Photography by Zack Skowronek
Tommie Burch
Gym: Best Fitness, Studio 4 Hot Yoga
Known for: Her authentic social media presence (@balancebytommie) and community involvement
Go-to post-workout snack: Protein shake from Bowled
Least favorite exercise: Assault bike
What’s something you’ve learned since becoming a trainer?
“How much of an impact people moving can have on their mental, physical, and social well-being. I’ve seen it time and time again where people find a community in their gyms. Having that strong community can change people’s lives, and a gym is a great place to find that.”
Adam Badger
Gym: Badger Strength
Known for: Opening his own gym in 2026
Go-to post-workout snack: White rice with ground beef
Least favorite exercise: Burpees
What’s something you’ve learned since becoming a trainer?
“Getting in shape is way more about your mindset and expectations than it is about the actual nuts and bolts of training. A lot of people are too focused on, ‘What’s the best gym I should go to? What’s the best diet I should do? What’s the most optimal approach to this?’ And really what matters most is just consistently doing the basics.”
Deb Lawrence
Gym: Next Chapter Fitness and Nutrition
Known for: Fitness for women over 50
Go-to post-workout snack: Cheese stick, banana, and water
Least favorite exercise: Hip openers
What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting their fitness journey in
the new year?
“Look for trial programs in the area and give them a try. Don’t be afraid, but also don’t jump into it just because it’s a New Year’s resolution. It really has to be something you want to commit to so that you can make a habit for yourself.”
Drew Smith
Gym: Metabolic
Known for: Making working out fun
Go-to post-workout snack: Sandwich and chips from Jersey Mike’s
Least favorite exercise: Single-leg squats
What’s something you’ve learned since becoming a trainer?
“Everyone’s going through their own stuff. If you can just show up, it’s every coach’s job to take care of the rest, whether that’s motivating, coaching, teaching, or making you smile. My best advice is to be on time, be present, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Kayla Anderton
Gym: CrossFit for the People
Known for: Workouts that balance strength with mobility
Go-to post-workout snack: Yogurt with berries and granola
Least favorite exercise: Pull-ups
What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting their fitness journey in the new year?
“Start from wherever you are. I feel like people get in their way all the time thinking that they’re not in a good place to start, but truthfully you can start from wherever you are. And if you don’t start now, then you’ll never get to where you want to be. So just start—put one foot in front of the other and just keep going.”
Meghan Campion
Gym: Glisten
Known for: Being a formerprofessional dancer
Go-to post-workout snack: Smoothie with spinach, vanilla protein, banana, blueberries, and almond milk
Least favorite exercise: Tuck jumps
Do you have any training philosophies?
“Use movement as a celebration of yourself rather than a punishment. It’s so much more rewarding when you can just celebrate yourself every day through the workouts that you want to do.”
Miho Yamada
Gym: Saratoga YMCA, Vent Fitness, Albany Dance & Fitness
Known for: High-energy Zumba classes
Go-to post-workout snack: White rice
Least favorite exercise: Anything with heavy weights
What advice do you have for first-time Zumba class members?
“What I always say to students when I start a class is that even if they can’t follow the instructor’s movement, you don’t need to be perfect to enjoy Zumba.”
Ryan Taylor
Gym: Best Fitness
Known for: Strength Training
Go-to post-workout snack: Sour Patch Kids or Nerds Clusters
Least favorite exercise: Bulgarian split squats
How do you hype yourself up when you’re not feeling it?
“Sad music. I’m the opposite of most people, but sad music gets me pumped up.”
Toni Howard
Gym: ABC Sports & Fitness, Orange Theory
Known for: Rehabilitation and functional fitness
Go-to post-workout snack: Bagel or pizza
Least favorite exercise: Burpees
What’s been the most rewarding part of your career?
“I’ve seen people completely change their lives so that they have an opportunity to be a better husband, wife, partner, coworker, and friend.”
Gabe Ostrow
Gym: GO Personal Training
Known for: Training athletes as well as fitness first-timers
Go-to post-workout snack: Sourdough bread, fruit, and some type of meat
Least favorite exercise: Pull-ups
What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting their fitness journey in the new year?
“Don’t attack your weak spots. Everyone’s like, ‘I hate my stomach’ or ‘I hate my arms—I want to work on that.’ But what do you love about your body? Go after that harder and everything else will fall into place.”
