Personal Training

Brandy Stanton
Brandy has always been involved in athletics. She spent 8 year’s playing competitive soccer, 6 year’s in gymnastics and dance, and 2 year’s in track and field. Aside from competitive athletics, Brandy involves herself in cardio kickboxing, step, strength and core training.

Brandy has her personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a nutritionist certification through Apex Fitness, and a sports training certification through Renegade. Her mission is to help people accomplish their goals by teaching them to enjoy exercise and achieve healthy lifestyles.

Carole Rubino
"My approach to fitness is making exercise fun, and different, in order to keep you’re body guessing, and never hitting a plateau."

Carole has been working in the Fitness Industry for over 25 years. her love of fitness and dance has molded her into an outstanding Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. She believes that a balance of Resistance Training, Functional Training, Cardiovascular and Nutrition are the keys to success.

Before coming to The Edge Carole has held the position of Fitness Director for multiple fitness clubs, sports director for to major cruise lines and has owned two nutrition franchises. She has also competed and won many dance and aerobic competitions. Carole is certified by AFAA, NASM, Renegade, and APEX and continues to take varioius workshops to further her education in different training methods.

Carole continues to view fitness as a very important part if her life and her clients. Her clients feel she has the experience and motivation to get them to their goals.

Chris Skelton
Chris Skelton has been involved in the world of fitness for the past 10 years. Chris grew up in Rhode Island where he played Junior Olympic Volleyball and competitive beach tournaments as well as high school wrestling, golf and volleyball. After high school Chris received a scholarship to play Division 1 Volleyball at Sacred Heart University where he also got his undergrad. Currently Chris is pursuing his graduate degree in Human Movement, as well as coaching a high school volleyball team, which in the past two years is 46-0 with two state championships. He also holds many certifications including National Academy of Sports Medicine, Renegade, Apex Nutrition, Apex Trainer, and Impact Coaching. Chris also teaches a variety of classes, Boot Camp, GPP, and a youth class called Overtime Sports.

Devon Yorke
Devon is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in both their basic and advanced workshops. He is a Certified Resistance training Specialist through Focus on Fitness and he is Certified Fitness Professional through APEX Fitness.

Diana Klaric
Fitness changed Diana's life so she decided to make it her full-time job! She prides herself on getting to know what a client really wants to get out of their session and then motivates and educates them to help them reach their individual goal. Diana's philosophy is to give clients her undivided attention during their appointment and to dedicate herself to their goals.

Train with Diana and you will get results! Diana is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is currently working on completing her Fitness Professional Certification through Apex Fitness. Diana knows the importance of incorporating nutrition and exercise to reach and maintain your results. Diana creates menu and exercise routine that will easily fit into her client's lifestyles.

Nick Scheets
Nick attended Eastern Connecticut State University, graduating with a degree in Sport Management with an emphasis on exercise testing. While at Eastern he was a four-year starter on the varsity baseball team, which won the 2002 Division 3 national championship. After graduating he went on to teach grades 8-10 at the prestigious Saint Thomas Moore College Preparatory School. He spent four years serving as the head varsity baseball coach, assistant basketball coach, cross country coach, and the intramural director along with his duties as the assistant athletic director. Nick also ran the strength and conditioning program for all student athletes who were serious about making positive body changes geared towards their sport.

Nick’s specialties include: improving your body composition, enhancing muscular strength and endurance, and improving athletic performance.

"I have a passion for improving the quality of people’s lives. My motivational skills used as a teacher and a coach as well as my knowledge of physical training will help you feel better about yourself, mind and body. I want to teach you the proper techniques of resistance training and increase your cardiovascular endurance."

Neil Connery
Neil’s credentials include a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Performance Enhancement Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Endurance and Sports Trainers Association. Along with Neil’s education he has extensive practice in not only personal training but strength and conditioning of athletes as well. In addition, Neil has worked in a hospital setting and has experience with multiple diagnoses including but not limited to cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic disease populations. As a former three year starter on the Western New England College Football team and currently as a competitive natural bodybuilder Neil understands what it takes to motivate and push oneself beyond personal limitations and goals.

Pat Biggs
Pat’s chief objective is to improve the quality of life for his clients by developing an individualized approach to achieve their fitness goals. His clients utilize the synergy created by this personal plan to attain permanent results. Pat emphasizes that improved nutrition and exercise are the basics to being fit for life. Additionally, Pat instills in his clients the concept that to succeed in their fitness goal they must be willing to make a lifestyle change.

Pat specializes in body composition transformation. Client’s individual needs are addressed and a multi-tiered solution is created to maximize results. Most importantly, Pat imparts his motivation and passion for fitness to his clients. Pat has a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Miami University. He is certified through the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness, and Focus on Fitness.

Siobhan Costello
Siobhan has over 18 years of teaching and coaching physical movement and fitness. She is a former professional modern dancer, teacher and coach specializing in the Doris Humphrey-Charles Weidman technique. Her experiences include teaching and performing in New Haven and Hartford, CT as well as throughout Chicago and New York.

From 2003 to 2006 Siobhan owned and operated Pilates plus Yoga; a fully-equipped Pilates studio. Prior to her opening her own business, she managed a health and wellness facility where she was employed as the Principle Pilates Instructor and the Daily Operations Coordinator. Here she worked closely with the naturopath physicians and chiropractor to make sure all patients and clients met their physical goals and maintained their optimum health. At both organizations Siobhan conducted group classes and private lessons to the public as well as to special populations related to rehabilitation of injuries, surgeries, and various disabilities including long term illnesses.

Currently, Siobhan holds a full certification as a STOTT Pilates Instructor. She joined The Edge in 2006, not only with enthusiasm and commitment, but also with over 9 years of Pilates teaching and coaching experience as well as over 500 hours of Pilates education and training.

Cliff Powell
Cliff was an all state gymnast in and upon leaving college, entered the corporate world and over the next 30 years gradually became physically obese. Cliff began training and nourishing his body properly at the age of 53 and went from an unhealthy 243 lbs. to a healthy 170lbs. Cliff achieved this fitness goal by making physical fitness part of his life again. He can help you do it too!

There are NO MAGIC PILLS, but attaining RENEWED HEALTH IS WITHIN REACH!

Remember, you are worth the time and effort to become physically fit. Cliff’s vision is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of others through properly guided exercise while making better nutrition choices. Certifications include IFPA; VT, PFT, CT NASM, CPT, FHFP, Renegade, Kettlebell, American Red cross, AED, and CPR.

Damien Mychajlowskyj
I am currently certified through N.A.S.M. Training. Renegade Certification is my current study, and RTS (Resistance Training Specialist) will follow afterward. Many people misconceive that fitness is nothing more than something you do just to lose weight in a short amount of time, or something to do as a "hobby" with your friends on a weekend. Not so. From personal experience, fitness should be a long-term commitment, and most importantly, enjoyed to its fullest extent. Fitness is a fantastic lifestyle simply because you will want to better yourself with every goal achieved, further progressing down the road to improve your physique and mentality as a whole. I am here to help you on that journey with results found in a fun, motivating, and likeable environment. Confidence comes from doing.

The lifestyle of fitness has always been intriguing to me, as a sharp looking physique has always been an exciting subject. I would watch in awe as someone muscle-bound would flex and light up their muscles, showing off all of their hard work and dedication. All of this meant that much more as I found myself growing to a whopping 245 pounds at the age of 13 due to inactivity, and my doctor warned me of health concerns and recommended that I do something healthy for myself. Weightlifting became something I liked so much; I ended up changing my entire lifestyle to revolve around my passion for fitness. All of my knowledge is self-disciplined; everything I know comes from hands on practice. My certifications expand on this. I love to find overall balance through proper strength training and applied regimens. I try to find what my client's goals are and mix in their favorite interests to create a proportionate routine with optimal results. Remember, what you put into your workouts will dictate what comes out of them.

Laura DelBiando
Laura is a highly motivated, dedicated, energetic person who has played soccer since she was 5 years old. Laura is NSCA CSCS certified and has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Hofstra University. She was a 3-year captain for the woman’s soccer team and led her team to it’s first NCAA tournament. Laura has first hand experience in leading a team to it’s ultimate goal, and will do the same for you. Immediately after graduating from Hofstra, Laura was hired as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Men and Women’s Soccer, Women’s Lacrosse, Field Hockey, and assisted with the Men’s Lacrosse and Football team.

In addition to working with Elite Division one athletes, Laura has worked with people ranging in age from 11 to 90. She has extensive experience working with people who have physically debilitating conditions, such as Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, heart conditions, joint replacements, back surgeries, and other orthopedic injuries.

Laura gives 110% to her clients and is committed to helping them reach their goals. She will develop an exercise and nutrition program specific to your needs. Her sessions are very intense, high energy, but most importantly FUN! Laura specializes in athletic performance, Olympic lifts, nutrition counseling, body composition changes, and rehabilitation.

Over the past few years, Laura has run several marathons and half marathons where she placed in many of these races. She is currently working with a coach and hopes to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 2012. She plans to work towards the RTS and Renegade certification in the near future.

Lucie Ferreira
Health and fitness have always been an important part of Lucie’s life. Having struggled with a life threatening illness through adolescence, it became very important for her to regain control of her life physically and mentally. Lucie is a motivational trainer with a lot of energy. Her passion for health and fitness is clearly seen through her intense (yet always fun) sessions.

"Fitness is not about achieving the perfect physique. It’s about building confidence. Only with that confidence do you achieve your own personal success!"

Lucie is a certified trainer through NASM, she is a 3rd level Renegade trainer, and is Kettlebell certified.

Rich Murphy
Rich is a dedicated and enthusiastic trainer who recently graduated from The Center for Culinary Arts. It was there that he learned the importance of nutrition. Rich himself went from being an unhealthy 280 lbs to his weight today of 183 lbs. This new lifestyle that Rich has discovered has inspired him to help others reach their fitness goals. Rich is certified through IFPA, Renegade, and is working towards his NASM certification. Rich specializes in strength training, weight loss, and nutrition. Rich believes that health is the number one most important thing in life; he also believes that a healthy lifestyle can make many aspects of your life better,, giving more energy throughout the day, less stress, and most importantly a feeling of self respect. Training with Rich consists of a fun workout in a comfortable environment; the workout is intense, efficient, and rewarding. You will see that training with Rich will get you results!

Rick Scranton
Rick is a motivating and energetic trainer. His clients enjoy showing up for their appointments because they know they will be rejuvenated when they are through. He understands the mind, body, and spirit connection. According to Rick, reaching your goals starts with your nutrition. He strives to make his client’s path to their personal goals a realistic and permanent one. Each of Rick's clients receives a personal program that fits their personality and lifestyle.

Rick certified is through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also Certified Fitness Professional through Apex Fitness. He has attended several Fitness Edge workshops covering biomechanics, nutrition, physics, anatomy and physiology, menu planning, balance and stability training. Rick specializes in altering body composition and functional training and preparing the body for every day stresses and demands.

Mark Chudy
Mark has been training for over 11 years and has worked with many bodybuilders and athletes getting ready for competitions. Originally from the Florida area, he relocated to Connecticut to obtain his Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine. Mark has also been a personal cook for his clients and loves working with people to solve the nutrition puzzle, Mark’s goal is to help clients achieve their goals while learning and having fun.

Neil Connery
Neil’s credentials include a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Performance Enhancement Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Endurance and Sports Trainers Association.

Along with Neil’s education he has extensive practice in not only personal training but strength and conditioning of athletes as well. In addition Neil has worked in a hospital setting and has experience with multiple diagnoses including but not limited to cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic disease populations. As a former three year starter on the Western New England College Football team and currently as a competitive natural bodybuilder Neil understands what it takes to motivate and push oneself beyond personal limitations and goals.

Paul Kowal
Paul has always had a passion for fitness and the human body. He obtained his bachelor's degree in Movement Science in 2001, and has worked as a personal trainer ever since. Paul specializes in helping people get people to their goals in a quick and safe manner. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from Westfield State College in Movement Science with a concentrations in Sports Medicine and Health/Fitness.
In addition, Paul is a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, a Renegade Training. Paul specializes in weight reduction, injury, rehabilitation, Olympic lifts, sport specific training, and core training.

Pete Toth
Pete has been involved in the health science and fitness industry for several years. Over the course of his career, he has utilized exercise and proper nutrition to transform his life, as well as the lives of many others. In addition to working as a Personal Trainer, Pete is also an Exercise Physiologist at St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he works with patients in cardiac rehabilitation. His experience working in a clinical setting studying the scientific effect of exercise on the human body, has allowed him to create individualized programs that have brought his clients much success.

Regardless of a person's age or ability, Pete can help them to achieve their goal. He has worked with a wide variety of people, such as high school athletes, law enforcement officers, post-operative cardiac patients, and the obese. No matter who he is training though, Pete's objective remains the same; Accomplish the goal at hand and surpass a client's expectations as a trainer.

Training with Pete does not just encompass exercise, but also education. By instilling his knowledge of exercise and nutrition into his clients, they understand how and why they achieve their goals, and what they need to continue doing to live a healthy life.

Pete holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Exercise Science: Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Marie Cetti
Marie has used fitness, health and nutrition as a staple to overcome every obstacle she has ever encountered. From grade school right through college Marie was a multi-sport athlete; the sport that brought her the most joy was soccer. Marie was a goalkeeper for Berkshire County United, an international soccer team out of Massachusetts and for the Sacred Heart University Women's soccer team. While playing soccer Marie learned that the principals of teamwork, dedication, and a positive attitude can make anything possible. Marie comes to The Edge with a background in both Political Science and Psychology, however, her passion as an athlete sparked extreme interest in the health and fitness industry.

Her energetic and passionate attitude will not only help people enjoy their workout, but it will make them want to push harder every time they train. Marie wants her clients not to only enjoy being fit and healthy, but to see the lifestyle change as a plus in their life.

Marie's enthusiasm will help carry her clients above and beyond their personal goals for a healthy and fit lifestyle!

"Belief is stronger than doubt."

Neil Robertson
Neil's credentials include a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Performance Enhancement Specialist and a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Endurance and Sports Trainers Association. Along with Neil's education he has extensive practice in not only personal training but strength & conditioning of athletes as well. In addition Neil has worked in a hospital setting and has experience with multiple diagnoses including but not limited to cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic disease populations. As a former three year starter on the Western New England College Football team and currently as a competitive natural bodybuilder Neil understands what it takes to motivate and push oneself beyond personal limitations and goals.

Anthony Papacoda
With a tremendous passion for health and fitness, Anthony brings a positive, energetic attitude to The Edge training staff. Ever since he was in high school, Anthony has always had a love for going to the gym and working out as hard as possible. This passion brought him to Springfield College where he earned his degree in Applied Exercise Science, as well as excelling on the football field. Shortly after, Anthony began training athletes at both The College of Holy Cross and Bucknell University. He recently made the transition from performance training to wellness training and is trying to combine both types of training. He feels that there are many things that you can take from performance training and apply to wellness training to make it fun and exciting.

Anthony enjoys the challenge of taking someone’s “goal” and turning it into a reality. He feels that the type of training a person does should not be dependent on his particular training style, but instead based upon each person’s individual goals.

Anthony is First Aid and CPR certified, he also has his Strength and Conditioning Certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Anthony feels that you can never know enough about the field of exercise, and hopes to earn more certifications and continue his learning in the future.

"The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move." John Wooden

Chris Kalisz
Chris has just recently joined the extraordinary team of trainers at The EDGE. He holds a Civil Engineering and Architectural Degree from Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts. While working towards his degree, Chris worked at Gold’s Gym in MA and realized that fitness was fun and more interesting and personally involved with his lifestyle than civil engineering was. He decided to go a different route and pursue personal training, a decision he has not thought twice about!

As a Professional Wrestler looking to make a name for himself in the wide world of sports entertainment, Chris has an ideal understanding and knowledge of weight training, flexibility, ply-o-metrics, toning, nutrition, and over-all health. He knows what it feels like to have people tell you “You can’t do it” or “You’ll never make it”. He also knows what it takes to get to where you want to be, both physically and mentally. His passion to succeed is driven by the pure motivation, determination, and intensity to be the best at what he does.

CERTIFICATIONS:
Chris is currently First Aid, CPR, and AED certified through American Red Cross. He is also certified through the International Academy of Sports Medicine.

"Visualize your goal. Let it be the first thing on your mind when you wake up, and the last thing on your mind when you go to sleep. Don’t let negative feelings of depression, stress, or your current physical state upset you. Instead, use it as motivation to get you to your goal as quickly and as safely as possible."

Danielle Patchen
Danielle has been a part of the team since 1999. She was a competitive runner and field hockey player for Southern Connecticut State University before working as a Personal Trainer. Danielle was always interested in how resistance training and nutrition could better her performance in sports and activities. Danielle worked at a Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Danbury Hospital for her internship. She has worked with adults that had open-heart surgery, heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetics. She understands the severity of each and how careful her training program would have to be designed.

Danielle has a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science. She is a Certified Resistance Training Specialist through Focus on Fitness and a Certified Fitness Professional through Apex Fitness. She is also certified through Renegade Training, Kettle Bell and is currently studying the healing art of Reiki. Danielle specializes in knee, back and neck ailments and injuries (post-rehabilitation). She also specializes in pre and post-natal workouts as well as fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Jermaine Morgan
Jermaine joined The Edge in 2008. As a track, basketball, and cross country athlete in high school, Jermaine developed a respect for fitness and weight training which led him to an interest in bodybuilding. After winning his class in the first show he entered, Jermaine continued to compete as a bodybuilder going on four years now!

There is nothing Jermaine loves more than being in the gym. “I never get tired of talking about workouts, nutrition, sports -- anything involving athletics!”

As a trainer, Jermaine finds pleasure in motivating his clients and pushing them to get the results they are after. Jermaine’s specialty is working with clients who have a particular interest in changing body composition and nutritional changes in their diet.

Jermaine is certified through IFPA as a Fitness Professional and is currently working on a Sports Nutrition certification. Jermaine in committed to his clients and making their training sessions fun, interesting, and effective!

Jessica Crasilli
With a love for extreme sports, Jessica started racing BMX at the age of 5. Becoming very competitive, Jessica started working with a personal trainer at 15 and knew right away that she had a passion for fitness and wanted to learn more in the fitness industry. Through sports and working with her trainer, Jessica became mentally and physically stronger leading her to become a US National Champion for 3 consecutive years in BMX.

Jessica then decided to pursue her Associate Degree in Health and Fitness at Dean College. At Dean, Jessica was a 2-year All Region Volleyball player. Jessica also attended Springfield College where she received her BS in Exercise Science. At Springfield, she competed in 1 year of crew. Jessica has been training for over 7 years and belies in always trying new things and continuing to always learn. She approaches fitness as a lifestyle’ and believes ‘change creates change.’ Jessica enjoys working with all fitness levels and her specialties include strength and conditioning for athletes, core stabilization, neuromuscular training, pre and post-natal, elder populations and kids fitness. Jessica also loves leading the Fitness Edge Boot camps; motivating you to work to your hardest potential and making you feel awesome when it’s over. Jessica has received her BS in Exercise Science at Springfield College, RTS I & II, NASM, Renegade Trainer, Kettlebell Specialist, CPR. Completion of cadaver hands-on workshop.

Philosophy: Always have goals!! “Don’t count the days, make the days count!” -Muhammed Ali

Jill Stilson
Jill has been involved in the fitness world since owning her own Jazzercise Franchise in the 1980’s. Since then, her work experience has included Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires and working as a Health and Fitness Specialist at Faulkner Physical Therapy in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Jill has numerous certifications including Dancing through Pregnancy, Pre and Post-Natal and Menapausal Exercise, Certified Fitness Professional through Apex Nutrition, Resistance Training Specialist 1 & 2 through Focus on Fitness and Renegade.

"I love working with people new to exercise because I get to ‘talk the talk’, but I also like to help people spice up their old routines to keep them fresh and interesting."

Jillian Petracco
Jillian became interested in fitness when she was introduced to competitive track and field at age 11. Participating in a variety of athletics led her to uncover her passion for the human body and how it functions in the athletic environment. Believing that physical success depends greatly upon mental health, Jillian began to study various psychological topics relating to athletics and fitness. She entered Norwich University in 2001, where she studied Sports Medicine. It was there that she learned the necessity for injury prevention, the care of emergency injuries, and the art of rehabilitation. Throughout college, Jillian worked as the athletic training student for a variety of both men’s and women’s athletic teams, fine-tuning her knowledge of the human body. She incorporates a strong flexibility program into every exercise prescription, as a strength program cannot be successful without stretching. Jillian believes that the most important aspect of personal fitness and health is education, and works to ensure her clients have a strong understanding of their exercise prescriptions and current health situations.

Jillian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine/ Athletic Training, with minors in coaching and physical education. Jillian is certified through Renegade Training International, and holds a certification in kettle bell training. Jillian hopes to one day become an Orthopedic Physician Assistant and teach Athletic Training courses at the college level. She has been an employee of the Fitness Edge since June 2005, and has also worked as an Athletic Trainer for a physical therapist. Jillian is currently working toward a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition through the University of Bridgeport.

Jillian specializes in Strength and Conditioning for athletes, injury prevention, core stabilization, neuromuscular facilitation, proprioception training, injury rehabilitation, visualization techniques, altering body composition and flexibility. She welcomes anyone interested in changing their life, and people of all fitness levels.

JoAnn Valentino
JoAnn joined Fitness Edge in March 2007. Prior to becoming a Fitness Edge team member she was a Personal Trainer in a private co-ed fitness club as well as managing a small fitness business. JoAnn holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern Connecticut State University and an Exercise Science certification from Housatonic Community College. During her course of study, Joann also took several fitness related courses at NYU and feels continuing education should be a top priority. She is certified through NETA; National Exercise and Trainers Association, not only as a Personal Trainer, but also as an Active Older Adults Instructor. She will be pursuing a certification in RTS: Resistance Training Specialist.

"Never let the warranty on life expire – There is no dress rehearsal"

John DiDio
John has been working with The Edge for 12 years. He has experience coaching and playing golf, baseball, football, lacrosse, hockey, swimming and all racquet sports. John’s fitness philosophy: “No matter what you are trying to improve on in life, fitness is a huge part of obtaining any goal, physical or mental.” He is a teacher and a motivator. John is dedicated to his clients and will help them achieve their goals, no matter what obstacles stand in the way. “I want them to know I am always here for them. I strive to show them the path to success. I want them to know it is all about them.”

John is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also certified through APEX. He is a certified Resistance Training Specialist through Focus on Fitness, a Certified Renegade trainer, and a Certified Golf Fitness instructor through Titleist Performance Institute. John has attended seminars and workshops on the stability ball and Thera-Bands. He specializes in Sports Specific Training, Spinal Injury Therapy and Prevention, Senior Citizen and Youth Exercise. John also specializes in Functional Training, stretching and core stabilization.

Meridith Walworth
Meridith has spent 17 years in the fitness industry as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer and mat Pilates and yoga teacher. After majoring in Physical Education at Southern Connecticut State University, Meridith worked as a Connecticut State Trooper. The intensity and discipline required for this profession is brought to her training sessions. Her diverse fitness background runs the gamut from bodybuilding, road racing and triathlons to swing dancing and dance choreography. Meridith has been a member of the Fitness Edge team since 1999.

Meridith is certified as a Resistance Training Specialist, RTS1 and RTS2 through Focus On Fitness. She is also certified as a CPT through The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Meridith holds certifications through APEX in nutrition and AAAI/ISMA in Sports Nutrition. She has attended numerous cadaver labs and has a working knowledge of human anatomy and biomechanics. Meridith has trained with such yoga dignitaries as John Friend, Glenn Black, Todd Norian, Anne Greene, Rodney Yee and Yogi Amrit Desai and is certified in yoga in the Amrit/Kripalu lineage.

Meridith is a Reiki Master/Teacher and Practitioner who leads workshops in energy healing and meditation. She is a PSYCH-K facilitator, a simple technique that allows for the change of beliefs and perceptions that impact your life in negative ways. This system can be helpful when will power just isn’t enough. Her healing and stress reduction techniques help to bring confidence and self esteem to all of her clients. Her goal is to guide her clients to total harmony, balance, and wellness.

Missy Crump
Having lost fifty-five pounds herself, Missy can relate to the various needs of her clients. She presently competes in Fitness Competitions, and has also helped some of her clients to compete. She excels at creating specialized programs to suit each of her clients base on their specific goals. Since her start in the fitness industry in 1998, Missy has acquired a wealth of knowledge on proper nutrition and strength training techniques. Her experience makes her the perfect trainer for anyone who wants to lose weight, get fit or train for a sports event.

Missy is currently certified through The International Sports Science Association. She is also pursuing certification through The National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Apex Nutrition.

Rob Shrage
Rob’s energy and enthusiasm for training keeps him successful in the fitness world. Rob believes that “simplicity is the key to functionality.” Rob believes in training methods that will improve his client’s ability to perform physical tasks outside the gym as well as inside the gym. His constant attention to the little details of exercise makes him an excellent instructor in proper exercise technique. “I understand that each client is different and I believe that each person must find out what works for him or her. Through nutrition awareness, consistent commitment and proper fitness instruction I can help any client reach their goals.”

Rob became interested in fitness when he began training for martial arts competitions nine years ago. In that time, he was exposed to numerous amounts of unique training methods and specialized exercises. Rob was an Oyama semi-knockdown champion, middleweight Grapplers Quest champion, two-time Dragons Liar Challenge champion and recently won a USKBA Kickboxing match by way of knock out. Being involved in a sport, which requires the athlete lose and gain weight at will, Rob has a great deal of experience in changing body composition. Today, Rob continues to compete in Kickboxing, Submission Fighting and mixed Martial Arts competition.

Rob is certified through Renegade training. Rob also has two years of Human Performance training at Southern Connecticut State University. He specializes in cardio and muscular endurance improvement, weight loss, muscle mass gains, Boxing, Kickboxing, Ground fighting and all around self defense.

John Vigilio
John is not limited to one specific field of fitness. Having parents with past health problems; John takes his work very seriously and personally. Just the chance to help others get healthier, and stay in better shape is a major goal of his career. His goal is to help his clients move in the direction they want to go; and possibly moving well beyond that, and adapting a better, healthier lifestyle.

John is a certified Personal Trainer through International Sports Sciences Association and Renegade Training. He is currently pursuing another certification through the Resistance Training Specialist Program. He specializes in strength training and has a background competitive power lifting. He also has experience in team training; he successfully coached two couples in The Fitness Edge Ultimate Slim-down competition – helping them to achieve excellent results!

Tammy Kiernan
Tammy has been a part of the Fitness Edge Team since 1997. Her clients love training with her because she has focuses on the details that it will take to get them to their fitness goals. Tammy was the Assistant Basketball Coach at Southern Connecticut State University her first year out of College – after playing basketball for the university for 4 years. An avid runner, Tammy completed her first Marathon in October of 2002. She uses her knowledge of training and food intake for her sports specific goals to better her performance on the court and on the road. Tammy loves challenging herself to get to her performance.

Tammy has her Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology with a Minor in Public Health. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She is a Certified Fitness Professional through Apex Fitness. Renegade and CPR. She specializes in altering body composition or increasing sport performance. She will customize a routine for each individual goal. Tammy understands the importance of resistance training, cardiovascular training & food intake. I have experience with triathons – sprint distance, Olympic Distance and Half Ironman. As well as various road races.

Tim King
Tim is known at The Fitness Edge for how hard he works to get his clients results. His training philosophy mirrors his own training: consistency, intensity and hard work. He brings the energy to his clients sessions that guarantees results. Time gained much of his experience as a trainer by working as an intern at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid and as a track and field coach at the University of New Hampshire. It’s not surprising that in his spare time he competes in road races. In fact, he’s currently training for the Boston Marathon.

Tim has a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition Science from the University of New Hampshire and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Human Performance/ Exercise Physiology. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and an APEX Fitness Professional. Tim is also a USATF level 1 Certified Track & Field Coach. He specializes in overall fitness goals, nutrition counseling, body composition changes and sports specific training. Tim uses countless approaches in an effort to get more muscle involved to maximize intensity and calorie burning.

Topher Tornow
Topher has been incorporating fitness into this life for as long as he can remember and strives to help his clients do the same. He utilized resistance training, cardio and food intake to help improve his athletic performance in a wide variety of school sports. Topher was also the Captain of his high school basketball team.

In society where there are so many labor-saving devices, Topher strives to keep his clients moving a little every single day. He easily transfers his enthusiasm to his clients to motivate then to reach and exceed their goals. Topher does not view his job as work. Teaching and being involved in fitness is enjoyable and he wants his clients to enjoy their own workouts as much as he does.

Topher has his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Charter Oak State College. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is also a Certified Resistance Training Specialist through Focus on Fitness, certified Apex Fitness Professional and certified through Renegade Training. Topher is also a trainer to the trainers – often holding his own seminars.

Topher specializes in body fat reduction. He creates a workout that is realistic for each client and is structured around their individual needs. Topher’s dedication and focus is what attracts his clients to him – they know he will never give up on their goals. He and his client become a powerful team to ensure they are continually moving in the direction of success.