Meet the team
MEET OUR GREAT TEAM!
GIANCARLO REGNI
Owner / CEO
Degree:
B.S. Clinical Exercise Science (Ithaca College ‘16)
Certifications:
Certified Physical Preparation Specialist (CPPS Lvl 1, 2, and Masters)
Favorite Exercise:
Back Squat
Least Favorite Exercise:
Front Squat
Favorite Book:
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Sports:
Baseball, Rugby, Powerlifting
Why did you become a coach?
I wanted to become the person I needed as a kid. My 1st encounter with a Strength & Conditioning Coach wasn’t until my senior year of high school at Penn Charter. I felt the impact of a great Coach and watched my confidence soar. Ultimately, it changed the course of my life for the better. I figured there was no better way to spend my life’s work than doing the same for others.
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
“You need to be in shape before you join a gym” – I think this misconception holds a lot people back. Unfortunately, so many never get started because of it.
DANIEL KOCOTAS
Facility Leader (Queen Village)
Degree:
B.S. Exercise Science (West Chester University ’12)
Certifications:
CSCS, USAW Lvl2 , Precision Nutrition (PN1)
Favorite Exercise:
DB Bench Press
Least Favorite Exercise:
Anything that hurts my knees
Favorite Book:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Sports:
Motocross (15 years), Olympic Weightlifting (5 years), Mountain Biking (3+ years)
Why did you become a coach?
I want to share the life-changing benefits of strength training, no matter who you are.
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
That you need to eat a very restrictive diet and do lots of cardio to “lose weight.” Too many people do endless cardio and eat too little in an effort to be less fat, but eventually quit. People need to understand that by eating like an adult and lifting weights, and doing that forever, they’ll be where they want to be.
CHLOE BORGESI
Facility Leader (Logan Square) - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Internship Coordinator
Degree:
B.S. Exercise & Sport Science (Temple University ’21)
Certifications:
CSCS , FRC
Favorite Exercise:
Pull-Ups
Least Favorite Exercise:
Step-Ups
Favorite Book:
Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Sports:
Rowing & Powerlifting
Why did you become a coach?
Weightlifting is inherently self disciplined and individual. You are entirely responsible for lifting the weight on your own back. Being passionate about a sport/skill wasn’t really introduced to me until my collegiate athletics experience. After experiencing the joy of being passionate about my own progression, I knew coaching would allow me to help others through the same journey.
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
Any & all messaging around exercise just being the pursuit of skinny.
JARED CABRERA
Facility Leader (East Kensington)
Favorite Exercise:
DB Rows
Least Favorite Exercise:
Single-Leg anything
Favorite Book:
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
Sports:
Ultimate Frisbee and Shot Put
Why did you become a coach?
I became a coach due to the experiences I had as a teenager. Struggling with insecurities and self-esteem issues, going to the gym and exercising became my escape. Over the course of a couple years, I began transitioning into becoming a personal trainer. I knew that many individuals may have similar, if not, exact reasons to go the gym than I did. However, many struggle to begin/start this journey and therefore struggle to fall in love with it. My duty is to open up that path. Not only see the end, but everything in between. Learning to fall in love with the process opens up endless avenues and constant goals to chase.
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
There is no one way approach to exercise and fitness. One of the most important aspects of exercise is the individuality that surrounds it. What you can do in terms of movement capabilities, training history/background may not be the same as the person next to you. Being able to recognize where you are at in your training, and make the necessary/appropriate changes for yourself is crucial for safe and consistent progress.
Degree:
B.S. Exercise Science (Temple University ’22)
Certifications:
CSCS, AAAI/ISMA.
ZACHARY VLAHAKIS
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach (East Kensington)
Degree:
B.S. Exercise & Sport Science (Temple University ‘22)
Certifications:
CFSC, SSPC
Favorite Exercise:
Deadlift
Least Favorite Exercise:
Bulgarian Split Squat
Favorite Book:
The Poliquin Principles by Charles Poliquin
Sports:
Wrestling, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball
Why did you become a coach?
Regardless of biological age, training age, gender, or physical ability, I want to help people grow in a way that encourages appreciation for themselves. For people to see beyond how they are labeled, or how they label themselves. Fitness is about self-care. I want people to feel changed by the work we do together, to walk away with a better appreciation of themselves.
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
“Weight training is no good if you want to lose weight.”The increase in muscle mass actually increases your body’s energy expenditure. It takes more energy to maintain muscle than fat. This would ultimately help the individual burn more calories during rest, making it easier for them to lose weight.
Joey Adams
Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach (Queen Village)
Degree:
B.S. Exercise & Sport Science (Temple University ‘20)
Certifications:
CSCS
Favorite Exercise:
Back Squat
Least Favorite Exercise:
Running
Favorite Book:
The Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
Sports:
Rowing
Why did you become a coach?
I’ve had many coaches throughout my life and career as an athlete. They were able to guide me towards my goals and support me towards reaching my potential. I want to be able to share the same guidance that I had with anyone who needs it!
If there was 1 myth about Health and Fitness that you could make disappear tomorrow, what would it be and why?
Anything claiming super super fast results. The truth is that fitness, health, and performance are things that need to be consistently worked on and maintained over long periods of time. A sustainable approach will always be more beneficial than something that might work really well for a short time, then falls off or has a rebound affect afterwards. But, if you consistently work hard towards your goals, results are guaranteed!