Fourth year coach at City Fitness Northern Liberties. Christie was born and raised right here in Philadelphia. She attended Temple University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. During her time at Temple, she interned at several outpatient Physical Therapy institutes, including Rothman Orthopedics, to familiarize herself with injury rehabilitation and prevention. Being at City Fitness for over four years, Christie has worked with a variety of different clients ranging from college athletes to senior citizens, and everyone in between. She prides herself in helping her clients set realistic goals, celebrating all their wins, and having fun.

Fun Fact: I was born and raised in Philadelphia
Mantra: Fail to plan, plan to fail

A first year coach at City Fitness Northern Liberties, Zach is brand new to Philadelphia having moved here from St. Paul, Minnesota in August of 2020. Zach is originally from Northeast Illinois but studied Physical Education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After substitute teaching for 2 years, he decided to change careers and became a personal trainer working at a Strength & Conditioning gym for 8 months before the world shutdown in March of 2020. Now settled in Philly, Zach is excited to help people make the most of their afternoons, and show them how to Thrive in all aspects of their lives

Fun Fact: I might be one of the most organized people you have ever met. Attention to detail on another level.
Mantra: Recover as hard as you train!

Tae is in his 13th year of coaching for City Fitness NoLibs! Before CF Tae worked for a few other gyms doing personal training. He also spent 8 years working with Dr. Anthony Carabasi who is the CEO of South Jersey Health and Wellness Center. He has over 30 years of experience! Tae is CFs only 1:1 trainer. He has always found a sense of fulfillment from helping others and watching people achieve their health and wellness goals. Tae is still very invested in his own health and wellness, you will consistently see him on the gym floor doing his own workouts if he is not with clients!

Fun Fact: Been vegetarian / vegan 8 years, love practicing handstand play, love traveling and hiking, love helping individuals reach their fitness goals through proper mindset/practice/and consistency

Mantra: Getting 1% better every day!!!

Fun Fact: I love to build puzzles and travel the world with my wife.

Mantra: Be better than yesterday.

RJ graduated with a Finance degree from Temple University in 2015. After a short stint in the corporate world, it was evident that it wasn’t the right industry. He was an athlete his entire life focusing primarily in Football and Baseball, which made fitness an easy career decision. RJ started with City Fitness in 2016 as a Coach at CF Northern Liberties and then CF Graduate Hospital. He came to the Fishtown location as a Thrive Coordinator in 2017 and quickly focused on developing the culture that has made the Fishtown Thrive community so strong. In 2021 RJ has now stepped into the Thrive Manager role overseeing the entire department. You can catch him in the pod joking with the coaches and clients throughout the week or bright and early on a Saturday morning for the free Thrive Bootcamp! Come check out what makes Thrive so special and lets get you on the path to whatever goals you may have.

Malissa has been an athlete since a young age, being a competitive cheerleader for 14 years. After graduating High School, Malissa began pursuing a degree in marketing, and quickly realized that a sedentary job would not be for her! She was a consistent gym goer who taught her self as she went. The more invested in her fitness journey she became, the more she wanted to help others on their journey as well. She took a front desk position at City Fitness, and quickly became a Thrive Coach. When training with Malissa come prepared for a fun, high energy session and to be pushed one step closer to your goals.

Fun Fact: I have an 85lb Pitbull and a 7lb Yorkie who are best friends!
Fitness Mantra: “Just show up!”

Laura’s fitness career began in NYC where she had the opportunity to coach teams of everyday athletes to run Spartan races in the Tri-State area and study under NASM Master Instructor, Rick Richey. She moved to Philly in 2020 and since joined the Thrive team at City Fitness Fishtown. Laura looks forward to growing and getting better together!

Fun Fact: Prior to getting into personal training I worked as an actor in NY for almost 10 years
Mantra: Every day is booty day!

Sabrina’s passion in fitness started in high school when she discovered weightlifting and has been hooked ever since. To turn her passion into a reality, she pursued a B.S. in Exercise Science from West Chester University graduating in 2018. During that time she started a fitness club which became the largest club sport on campus and still is today. Since then Sabrina has coached cross training, group fitness classes, and even sports performance. Sabrina is excited to help push you and reach you’re goals all while having fun!

Fun Facts: I play Ukelele
Fitness Mantra: “Never miss a Monday!”

Bri has a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. She’s always had a passion for preventing injuries in sport and fitness while progressing hard working clients to reach their full potential. Bri was formerly a Beachbody Coach and Personal Trainer in West Chester. To start her fitness career after college, Bri got involved with Cardiac Rehab and built a higher understanding of the importance of health and wellness. When taking classes with her, don’t be afraid to ask questions and show your personality!

Fun Facts: Golfing, snowboarding, surfing, fishing…I love marine biology and watching sports
Mantra: The pain you feel today, will be the strength you feel tomorrow

Eric’s fitness journey began in 7th grade when he found his bench press max in the football program – and he’s been hooked since! He has a degree from Auburn University, where he studied hospitality and then went on to work in the business world for several years in Texas and Brazil before transitioning into fitness full-time in 2021. With a fitness background in powerlifting and strength training, you can expect a focus on proper form while also keeping things energetic and fun!

Fun Facts:

• first gen American and fluent in Portuguese
• very friendly 10 foot pet snake Jade
• Also Climbs and skateboards

Fitness Mantra: “You have to live it!”

Elijah is a Head Coach and has been with City Fitness Graduate Hospital since 2017. Elijah attended Shippensburg University receiving a BSBA in Management. He is a former long and triple jumper of their nationally ranked track and field team. He coached jumps and sprints for 3 years at Penncrest High School and long and triple jump 1 year at Moravian College. Elijah had the privilege of coaching multiple All-American honors including the NCAA Championship Runner Up, District medalist, and State Championship qualifiers.

Fun Facts: I have a high vertical. I enjoy cooking, playing a lot of ping pong, listening to lots of music, and detailing my family’s cars.
Mantra: You’re going to have strong days and not so strong days. What matters is that you keep showing up. Consistency is key.

Morgan is a Thrive Coach at City Fitness Graduate Hospital and a NASM certified personal trainer. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in mass communication. She made her passion for coaching a reality after her own experience with running. When she picked up distance running two years ago, it was a first-hand lesson in the value of functional movement training. She began a regimented strength training program to improve her running mechanics, power and endurance to run faster, farther and more efficiently. From there, she knew she wanted to be a coach who can help her clients reach their strength and conditioning goals in a functional capacity so that their movements improve in the training room, in sport and in daily life.

Jake began his journey with City Fitness Graduate Hospital in July 2021. Coming from a performance background, he graduated from The University of the Arts with a B.F.A. in Dance. He has since been a dance teacher, teaching in many styles such as Hiphop, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary. He has also performed in many dance shows and musical theater productions around the PA/NJ area as well as news broadcasts and the 6abc Thanksgiving day parade, here in Philadelphia. Occasionally, Jake also works as a dancer for an event company, where keeping high energy throughout an event is top priority. That energy also follows throughout his Thrive sessions. In 2020, he became a NASM certified personal trainer. Seeing the value in helping others achieve their fitness goals, becoming a Thrive Coach was a perfect opportunity to blend his performance and teaching background with his fitness training skills.

Fun Facts: I’m adopted, play guitar / bass / harmonica, Artist & Twitch Streamer
Mantra: Fall in love with the process not the result / Be patient & Deliberate / Don’t skip legs

Ryan has been a Thrive coach at City Fitness Graduate Hospital since April 2022. He attended Berklee College of Music for music performance on drum set. While playing gigs on the road, Ryan strength trained his fellow bandmates and developed his passion for personal training. After getting the StrongFirst certification in kettlebell training in 2018, he began the switch into coaching full time. Now, also being ISSA and Thrive certified, Ryan is using his knowledge and years of experience as a coach to provide a safe, fun, and challenging session for every member.

Brycen graduated from Delaware State University in 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science, concentrating in Strength and Conditioning. He interned for their Strength Program and was a 2x Captain & 3x All Conference Runningback/Kickreturner for their football team.

He started off his training career at Alpha Training DE in 2018 loving the developmental side of building young athletes and has worked 4 years as a High School Strength Coach & Football Coach.

In 2022 Brycen finished up his Professional Indoor Football season with the Fan Controlled Football League where he was an All-PRO Running back, Rushing record holder (League & single season), and Player of the Year Nominee, all while interning for the Strength Program and earning his Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM) Certification.

Sam has been passionate about fitness for over 15 years, with a powerlifting focus for the last 12. He coached his wife from a complete beginner to a PA state record holder in 4 categories in the 123lb weight class including a 275lb squat, 150lb bench press, 330lb deadlift and 755lb total. Sam moved to Philly in 2020 with his wife Alisha and his dog Larry. He’s excited to use his experience to help people in his community improve their lives through fitness. You can catch Sam around the neighborhood getting dinner and drinks with his friends and wife. Some of his favorite spots are Separatist and Fountain Porter for drinks, and LaScala’s Birra for pizza happy hour.

Joe’s love for fitness began as an endurance athlete. He competed in cross country, triathlons, and cycling for a combined 11 years. He went on to attend Temple University for a B.S in Exercise and Sport Science. Through the education and internships he received while at Temple, Joe found that his passion for fitness went far beyond athletic competition. He wants to help everyone experience both the physical and mental benefits that exercise can provide. His end goal is to continue to impact others, so everyone can live happier and healthier lives. Try meeting him for a ride on the Schuylkill River Trail, or at Xfinity watching the 76er’s!