Personal Training

Steven has been involved in sports and fitness ever since youth. He dedicated his high school years in playing football, soccer and even weightlifting competitions. He now dedicates his life in learning and teaching the importance of exercise and nutrition to everyone he meets. His passion for fitness has taken him far in his career of personal training.   Graduating from the American Academy of Personal Training, Steven has taken his client to another level of fitness and healthy lifestyle choices. He  is well known for his intense calisthenics and sports training.

Since 1995, Dorit has been a yoga instructor and Reiki Master practicing in both Israel and New York City. In 2006, she continued her professional development by becoming a Holistic Health Counselor and Personal Trainer. Most recently Dorit has been studying the fascial system with world-renowned osteopath Guy Voyer, M.D. Dorit is also learning how to activate the nervous system's neuroplasticity through deliberate practice using novel stimulus. Integrating all these skills into her unique mind, body, and soul approach to personalized training sessions allows her to address her client’s’ overall well being. Dorit provides her clients with invigorating, goal-orientated workouts as well as individualized nutritional planning and counseling. MEET DORIT.

Nancy is a NASM personal trainer and group fitness instructor and a NASM specialist in seniors’ and women's fitness. She originally came to NYC to work for the Wilhelmina Agency and to practice her passions of dance and fitness. Nancy has worked with clients from 15 to 98 years young, and loves working with those with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. She has a very special passion for helping those over 50 and showing them all the amazing things they are capable of doing, no matter what their challenges are!

Andy Chaleff is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from William Patterson University. Andy works at The JCC through the Adaptations community, and has almost 20 years of training and exercise experience. Andy wanted to be an athlete from a very young age, and for the better part of his life he has worked hard to develop physically. Over time, this passion has evolved into doing the same thing for others. Andy has trained a wide variety of individuals--the wheelchair bound, those with developmental disabilities, the elderly, teens -- anyone looking to get into shape, of any ability and level are welcome. It is his goal to train the whole person, and focus on what they need to be successful.

A personal trainer with over 30 years in the fitness industry, Tony's passion for working out is amplified by seeing people get excited about feeling better; both physically and mentally through exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Tony has worked with diverse populations and has helped many people reach their fitness, health and personal goals. His fun and engaging training style aims to encourage, motivate and empower clients to achieve their wellness goals through training programs specifically designed to meet their needs. Tony will develop challenging and interesting fitness programs based on the client’s interests that can progress as their fitness level changes and fitness goals are met.

With over 20 years experience in amateur boxing and collegiate wrestling, Adrian developed a passion and drive to be fit and healthy at an early age. Adrian's sports background provided extensive experience in intense training regimens for both strength and conditioning. Combining his studies in biology, kinesiology and physical therapy along with multiple personal training certifications, Adrian produces dynamic training plans for clients. As his passion for health and fitness continues to grow, Adrian dives into helping others achieve the best physical version of themselves. Clients can expect a combination of conditioning with muscle building exercises and functional training to help achieve their goals.

Jay Havlik, is a Certified Personal Trainer with a focus on overall health & wellness, body mechanics, strength training, conditioning, core training, and rehabilitation. Jay’s training style focuses on the basics and key fundamentals. He believes that his clients' success is his success. Patience, a breadth of industry knowledge, and experience as a former athlete, Jay gives purpose and meaning behind every session.

Clayton has been training, inspiring, motivating athletes, students, and gym members for 30 years. His dedication is infectious and successful and delivers impressive results. As a Gray Institute, GIFT Fellow, Clayton has studied, learned, and developed professionally with the most innovative, authentic and renowned physical therapists, athletic trainers, and personal trainers in the world. Clayton’s love of sports and fitness has taken him, as an athlete and coach, to hundreds of fields, courts, and swimming pools around the US and Europe. Whether you want to improve your golf game, or increase your flexibility and strength for triathlons or playing with the kids or grandchildren, Clayton will help you achieve your goal. Clayton enjoys improving the many acquired habits the body has obtained after several years of screen time. Clayton’s motto is “everyone is an athlete!”

Kristiana has her personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is a certified swim instructor. With a strong athletic background in competitive swimming, varsity soccer, and dance, Kristiana is a well-rounded athlete who values the benefits of living an active lifestyle. Having dealt with several injuries and ailments throughout her life, Kristiana has developed workouts that  support recovery and proper muscle development for all body types. She is passionate about cultivating smart, well-rounded exercisers and imparting her wisdom to empower and encourage clients on their fitness journeys. When you work out with Kristiana, you can expect an expertly crafted workout customized to your needs and goals, as well as any inspiring, fun, and educational experience. Her bubbly personality will keep you smiling your way to your best shape ever! 

Migdalia Jimenez has been an independent fitness trainer for over a decade. She came to the JCC from Equinox, where she was a high-level, top-tier trainer. She has extensive experience in strength, balance, stability, and cardiovascular training and is certified for post-rehabilitative training. She has a great deal of experience working with special populations, including the elderly. Migdalia has always had a passion for health and fitness. She further developed her passion in fitness by helping those close to her set and reach personal fitness goals. It is her quality-focused and results-driven approach that sets Migdalia apart from the crowd. Her holistic focus on form, safety, and lifestyle ensures better results and reduction of risk. Migdalia is able to train in English, Spanish, and French.

Mike has been an avid athlete and a student of physical culture from an early age. Sports led to the gym, and the desire to continually improve became a need to understand how and why the body works the way it does. Mike specializes in a functional-neurology approach based on Z-Health to help all athletes achieve peak performance and fix problems. Ultimately, the best routine is one that you enjoy, and Mike takes the best parts of his experience to create the right plan for you, teach you how to do it properly, and keep you moving well.

Rizel comes from the corporate background working for law firms in NYC. With a passion for health and fitness Rizel received her certification from Mary Mount College. She has been training for 15 years with experience in weight loss, weight maintenance, strength training and overall wellness. Rizel utilizes her extensive fitness background to help members achieve a more healthy and productive lifestyle through her personal training. She truly enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals and feel better about themselves. She strive to give 110% to each individual making sure they walk out of their session (The JCC) feeling excellent. I believe in my clients when they are feeling at their lowest and do not believe in themselves. SO TO HEALTH AND FITNESS, MAY WE ALL LIVE LONGER. LET’S TRAIN. CAN’T IS NOT IN MY VOCABULARY.

Valerie has been coaching and training, worldwide, for over 30 years. Her passion for health, fitness training, sports performance and nutrition has included education and training opportunities with clients all over the world. As a result, she has developed her own custom methodologies and modules based on her experience supporting a diverse range of clients in reaching their individual goals. Valerie uses a three dimensional approach on mind, body, and spirit, which has been extremely effective in helping her clients achieve physical fitness, body sculpting, increased sense of wellness and more.

Dan Marks, M.Ed., is a personal trainer, Advanced MELT Instructor, MVP Kettlebell Instructor, Crossfit Level 1 Trainer, and Licensed Massage Therapist (NY) living and working in Manhattan. Over his 20-year fitness career, Dan has evolved a unique system—assessment-based functional exercise—that dramatically improves client outcomes, ranging from general fitness and relief of common pains to body-shaping, health-risk reduction, and elite sport performance. 

After years spent training at commercial establishments, Natasha Nesic is delighted to be part of the warm and welcoming fitness community at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. A JCC kid herself in Westchester, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College (with a B.A. in cultural anthropology) and Sarah Lawrence  College (with an MFA in nonfiction writing), she discovered her love of fitness by studying how calisthenics, anthropological bodybuilding fieldwork, and powerlifting could help enhance her skills in dance and martial arts. She now enjoys using those modalities to keep her clients pain-free, self-sufficient, and ready to take on the world, just as they take command of their bodies.

Claudia originally trained as a professional ballet dancer at American Ballet Theatre. She was recruited into the fitness world by Jane Fonda to teach at the first JF Workout studio. That led to a career designing fitness programs, training  teachers, and doing publicity for clubs all over the world. Since returning to US, Claudia's ongoing studies have included The Stretch Process, Pilates, Gravity, Lotte Burke, the Zena Rommett Floor-Barre and MELT Length and Strength. She combines her knowledge of different healing modalities with a nuanced focus on alignment and the deep intrinsic muscles that provide true stability and freedom in the body. Her extensive background enables her to teach people in all walks of life, from coaching a 14 year old competition winning boy ballet dancer to strengthening a 92 year old woman for her first trek in Vietnam. Most of all, she loves to help people experience the joy of their own healthy personal best!

Frances comes from a professional dance background and is originally from Los Angeles, where she earned her B.F.A. in dance from California State University at Long Beach. She has been performing and dancing for over 20 years, and teaching dance and movement since 1987. Her personal and professional philosophy focuses on balancing body, mind and spirit through the creative connection of movement, exercise, holistic health, personal empowerment and supportive community. She often employs a variety of training techniques when working with clients. Each session is tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals. She works with a wide range of clients, from teens to older adults, post rehabilitating after illness or injury, pre/postnatal clients, and those wanting to lose weight or simply feel better and more energized.

Lifting weights for over 15 years, and nearly hitting all of his own personal goals in the process (gain 50lbs, squat 400lbs, deadlift 500lbs, bench 300lbs, and dunking a basketball among others), Jesse prides himself on his ability to apply sound biomechanics in the context of the client’s individual anthropometry and constraints, applying the most relevant scientific literature to best meet their goal(s) - be it strength, power, muscle, fat loss, or endurance. He is nutritionally agnostic and subscribes to the biopsychosocial model; all training exists on a spectrum with rehab on one end and high performance on the other. Context and sustainability are key.

After a 30 year career in the performing arts, Jonathan decided to transition into the Health & Wellness space shortly after beginning to compete as a Masters athlete in road racing and track & field. Foremost in his mind was a desire to leverage what he was learning while working with his own coach in service to the community at large, helping people live longer and better lives through exercise. He has been a 4x NYRR Runner of the Year, 2x USATF Masters Long Distance Athlete of the Year, & Running Times Honorable Mention Age Group Athlete of the Year, as well as being an intercollegiate Ultimate athlete, avid skier & biker. Jonathan is comfortable utilizing many different exercise modalities, and working with a wide range of ages & levels of fitness, from teens to seniors, both one-on-one & in a class setting.

Rachel hails from Chicago, Illinois and has been dancing classical and contemporary styles since her youth. She received her NASM degree in 2000. Her love for the art brought her to the East Coast, earning her BFA Degree from LIU. It was a strong commitment to dance that helped her overcome weight issues in her youth, and she now brings this same energy and focus to her clients. Those training with Rachel benefit from the combined disciplines of dance and pilates. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and enjoys working with seniors. When she isn't in the gym, Rachel works with independent Contemporary Dance Companies. Her motivation and focus on clients achieving their personal goals allows them to have positive results.

Jeanene has been a Personal Trainer privately for the past 3 decades. She is excited to bring her passion for fitness and integrating it with Body-Mind wellness to meet the needs of members here at the JCC. As a Physical Therapy Assistant, her specialty is hands-on rehabilitative exercise and Holistic Biomechanics with a focus on injury prevention, strength conditioning and balance. She incorporates functional training with a variety of movement methods including MELT, Yoga, Qi Gong and Cranio-Sacral Therapy. Jeanene's clients affectionately refer to her as "one-stop shopping".

Over his 15 years of training, Jason has worked with all types of clientele. From kids to adults to senior citizens, post rehab to elite athletes, beginning exercisers to hard-core fitness enthusiasts, he has always relied on his philosophy that a trainer’s primary purpose is to efficiently bridge the gap between a client’s goals and their tenacity. He specializes in sports specific training and post-injury movement optimization, but he works with all levels of clientele to help them meet and exceed their goals. He holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University, is NASM Certified. He has served as an instructor, mentor and fitness consultant at multiple facilities and has also been featured in The New York Times, Self Magazine, and on both ABC TV and ABC.com.

Born in Guinea and raised in the Cote D'Ivoire, Toure played soccer throughout his youth, soon discovering a strong natural affinity for coaching. His competitive boxing experience as an adult  reinforced to him the importance of staying fit, and helped him become a top JCC instructor. Toure's positive attitude, challenging workout regimens, and ability to lead by example is creating a growing list of motivated clients who get results.