Running to Lift

Serves West New York, NJ

35244

Hired 3 times

1 employee

6 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

Ismail Griffin
Completed on 1/10/2024

Introduction

I have been an ACE certified personal trainer since 2019, but am a lifelong athlete with a passion for fitness. I am always looking to further my knowledge of how the body responds to exercise in order to better help my clients achieve their goals. I decided to learn more by majoring in exercise science and graduated summa cum laude with my A.S. and am now working on my B.S. at Rutgers University. I place a strong emphasis on science-based practices that are customized to fit your lifestyle, interests, and goals. Rather than focusing on only one aspect of fitness, it is important to utilize strength, speed, balance, and flexibility in unison to have you feeling and looking your best. There are no false promises or quick fixes, but my satisfied clients have experienced the difference that effective programming and a dedicated trainer can make. My favorite form of training is powerlifting, but also enjoy running, especially through nearby Liberty State Park. I have competed in numerous local races with the New York Road Runners and am currently training for the 2025 NYC Marathon. Outside of the gym, I love experimenting in the kitchen, going to concerts, and backpacking.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

All new clients must book an initial fitness assessment so that I can best customize a workout plan specifically tailored to you. This is free with the purchase of a training package and will not count as a session. All regular training sessions are 1 hour long and can be done virtually or in-person. Training packages also include off-day programming and tracking of body composition and abilities at no additional cost. Please note that I am not able to train you at commercial gyms (Blink, Planet Fitness, etc). Individual pricing is as follows and based on 4-week cycle: $340 - 1x/week ($85/session) $620 - 2x/week ($78/session) $850 - 3x/week ($71/session) $1,050 - 4x/week ($65/session) A single session can be purchased for $100. See my website for most up-to-date prices on partner training, online programming, and running coaching. I do offer student discounts on programming-only packages and referral discounts for existing clients who refer new clients for in-person training. I am also currently offering a 10% discount to new clients who want to train on weekdays between 11am-3pm.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Every client will receive a fitness plan that is specifically formulated to meet their individual goals and abilities. All new in-person clients must book a fitness assessment in order to create a baseline to track your progress and adjust programming as you adapt and improve, as well as to determine the best method of programming to fit your lifestyle. Assessments are approximately 45 mins for individuals & 60 mins for partners. They include taking initial body measurements and testing current abilities including cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength & endurance, balance, and flexibility. We will also discuss your fitness goals and the best methods to reach them. The session will then conclude with a 15-20 min workout.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I became a certified personal trainer with ACE in 2019, but decided to further my education to be a better resource for my clients. In 2021, I graduated summa cum laude with my AS in Exercise Science, and am currently working on finishing my BS at Rutgers University. I recently had the exciting privilege of taking a college class with Matt Brzycki, the inventor of one of the most commonly used formulas to calculate the 1 rep max, so as you can tell, I love to geek out over interesting news and research in the field. I am also insured and AED/CPR certified through the American Red Cross.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have had a lifelong passion for fitness that started with childhood sports and continued throughout playing college football. I would regularly hit the weight room in my teens, and soon noticed how much better I felt and performed both on and off the field. I knew I had a future in fitness when I realized how great it felt to inspire and assist friends and teammates in the gym. Since returning to school for exercise science, my passion for this growing field has only increased. Five years into my professional career, I still get that same sense of satisfaction when I get to watch a client become stronger, faster, or even simply more confident in themselves and their abilities.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I love living and working in one of the most diverse cities in the county because it provides me with the opportunity to work with such a wide range of clients. I have worked with individuals of all ages, genders, abilities, and walks of life, and I pride myself on being able to craft a workout program that is unique to each one of them.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Every time I get to witness a client unlock a new ability or reach a milestone that they have been working towards, I am filled with pride and satisfaction that I was able to be a part of their journey. It is one of the things that made me interested in becoming a personal trainer over 10 years ago and it still never gets old.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

It is important to be sure that your trainer is actively certified in personal training and CPR/AED, as well as being insured. Take note of their level of education relating to exercise science/kinesiology. See if they have experience working with clients who are similar to yourself, and think about if they would be a good fit for you.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Individuals looking for personal training should think about the type of training they are interested in, and what they would like to achieve. If you have any health concerns or are recovering from an injury or serious illness, please check with your health care provider that you are medically cleared to work with a personal trainer.