Personal Training

I am passionate about making fitness inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. As a NASM-certified trainer with specialized certifications in Senior Fitness and Autism Fitness, I focus on helping senior citizens and adults with special needs build confidence, strength, and independence through movement.

I’ve worked extensively with individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy, creating safe, effective, and fun programs tailored to their unique abilities. When the pandemic closed traditional gyms, I transformed my backyard into a fitness space for my special needs clients, working with their families every weekend to keep them active and thriving.

My approach is simple: create a fun, supportive, and results-driven experience where every client feels successful. My clients love working with me because I make fitness something they look forward to!

I have always been passionate about health and fitness, and I’m excited to bring that dedication into my career as a personal trainer. Sports and exercise have been a constant in my life, and I enjoy helping others achieve their fitness goals. My background includes a summer internship at Twin Boro Physical Therapy, where I shadowed licensed therapists and learned the importance of strength, flexibility, and mobility in recovery.

I hold multiple certifications from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), as well as Adult First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross. These reflect my commitment to both safety and results in every session.

I am beginning my studies to become a Physical Therapist Assistant at Union County College. I’m thrilled to be a part of the YMCA community and look forward to supporting clients of all backgrounds—whether the goal is strength, conditioning, or simply building confidence through fitness.

Certifications:

   •    ISSA Certified Personal Trainer (2025)

   •    ISSA Specialist in Body Building (2024)

   •    ISSA Specialist in Strength & Conditioning (2024)

   •    ISSA Nutrition (2024)

   •    American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED (2025)

With a strong background in fitness, and a deep commitment to fostering health and wellness in our community, I am always excited about the opportunity to contribute to your quality of life.

My approach has always been to tailor exercises to one’s own daily activities, ensuring that my clients achieve their fitness goals without risk of injury. Maintaining or even gaining back lost range of motion in the shoulders, hips, spine and even the arms is made simple with traditional resistance training movements.
 

My dad for example, had boxed for two decades in his youth, and as a result was left with very worn rotator cuffs. About 2 years ago he had fallen while skiing rendering both of his shoulders practically immobile. Even before the accident, he had been contemplating surgery. He was in so much pain that he struggled to lift the coffee pot in the morning, Until one day I saw him free-hanging on our doorway pull up bar. I had no idea he possessed that much range of motion
in his shoulders! From then on I knew I would be able to rehabilitate him. We slowly started working on mobility with body weight movements and a mild amount of strength training, and he responded really well! In a matter of months, he was able to do goblet squats with 60lbs, suitcase deadlifts and carries, and full body weight pull ups. Now, he goes to the gym three days a week and is addicted! My proficiency in demonstrating correct form, along with my ability to offer modifications to traditional movements, had been instrumental in helping him see tangible results.

A key part of being a personal trainer involves supervising and maintaining a well thought out
plan for my clients. During our initial consultation I will do my best to find out what activities you perform throughout the week, and then I will add exercises that mimic your movement in those activities.
 

I believe workouts should be intense, but I also believe that you should not be feeling sore for days.

One word that always seems to come up when talking about fitness, at least for me, is simplicity. I think that most people who want to change body composition, gain some strength and make healthy lifestyle changes get caught up in the highly tempting consumer side of the fitness industry. Nowadays there are so many highly marketable fitness products and services that it’s understandable how people have forgotten that fitness, many years ago, was far more simple yet just as effective as it is today.

I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where every member feels valued and motivated. My enthusiasm for fitness and health is contagious, and I take pride in being able to inspire and engage with members, encouraging them to explore what the Y has to offer, and experiment with their own workout regimen. I look forward to seeing you at the gym

After a long career in retail management, Steve transitioned into entrepreneurship by establishing a successful dog walking business in 2016. In 2024, he pursued his passion for fitness by completing coursework with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), earning his certification as a personal trainer. The following year, he joined the Y as a personal trainer and was soon promoted to Equipment Supervisor.

Steve is committed to supporting clients in developing strength, confidence, and sustainable healthy lifestyles. He brings a professional, results-driven approach to helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.

Alex Stene began working at the YMCA in 2023. Prior to moving to New Jersey, Alex worked in the fitness industry in NYC at Brrrn Cool Temp Fitness and The Daily Burn. In addition to personal training, and teaching group fitness classes Alex is an actor, and holds an MFA in Acting from Columbia University. As a certified personal trainer, Alex is comfortable working with individuals of all ages and special populations.

Alex thankful to be a part of the YMCA’s welcoming community.

I've been passionate about fitness for as long as I can remember. Growing up playing hockey and staying active taught me the importance of strength, discipline, and resilience-values I bring into every training session. Currently studying Biomechanical Engineering, I combine scientific knowledge with real-world experience to help clients move better, train smarter, and feel confident in their own skin.

My goal is simple: to help people achieve their fitness goals while enjoying the process.

Whether your aim is to get stronger, perform better, or simply feel your best every day.