Our team of personal trainers will help you meet your health & wellness goals- whether you're training for an event, working on your form, or just wanting to strengthen your body, our team is here to help.
Downtown Branch
Meet the trainers from our Downtown Branch in Downtown Syracuse.
With the Y Since 2022
Availability: Tuesday and Thursday
Background: I am a YMCA Ace Certified Personal Trainer as well as a member of the NYS Army National Guard. In my college career, I focused on becoming a hobbyist bodybuilder alongside playing collegiate level soccer at SUNY Oswego. I have over three years of experience working as an independent personal trainer, primarily focusing on helping people achieve their lifestyle goals.
More about Isaac: Most of my life has been focused on competing in high-level sports. From soccer, track and field, and even wrestling, I’m willing to try anything! My intense gym habits didn’t become apparent until after I joined the U.S. military when I really started to notice I was letting myself go. After a handful of trial-and-error experiences with fitness, I began to research and properly attack the gym head-on. While I may have other passions, the gym is my utmost favorite!
With the Y Since 2022
Availability: Monday - Friday after 5pm; Saturday - Sunday Open
Background: I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer who also holds a certificate in Diet Management. I am currently being educated through NASM to become a Certified Nutritionist to better serve my clients. Along with my certifications, I have taken an NYS EMT course and hold a BLS, CPR/AED card.
More about Sean: I started with fitness and weightlifting at a young age with my father. He showed me what hard work and discipline are all about. Life has its ups and downs, but I realized the gym was always there. Through school, I played a couple of sports, but I realized my real passion was in the weight room. You get back what you put into life, and that is the same thing with fitness. I strive to be the best version of myself, and I make it a personal duty to help make people better versions of themselves.
I have performed in some powerlifting events and trained Strongman for some time. I have experience helping people change their lives through strength training, cardiovascular improvement, and general fitness.
Hal Welsh East Area Family Branch
Meet the trainers from our Hal Welsh East Area Family Branch in Fayetteville.
My Background: I have Personal Trainer (NESTA), LPTA/CPR/AED/First Aid/EMT-I Certifications. I provide care in Health & Wellness with Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics to Geriatrics, Aquatics, Cardiac/Pulmonary. I received a degree in Sports Management from the University of North Carolina and the Associate of Applied Technology Degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant from Athens Area Technical Institute. I specialize in offering guidance with exercise to improve health and wellness of children, adults & geriatrics and those recovering from injury, surgery or overuse.
More about Michael: I enjoy playing a variety of sports (e.g., basketball, baseball, racquetball, tennis, pickle ball, swimming) and spending time outdoors (e.g., hiking, playing disc golf, etc.) with friends and family. I enjoy working at a location that allows me to help people (of all ages and abilities) to maintain and improve their wellness and strength. The many aspects of the facility allow me the opportunity to be creative and flexible with my training approach with clients. In my tenure with the YMCA thus far, I have been given the opportunity to work with a variety of clients ranging from those who are working to gain their mobility back post-operative treatment and/or illness….to those who are looking to maintain and/or improve their quality of life through strength and condition training. Through instruction, I have been fortunate to see clients show a marked improvement in their confidence, attitude and physical abilities.
With the Y Since 2014
Availability: Varies
Background: I am a YMCA ACE certified personal trainer, an RRCA certified Level ! Running coach, a swim instructor and a certified lifeguard. I have completed 2 marathons, numerous half marathons, and a 70.3 Triathlon.
More about Kim: I was not athletic, nor did I have any interest in fitness in my youth, and other than the exercise I had to do while in serving in the US ARMY, lived a pretty sedentary life. I realized, when I was having trouble keeping up with my young children, that I need to make a change for my health, and began to run. I have not stopped since!
With the Y Since 2019
Availability: Mid-Day, Evenings, Weekends
Background: Associate Degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Level 1 Boxing Coach, Brown Belt in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu.
More about Omar: I enjoy keeping active and and fit and I love to help others do the same. It is exciting to help people reach their fitness goals, whether it is running a 5k or doing a single pushup. I believe that mixing up your workouts keeps exercise interesting and effective.
Background: My specialties are general strength & cardio, orthopedic issues, functional movement issues, and strength & well-being for cancer survivors. I have a Personal Training Certification and an Orthopedic Specialist Certification from the American Council on Exercise. I have been a Livestrong Certified Coach since 2010 and certified in Functional Movement since 2012. I am CPR/AED and First Aid Certified from the Red Cross.
More about Jack: Outside of training, I like to play guitar and piano. I also enjoy reading nonfiction and watching classic movies. I previously worked in the Charles Street Prison in Boston as a novice in the Franciscan Order. I worked as a math teacher at Jamesville-Dewitt High School from 1974-2005 and then served on the Board of Education from 2006-2014.
With the Y Since 2016
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday - 8:30am - 2:00pm
Background: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, Functional Training Specialist, Core Training, Senior Fitness, CPR/AED Certified
More about Drew: I am passionate about fitness and nutrition. I have been a track and cross country runner in high school and college and have competed road racing in NY. My mission is to help others achieve their fitness goals through targeted, personalized training programs based upon their goals.
With the Y Since 2018
Availability: Flexible, based upon Health & Wellness Coordinator position hours
Background: I graduated from Syracuse as a Physical Activity, Sports, Coaching and Recreation major in December of 2021. I received my personal training certificate through the YMCA Foundations of Strength and Conditioning (ACE equivalent) this past year. I have been in the Health and Wellness Coordinator position since the start of February 2022. I am very knowledgeable in the sports/health and wellness field as I have been an athlete my whole life.
More about Ryan: I was a 4-year Division 1 varsity rower at Syracuse. I am a sports fanatic and love being around the sports/wellness area. In my free time, I am constantly staying active, hanging out with friends and family, and helping in the community. I am always willing to take on new tasks and help others out. My goal in life is to stay positive, help others out, and always be there for people.
With the Y Since 2018
Availability: Mondays, Tuesday afternoons/early evenings, Wednesday mornings/afternoons
Background: I am a Y-USA ACE certified personal trainer and an RN with an active COTA license. I like to implement hypertrophy training and help my clients build muscle and get stronger. I also enjoy training clients recovering from an injury or operation.
Manlius Branch
Meet the trainers from our Manlius Branch in Manlius.
With the Y Since 2017
Availability: Weekday afternoons & evenings; Saturday afternoons
Background: I am Y-USA ACE Certified, with a B.S in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland. I specialize in weight/ resistance training and love helping people get stronger!
More about Joe: I compete in powerlifting competitions.
North Area Family Branch
Meet the trainers at our North Area Family Branch in Liverpool.
With the Y Since 2022
Availability: Any Time
Background: I have a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and am a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer. My passion for strength and conditioning began when I started lifting weights at age 14. I believe that strength training is a powerful tool to improve body composition while also boosting self-confidence and body image. I keep my sessions well rounded by focusing on proper form, good posture, core engagement, and mobility. I have experience working with clients of all ages and goals, and I try to make every session fun yet challenging.
More about Sydney: I look forward to my workouts every day as a form of self-care and stress relief. I believe it is possible for everyone to learn to love exercise as much as I do!
With the Y Since 2022
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Background: Hello! I recently graduated from the University of Buffalo in Biomedical Sciences and am pursuing my Master’s in Public Health at Upstate Medical University. I plan to attend medical school in the near future. I am also a NASM Personal Trainer and have a background in strength training and cardio. I am currently a competitive powerlifter and I use to run track/cross country for five years.
More about Angie: Before I started getting into fitness I was categorized as obese and did not know where I went wrong. I was only twelve years old at the time, however, with the help of my mother, I was able to lose about forty pounds and became a competitive runner. My point of the story is that anyone can change their health or living style, you just have to be determined! With proper guidance and support you can change you life in just a few weeks!
Background: I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach. I have completed dozens of sprints, Olympic, and half-Ironman triathlons, as well as being a two-time Ironman finisher. As a distance runner, I have completed numerous foot races, from 5K to Marathon distance.
More about Colin: I have been an athlete my whole life, playing in competitive and recreational team sports like baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, and hockey, to individual sports like bowling, weightlifting, distance running and triathlon. Athletic conditioning has always been important to me if I wanted my body to perform. Because of how my body handles stress and deals with chronic conditions, I am someone who constantly struggles with weight issues and can gain weight very easily, so I know first-hand how difficult weight loss can be, especially the older and sicker we get. Which is why I’ve focused a lot of my energy into learning the science of metabolism and weight management – becoming a self-proclaimed biohacker using my technical expertise to track data on my health. I’ve tried every diet out there from low fat/low calorie, vegetarian, and low carb/high fat and have been successful on all of them. What I have learned in this process is that no matter what I eat, I respond best to physical activity. I became a certified personal trainer so that I could learn how to fix myself as well as teach others how to do so.
With the Y Since 2009
Background: I am a LeMoyne College graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I hold a personal trainer and group exercise certifications through ACE. I am also certified under the LIVESTRONG program to work with cancer survivors.
I have been an active person my whole life. Whether it be working on my parents’ farm as a teen or playing soccer and running track for school. I have found a strong and healthy connection between mind and body. I became certified in yoga in 2009 and have been working for the YMCA ever since. I started personal training at the YMCA in 2009 also as I loved working one on one with people to find their best workout plan. Helping people realize yoga is for everyone has been a great enjoyment of mine. Through personal training and teaching I have strived to make all feel comfortable in achieving wellness.
More about Kelly: Exercise has been a huge stress reliever for me over the years. I began running in high school and have not stopped since! I have completed four full marathons and several other running races. After college I worked in the social work field, but upon having my first daughter, I decided to take a break from that work and venture into my new one… motherhood. I began working at the YMCA when my oldest was almost 2 years old. Now with two beautiful, athletic daughters, I am still trying to make an impact, not only on their health and wellness, but of that of my fellow members as well. In the words of Jimmy V “don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”
Northwest Family Branch
Meet the trainers from our Northwest Family Branch in Baldwinsville.
With the Y Since 2019
Availability: Wednesdays
Background: I am a SUNY Cortland graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management and am the current Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Downtown Branch Y.
I have been an athlete my whole life striving to maintain a balance of healthy living and living life. I work with a variety of clients of all age groups and capabilities. My main goal is to help my clients reach their individual goals while improving their overall strength, mobility and positive outlook on their wellness.
I also teach group fitness for the Downtown Y teaching cycle, pilates, yoga, cardio HIIT, and Hydro Run!
More about Maddie: I have always used sports and exercise as an outlet for myself and am now facing my next challenge of working to complete an IRONMAN 140.6.
When I graduated from SUNY Cortland I was on the path to achieve a law degree. After some time away from school working at the Oneida YMCA I quickly realized that law was not going to be the path for me, health and wellness was. After seeing the happiness I was able to bring to people by helping them achieve their fitness goals I knew that I had found my calling.
I am a firm believer that all can find enjoyment in a healthy lifestyle!
Background: I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach. I have completed dozens of sprints, Olympic, and half-Ironman triathlons, as well as being a two-time Ironman finisher. As a distance runner, I have completed numerous foot races, from 5K to Marathon distance.
More about Colin: I have been an athlete my whole life, playing in competitive and recreational team sports like baseball, volleyball, football, basketball, and hockey, to individual sports like bowling, weightlifting, distance running and triathlon. Athletic conditioning has always been important to me if I wanted my body to perform. Because of how my body handles stress and deals with chronic conditions, I am someone who constantly struggles with weight issues and can gain weight very easily, so I know first-hand how difficult weight loss can be, especially the older and sicker we get. Which is why I’ve focused a lot of my energy into learning the science of metabolism and weight management – becoming a self-proclaimed biohacker using my technical expertise to track data on my health. I’ve tried every diet out there from low fat/low calorie, vegetarian, and low carb/high fat and have been successful on all of them. What I have learned in this process is that no matter what I eat, I respond best to physical activity. I became a certified personal trainer so that I could learn how to fix myself as well as teach others how to do so.
With the Y Since 2009
Background: I am a LeMoyne College graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I hold a personal trainer and group exercise certifications through ACE. I am also certified under the LIVESTRONG program to work with cancer survivors.
I have been an active person my whole life. Whether it be working on my parents’ farm as a teen or playing soccer and running track for school. I have found a strong and healthy connection between mind and body. I became certified in yoga in 2009 and have been working for the YMCA ever since. I started personal training at the YMCA in 2009 also as I loved working one on one with people to find their best workout plan. Helping people realize yoga is for everyone has been a great enjoyment of mine. Through personal training and teaching I have strived to make all feel comfortable in achieving wellness.
More about Kelly: Exercise has been a huge stress reliever for me over the years. I began running in high school and have not stopped since! I have completed four full marathons and several other running races. After college I worked in the social work field, but upon having my first daughter, I decided to take a break from that work and venture into my new one… motherhood. I began working at the YMCA when my oldest was almost 2 years old. Now with two beautiful, athletic daughters, I am still trying to make an impact, not only on their health and wellness, but of that of my fellow members as well. In the words of Jimmy V “don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”
With the Y Since 2019
Availability: Weekday afternoons
Background: I am a certified personal trainer trough American Fitness Professionals and Associates and a former IPF Elite Powerlifter.
My career as a powerlifter gave me the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world for over 10 years and meet athletes from many countries. After retiring from competition, I decided to become a personal trainer to help others achieve their own personal health and fitness goals in a friendly and positive atmosphere.
More about Cathy: I am a life long equestrian, FEI level dressage rider, instructor and business owner. I became involved in powerlifting after a riding accident broke my neck and I joined a local gym to stay in shape while I recuperated. A powerlifting coach spotted me and my lifting career took off along with a return to riding. I use what I have learned through both sports to help people become stronger, improve mobility and balance in their journey to a healthy lifestyle!
