The Best Hour
of your day.

Hi, I'm Coach Joe. I've been helping people look great, feel great, and perform their best for over 25 years.

Fitness never came easy for me coming from a big Italian family (a lot of pasta), so I made it my life's work to help others become the best version of themselves.

We've built an amazing team of professional coaches to guide you every step of the way — can't wait to see you in the gym.

I've been part of Varsity House since 2006. What started as a part-time job in fitness turned into a lifelong mission: build a gym that stands for more — more community, more accountability, more opportunity for clients and coaches.

In 2009 I teamed up with Joe Riggio to turn a small warehouse into a real training business. Today Varsity House is a multi-location destination known for results-driven coaching, strong team culture, and a professional pathway for coaches.

Co-host of The Business of Strength Podcast, NSCA presenter, and graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. I've coached athletes from youth sports to the NFL. Quote I live by: "Never mistake activity for achievement."

Hey everyone — I'm Coach Mike, the first ever Varsity House employee. I started back in 2009 vacuuming the gym, became Director of Training in 2014, and stepped into the General Manager role in 2021.

I love helping people prove that they CAN do it and watching them hit goals they never thought possible. Looking forward to helping you become the next success story.

I'm the Director of Training here at the Mecca — Varsity House Gym. I played basketball my whole life growing up, which was plagued by injury, and the rehab process is what made me fall in love with the science of training.

I help everyday gym-goers and athletes feel better, move better, and perform better through a holistic approach. Can't wait to help you.

I've been part of this team for over five years, doing what I love — helping people transform their lives through fitness, nutrition, and consistency.

I earned my Bachelor's in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and have dedicated my career to helping clients build sustainable, healthy habits.

Whether it's better habits, rebuilt confidence, or one more rep, I'm here to help you level up — physically and mentally (probably with an energy drink in hand).

My journey with Varsity House started long before I joined the staff — I was a youth athlete here, and trained through high school and into five years of Division I softball at the University of Rhode Island.

I returned in 2018 as a strength and conditioning intern. After graduating in 2021 with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies, I worked my way up to Athletic Performance Director.

Today I focus on designing programs for youth, collegiate, and professional athletes while mentoring younger coaches and building a community centered on strength, confidence, and growth.

I started at Varsity House in 8th grade as an athlete and I've been part of the VH family ever since.

Now as a coach, my goal is simple: help you get fit, stay healthy, and live your best life. Looking forward to being part of your fitness journey.

Westchester County native and Head Coach at Varsity House. Growing up I played football and wrestled, which laid the foundation for my passion in sports performance and strength training.

I earned a Bachelor's in Exercise Science from SUNY Oneonta in 2022, completed the Varsity House internship, then worked as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Manhattanville College and Strength Coach at Irvington High School.

Rejoined Varsity House in 2023. Outside of coaching I compete in powerlifting — it keeps me connected to my own training.

I've been immersed in fitness for over six years. Started in Taekwondo (first-degree black belt), moved into competitive soccer, and developed a deep love for movement and performance.

Graduate degree in Sports Science with a Strength and Conditioning focus, CSCS certified. Worked in sports rehabilitation as a licensed chiropractic assistant here in New Jersey.

I blend rehab principles with performance training to help clients move better, get stronger, and stay injury-free. Motto: "When life puts you in a tough spot, don't say 'Why me?' — say 'Try me.'"

I've been part of the VH family for 16 years — as an athlete and now coaching for the last 12. VH isn't just a gym; it's where you build real friendships and strong bonds with coaches and clients all striving toward similar goals.

Credentials: Hardstyle KB Instructor Level 1, USA Weightlifting Certified Coach, CPPS, CFSC Level 1, Master's in Sports Management with a concentration in Interscholastic Athletic Administration.

My fitness journey began in the United States Marine Corps, where I served on active duty for nine years and continue to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves. I became a Force Fitness Instructor in 2016 and earned my Personal Training Certification through ACE the following year.

B.S. in Exercise Science from William Paterson University (2021); currently pursuing an M.S. in Acupuncture at the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. Also certified as a Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, and Weight Management Specialist.

I'm passionate about functional fitness, training for longevity, and helping others live stronger, more resilient lives. Off the clock you'll find me baking or hiking.

Facility Leader at Varsity House Personal Training in Ridgewood. Over the past six years I've helped people become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Bachelor's in Exercise Science and NASM CPT certified. I specialize in programs that are challenging, safe, and — most importantly — fun. Let's make fitness something you look forward to.

Bachelor's in Exercise Science from Montclair State University and a Master's in Business with a concentration in Healthcare Economics and Management from William Paterson University.

I'm passionate about functional strength training and running, and I love blending the two. Outside the gym you'll find me hiking, snowboarding, or playing basketball.

My coaching style is about meeting you where you're at and building a plan that fits your goals and lifestyle — simple, effective, and fun.

Joined Varsity House in summer 2024 as an intern and soon after came on staff part-time while continuing my studies at St. Thomas Aquinas College, where I'm pursuing a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Management.

I'm a basketball guy through and through. My fitness journey started young — I was the "chubby kid" growing up, and lifting gave me confidence and a sense of control. Now I'm here to help others experience the same kind of transformation.

I started training at Varsity House at 15, and nearly a decade later I'm back — training and working the front desk. Greeting and connecting with our clients is my favorite part of the day.

I recently earned my Master's in Nutrition and Food Science from Montclair State University and I'm on the path to becoming a registered dietitian.

As Business Coordinator I make sure the behind-the-scenes magic happens — schedules, payroll, inventory, operations — keeping things organized, efficient, and stress-free.

Originally majored in education with a minor in event planning, then spent four years teaching while diving deep into fitness. Over a decade of experience in sales and management brings energy, consistency, and a people-first mindset to everything I do.