ABOUT US

We believe that you can feel the best you have in years with our proven Personal Training Programs in West Hempstead, New York. Whether you are looking for a one-on-one Personal Trainer in West Hempstead or want to work out in a safe effective fitness program, our Small Group Semi- Private Personal Training is perfect for you. For years, our Youth Sports program and High School Sports Performance program for kids 6 to 18 years old(Grade 1 to Grade 12) has established itself as the top rated athletic training program for kids in Hempstead, New York.

Mike L.

Co-Founder

My passion for strength training began at a young age when I first started to train under Damian Cotto at 13 years old, this is where I fell in love with the art of training. Training with a purpose, and for performance is integral to my training style. I also studied why we did things and was always curious about various training methods such as weight, circuit and strength training. I then began playing football at D1 school Stony Brook University, where I was team captain and a 4 year starter from 2010-2014. 

My beginnings as a coach and trainer started while still training myself by working under Miguel Rivera, UPenn’s Strength Coach, and David Van Dyke, Rutgers Strength Coach, while in college. I then received my Health Science degree from Stony Brook University, along with the following certifications: NASM, ISSA, CPPS, FST, FRC, and Kinstretch Therapy.

Intrigued by performance and strength training and how much it can help a young athlete I opened RAF Strength and Fitness. My vision is to keep growing RAF as THE place to become a better athlete on Long Island as well as helping adults live a healthier lifestyle and to understand training doesn’t have to be hated or so hard while also helping to reach nutrition goals.

John F.

Co-Founder/ Head of Training

My passion for fitness first started at a young age, and it’s in part because my parents have always exercised. I noticed they were healthier than my friends’ parents and that they would follow a workout regimine daily. My dad had his own gym in the basement of our house and he had 4-5 of his close friends come by and workout with him. As they trained, I used to sit by the stairs and watch and always asked my dad if I could workout with them. Essentially, I ended up working out on my own in my room with three movements; push ups, pull ups, and sit ups.

Once I was in 8th grade, I grew into weight lifting because I was actively involved in sports. Once I entered high school, basketball & track and field became a staple in my high school career, along with football. I noticed that with proper weight lifting and athletic training, athletes can become more effective in whatever sport they play. My interest grew knowing this. Once I began studying at St. John’s University, I applied for a job as a personal trainer and sure enough I got it. Throughout my college career, I made a priority to learn and grow as a trainer. I became certified through ISSA, and NASM,  where I was able to use my knowledge in a commercial gym to help change peoples lives. 

I noticed I took a huge interest in changing people's lives for the better through helping them eat better, & exercise daily. Eventually, I had a vision of opening up my own gym to help change people's lives through fitness, and this is how RAF Strength & Fitness came to life. My vision for RAF as it becomes more known is to make us a Staple in everyone’s lives, whether an athlete or the average adult looking to change their life. I want RAF to be one of the best, if not THE best gym in all of Long Island, and New York, where people from all across the country know of us and what we do. To help athletes become stronger, faster, less injury prone, and help adults live healthier lifestyles.

Mike N.

CEO

My fitness journey is one of fluctuation. Weight and dietary habits have gone up and down like a rollercoaster my whole life and I was never able to find something stable for myself. After trying every fad diet and workout routine from middle school well into college, I decided to find the correct information right from the source by studying Exercise Science and Nutrition at Queens College. I graduated with an Associates in Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Exercise Sciences. I’m an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and Level 2 Certified in Science is Medicine by the ACSM with experience training clients specializing in adult fitness at RAF since 2018 where I also found the passion for Spartan Races and traveling across the country completing multiple types of Obstacle Course Races. My goal is to help people find the proper balance between a healthy lifestyle and fitness while still being able to have fun working out and find the freedom to indulge.

Terrance

Coach

My fitness journey began when I started playing collegiate basketball at Mercy College. I still love to play basketball and use this passion to help train school athletes. I’ve coached basketball at Chaminade High School and now teach at Forest Hills High School. Being a close friend of owner Mike Lisi, it was only a matter of time before I dove into strength and performance based fitness. I got my PPCS (Pain Performance Certification) in the summer of 2019 and started training at RAF September of 2020.

Christine V.

Manager

My true passion for fitness started in 2019 when I joined RAF Strength and Fitness as a member. John and Mike were always so helpful, encouraging and motivating. They pushed me harder and challenged me to do more than I ever thought I could. Fitness became part of my everyday routine and I strived to learn more about fitness and nutrition. With the help of the trainers at RAF I successfully became an ISSA Certified Trainer, completed my first Spartan Race at 49 years old, went on to complete multiple races and finally completed a Trifecta with the most challenging to be the Beast 21k.

I truly enjoy helping others see their potential and having them become more aware of their fitness abilities and goals. I take pleasure in helping and hearing the success of others. My goal is to continue to inspire others as I continue to challenge myself. 

Kenny M.

Assistant Director of Training

My fitness journey began here at RAF. It was the summer of covid and I weighed my heaviest ever. I felt so negative mentally and about my physical appearance. A year later after joining the Adult Fitness Program, I was able to lose 50 pounds and feel better than ever. Throughout that year the team at RAF helped me gain tons of knowledge about diet and exercise while also instilling discipline to myself. After watching my body and mind change through fitness I fell in love with it, and that’s why I decided to join the RAF team to help others like me. Mike, John, and everyone at RAF started teaching me how to be an effective trainer and grow my passion the right way while I work towards my certifications. Currently as a trainer at RAF, I want to give back to clients everything RAF gave to me. 

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