Personal Training

I enjoy lifting heavy stuff!  My love of fitness inspired me to become a personal trainer six years ago and help others on their fitness journeys.  At the Y, I work primarily with women who are looking to reach their goals safely and effectively through strength training.  As we age, building muscle and strength is increasingly important for injury prevention.  My goal as your trainer is to help you create healthy habits that you can incorporate into workouts to build strength and endurance over time. A session with me won’t even feel like a workout, I assure you my sense of humor makes working out together fun!

I am currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and hope to further my education in the field of occupational therapy down the line.  For me, the benefits of fitness have proven to have a positive effect not only on physical health but also the mental health of individuals of all different ages and abilities.  As a collegiate athlete, I’ve experienced rehabilitation firsthand for injuries acquired over the years of playing sports. The trainers I worked with helped me to see exercise as an enjoyable experience, rather than a chore.  The goal I have for all of my clients is to help them see physical fitness in the same way and generate excitement around movement and overall health.

I truly believe that weightlifting has changed my life for the better and hope to bring the same passion I found through fitness to others, specifically women.  As a mom of two young girls, I have discovered that weight training is the key to growing stronger and healthier. My journey with the YMCA started as a Group Exercise Instructor three years ago, and this year I became a certified personal trainer so I can continue helping meet their personal fitness goals. Weightlifting can be intimidating when you are starting out, that is where I come in.  It is my job to guide you through safe and effective 1:1 sessions each step of the way to a healthier you.

As a personal trainer, my top priority has always been to help clients reach their personal fitness goals.  I have 15 years of personal training experience and have worked at the Torigian YMCA as a trainer since 2003.  Each of my training sessions consists of different techniques tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and tailored to fit their needs.  When I’m not training, you can find me teaching Cycle, Tabata, and Stay Fit for Seniors at the Y.  No matter your age or ability, train with me if you’re looking to achieve your fitness goals.

I customize my training style to fit each individual’s goals whether they are looking to lose weight, gain strength, or build endurance.  My goal is to mix up every session to make it new and exciting for clients using a mix of strength training and HIIT workouts.  In the two years I have been a certified personal trainer at the Y, I have worked with people of all ages helping them get the most out of their workouts.

While I am newly certified as a Personal Trainer, I have over 5 years of experience working for the YMCA of Metro North in a variety of different roles across YMCA of Metro North branches.  When I am not working at the YMCA, I am attending the University of Connecticut virtually and pursuing my degree in Exercise Science.  For my entire life, health and wellness have been a priority including team sports, running, and strength training.  I grew up in a household that emphasized the importance of physical activity and I want to help other people find this same passion through movement.  Not only will I help you reach your goals, but we’ll also make working out fun!

I became a trainer through a natural transition from someone who always enjoyed the Gym and overall fitness to helping those to achieve their fitness and overall health goals. I’m an avid runner and triathlete I have run hundreds of local road races ranging for 5k to 50k and also completed The Ironman race. I’ve also been very involved in coaching Lynn girls softball for 15 years, and I also coached the Lynn Classical Girls track team for 7 great years.

I have always enjoyed being involved in athletics, health, and fitness. I grew up playing a variety of sports. My passion for sports lead me to play lacrosse at Westfield State University. In 2021, I graduated with a degree in Athletic Training. My passion to help others continued to grow in healthcare until I decided to get my personal training certification. Although, I have only just begun my career in personal training, I have a lot of experience in the weight room. I will help you build a program that is fit to your needs and will help you reach your personal goals. It is my goal to educate and motivate you on how you can reach your goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle while having fun along the way!

Personal Training, Boxing, Kickboxing, TRX, Yoga, Weight Loss, Strength and Conditioning, Body Weight Exercise, Circuit Training, Flexibility, Self-Defense. With a background in Martial Arts, teaching experience, and a love for fitness, Rachid developed a holistic approach to training clients and helping them reach their fitness goals. He enjoys teaching people of all fitness levels and ages.

I am thrilled to join the YMCA Personal Training Team! My career at the Y began 7 years ago instructing group fitness classes. In 2022 I was promoted to the Health and Wellness Coordinator. My passion for movement started in my younger years with team sports like softball, gymnastics and soccer. My sports background lead me to pursue a degree at Salem State University in Exercise Science. While achieving my bachelor’s degree I competed nationally on their cheerleading team. Nowadays, my extracurricular activities look a bit different and include weightlifting, walking with friends, running 5k road races, chasing after my 5 and 4-year-old children and having dance parties. Just to name a few! I am excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for fitness in a one-on-one setting. I truly love educating and motivating others to lead a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to continue to show others that movement can be and should be enjoyable. My approach to training is simple, move better, feel better. Consistency is the key to progress and together we can do this! Let’s start today!

I am very excited to provide health coaching services at the YMCA. As a health coach, I will help you find the motivation that you need to live a healthier lifestyle. We will work together and focus on your strengths in order to achieve your wellness goals. After we create your wellness vision, we can start creating small steps to achieve your goals through weekly action planning. I am different from a personal trainer or nutritionist because I work on goal setting instead of giving specific nutritional or physical activity advice. However, collaboration is key so I can also work closely with other health professionals. I have a background in behavior analysis, and I am a Master Certified Health Coach through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. I have prior experience coaching members at the YMCA, and I am eager to work with more members of the YMCA. As a mother, I understand how challenging it can be to put your health first, but I believe that with the right tools, your goals can be achieved.

I am a graduate of Body Arts Science International (BASI) Graduate Pilates Program and a Pilates Method Alliance Nationally Certified Instructor. I have a passion for helping clients find their fit selves after significant life changes like childbirth or illness.  I truly believe in fitness for EVERY body.  You need not be an athlete to be FIT.  Through Pilates, I teach my clients to live more efficiently in their bodies.  We work hard together to build strength in good form and function so when you leave the studio, you will feel FIT and better-abled in your life.  As a MELT instructor,  I utilize the Method to enhance your mobility, stability, and performance.  The MELT Method is clinically proven to reduce persistent pain while easing the mind and restoring overall well-being.  My sessions include a mixture of both Pilates and MELT techniques to help free the body of stress, restore balance, and increase strength, so that you may live your life with joy and ease.

Jeff began personal training after a 43-year career in printing. He is a graduate of the National Personal Training Institute in Waltham and certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Jeff is also a certified yoga instructor through the Yoga Alliance. Jeff enjoys training people of all ages but especially wants to help older folks become healthier and happier in their life. He focuses on balance, flexibility, and strength. Jeff is very excited to be in a field where he can help people reach their personal goals. His love for training has made him an indispensable member of our LiveSTRONG team, and he has brought his skills to remote locations in the community.

I know how hard it can be to get started, or where to even begin in the weight room, but I am here to help you! I enjoy working with clients to help them reach their individual goals and become happier and healthier in the process. My favorite workouts are built around weight lifting and progressive overload programming to improve overall strength. This will not only help getting stronger in the gym, but fitness that can be used throughout your everyday life.
Through a combination of different exercise techniques and approaches tailored to you individually, it’s my goal that every exercise session is a chance to learn, improve and have fun.

I bring a lifelong commitment to health and wellness to my training practice.  My approach is using what I know about training with a broad knowledge of health, wellness, and herbal nutrition to provide a comprehensive approach to fitness. I take satisfaction in developing personalized training routines for a wide range of people.  My specialty is in strength and conditioning as well as weight loss and athletic training.  When you train with me I provide you with the tools and accountability to turn your intentions into habits.

Respect your hustle! Every ounce of sweat, frustration, and hard work puts you in a position to be your best self. I help my clients reach their full potential in gradual stages of movement. I help set high but realistic goals in strength training, endurance, and overall wellness. As a certified personal trainer and certified health and wellness coach, I train all clients regardless of their experience in the fitness world. I cannot wait to work with you!

I shifted careers to become a certified personal trainer after personally experiencing the transformative power of strength training. The benefits extend beyond physical changes and include increased confidence, more energy, better mental health, and improved overall well being. I’m eager to help you achieve your strength and fitness goals, recognizing that everyone’s goals are different.

When I’m not at the Y, you can often find me on a softball field coaching youth teams or leading pitching clinics. I’m a former collegiate softball player and current Wakefield Youth Softball coach and board member. My athletic and coaching background gives me unique insight into how best to encourage and motivate others to learn new physical skills and meet their goals. I’m also a parent of two, energy efficiency professional, and outdoor enthusiast.

Acea has been in the fitness industry for over 29 years. He’s certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, has a master’s degree in Psychology and is part of the TRX education team. “I enjoy sharing my expertise and experience to fitness professionals, athletes, colleagues and beginner participants. I use a gracious, knowledgeable, entertaining, direct and clear approach when personal training, coaching or instructing classes or workshops. It is my mission now to provide counseling, training and motivation to all who seek improvement for both the mind and the body.