, faster, quicker, etc for the sport they’re playing, whether it’s 1 on 1 or a group session. He has vast experience in corrective movement exercise (post injury), strength, endurance, fat loss, injury prevention and/or anyone who just wants to accomplish overall health and wellness.

He feels as if, if everyone had a sound understanding of how the body works internally and externally there would be less injuries. So in turn, his goal is to have the most positive impact on the lives of the people he works with, while getting the best results. As well as developing long life friendships with the singular goal of being healthy and happy with one’s self.

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer
• Precision Nutrition L1
• CPR/AED Certified
• NASM Youth Exercise Specialist 

After joining the Air Force and serving our country for several years, Amanda learned the importance of fitness, fun and established a love of helping others! As a medical technician she gained greater insight and a true appreciation for the human body. Coupled with these life experiences and passion for fitness, Amanda is a certified GYMGUYZ trainer devoted to supporting clients in their mental and physical fitness journeys.

Amanda’s mission is to help people tap into their unlimited potential while training and become the best version of themself!

Over the course of her training career, Amanda has experience in working with clients of many different fitness levels, ages, and injuries.

Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
• Kettlebell Athletics Certified Trainer
• Special Strong Certified Trainer
• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management and Finance from Baruch College NYS
• Certified EMT NYS Certified Fire Fighter
• Adaptive Special Needs Trainer Certification Level 1 & 2
• CPR/AED Certified

Growing up, Andrew lived a lifestyle that kept him out of shape and feeling sluggish. Realizing that he needed a change in order to pursue a career he desired, Andrew discovered a passion for weight training and fitness which helped propel his life and confidence going forward. Fast forward to where he is now, Andrew has competed in powerlifting competitions in addition to educating himself on how to better manipulate his body to look and feel fit. This lifestyle has helped him excel as a personal trainer but also as a career firefighter.

Through his time at GYMGUYZ, Andrew has honed his skills and developed an extensive amount of experience working with clients from all ages and ability levels.

Certifications and Fitness Degrees:

• Bachelors of Science in Clinical Exercise Science
• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
• AED & CPR Certified

As a lifelong athlete, Rick has had his ups and downs with injuries while training. However, what got him through those rough patches was the help of the skilled trainers in his life. Fitness professionals that knew when to push for more but also when to go a bit easier for a healthy balance. With those trainers as a reference, a passion sparked to help others on their fitness journey!

After working as a Physical Therapy Aide, he decided to explore the healthcare world. Rick is currently studying to become a Physical Therapist, all to improve himself as a personal trainer and help others!

Certifications:

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Kettlebell Training Certified
• TRX Certified
• Golf Fitness Certification
• Youth Strength and Conditioning Certificate
• CPR/AED Certified

At the age of 17, Alex weighed 330 pounds. It was an all time high for him and this caused an extremely low sense of self-worth. For years he considered himself to be very overweight and acknowledged his unhealthy eating habits. However, the switch finally flipped and he dedicated his life to drop the weight and become the healthiest version of himself he could be. Alex started educating himself on healthy eating habits and how to properly train in a safe and effective manner to lose the weight. After losing over 150 pounds, his life was completely changed in so many ways. At this point he found his career calling and he’s been helping and educating clients ever since! His passion for not only training, but teaching his clients is shown in each and every one of his sessions. As he likes to say, “Anyone can change their life if they are pointed in the right direction” and that is exactly why he is a part of the GYMGUYZ team!

Certifications:

• W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist
• Adaptive Special Needs Trainer Certification Level 1 & 2
• CPR/AED Certified

Alexus was born in Westchester, New York and was raised in Mamaroneck. She is a 2020 graduate of City College. In 2018, Alexus enrolled in W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Training course and later received an additional certification from ACE. She also has a certification as an ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist to help her clients make healthier, long-lasting food choices through nutrition education and behavior change.

Alexus has extensive experience as an athlete. From playing softball competitively in high school & college to finding a passion in powerlifting. She also has recreationally coached people with disabilities ranging from children to adults. In this role she provided quality soccer experience to individuals whose limitations made it difficult for them to do without assistance.

Alexus has joined the GYMGUYZ team as a Personal Trainer with the goal m to help others become the best version of themselves through physical activity. Working out has always been an escape for her it's a place where she’s worked on not only becoming strong physically but mentally as well.

Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
• CPR/AED Certified

About Me:

Fitness has been an integral piece of my life for a very long time. It has shaped me into the person I am today both physically and mentally. Having played sports in high school as well as worked many manual labor intensive jobs, I’ve had to deal with my fair share of sprains, strains, and minor injuries. Through my study, research, and application of regression and progression exercises, as well as proper nutrient intake and supplementation, I’ve rehabilitated my knees, shoulders, ankles, and tendonitis. I have a great desire to help my clients build a strong foundation in mobility, stability, and strength in that particular order, so that they can live a pain free and quality life. Rest assured that regardless of whether or not the aforementioned applies to you, we will both work hard and diligently to make sure that you achieve and more importantly adhere to whatever fitness and lifestyle goals you might have now and in the future.

Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Trainer
• CPR/AED Certified

As a former collegiate athlete and semi-professional soccer player, sports quickly became a big part of my lifestyle. Like many other young athletes growing up, I too also fell into cycles of unhealthy eating and laziness. Luckily, I was able to quickly notice the negative impact these bad habits were having on my performance. With a little bit of self-education, training and perseverance, I was able to create a happy and healthy lifestyle both on and off the field.

It has since become my goal to help others achieve their fitness goals as I have once done before. With my knowledge, experience and passion for fitness, I make it a mission to help all my clients meet their individual needs as best as I can. As a member of the GYMGUYZ team, I look forward to helping you navigate your fitness journey!

Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer

Alban Kukaj is a certified personal trainer with a decade of training under his sleeve. He puts his NASM Certification to use with specialties in mobility, muscular development, and overall performance. His training philosophy is the “fastest way to anything is slow”, abridging weaknesses in the body with patience and practice toward set goals. 

He’s offers one-on-one, group, and virtual sessions as well as nutritional guidance for those that need it. Currently an aspiring bodybuilder he approaches his pro card, blending theory and application of biomechanics with experience in martial arts, creative arts, and resistance training. This doesn’t limit the type of client he can work with though.  He trains all ages and fitness levels in everything from sports training/conditioning to weight loss or general body sculpting.