Meet the Trainers

Jennifer Peccia
IFA Certified Personal Trainer

Hi!  My name is Jennifer Peccia, and I am a personal fitness trainer at General Fitness Center.  My career in fitness began in 2004 when I became certified by the IFA (International Fitness Association).  My passion for working out and keeping fit has been important to me for most of my life.  I find it fun and exciting.  Plus, it brings extreme energy into my day to day life.  Fitness is not only about feeling good physically, but also about being healthy in the mind and soul.

This inspires me to help my clients get stronger, healthier, and closer to reaching their fitness goals.  My regimens for my clients are a customized fitness program that varies for each individual.  My program includes strength training; endurance; conditioning; nutritional guidance; weight loss; speed, agility, and balance training; and stretching techniques.

Let’s not forget the “Brides to be.”  I offer an exhilarating boot camp package that gets brides to look their best on their special day.  I also provide professional airbrush tanning.  This technique will sculpt your tan to your body type and create a customized solution to fit your skin tone.

Make today the start of a happier and healthier you! It’s never too late!

Joe Bateman
AFPA Certified Trainer
American Top Team Mixed Martial Arts Instructor

Hello, my name is Joe. I am an AFP Personal Trainer at General Fitness Center. I have been a student of MMA for 10 years and a certified instructor for the American Top Team for 2 years. I have been involved with body building and fitness for over 20 years At this point in my life I would like to turn my attention to sharing my knowledge of the Martial Arts and Body Building with others. I enjoy helping people improve there fitness levels, reach their goals and live healthier lifestyles. Let me help motivate you to become a leaner, stronger, more positive person.

Sonia Sifneos
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer

Since first introduced to weight training over 25 years ago, I realized that the gym was going to become an important part of my life.  Through the years, exercising has provided me with confidence, improved self esteem, and the discipline necessary to tackle life’s challenges.   My current training regimen involves weight training, cardio and flexibility training 4 times per week.

We live in an incredibly busy world that often demands more time and energy than we can provide. As a result, we often feel mentally drained and physically exhausted.  A combination of exercise and proper diet will help you gain control, feel energized, healthier, and more capable of handling life's demands.

I welcome the opportunity to help you in your quest for the physical, mental and emotional health that a proper exercise program will provide for you.  A typical fitness program includes strength and flexibility training, as well as cardiovascular work and nutrition.  Together, we will work to develop as specific program in order to achieve your fitness goals.  My goal is to help you in your journey to achieving your fitness aspirations.  You will be able to depend on me to be your fitness and wellness advocate. 

Haris Karimi
certified personal trainer

Hello my name is Haris Karimi and I am a certified personal trainer with over five years experience in weight and resistance training. I am a NPC National qualified bodybuilder and I can help you get in the best shape of your life. I have worked with many clients and each have seen substantial gains in their area of focus. A healthy living is my passion and I can help motivate you to achieve your Dream Body.

Lisa A. Romano
ISSA Certified in Fitness, Youth Fitness and Performance Nutrition

Lisa A. Romano is a long time trainer here at General Fitness Trainer. She is ISSA Certified not only in Fitness, but in Youth Fitness, as well as Performance Nutrition. Lisa has an innate appreciation for the workings of the human body. Her knowledge of anatomy and physiology is vast, due to her background in Nursing. This fact makes her unique.

Lisa's approach to fitness and health is rooted in the knowing that lifestyle changes are necessary if long term goals are to be realized. Her exercise programs are designed to meet your individual needs. Medical history as well as an individuals particular level of health are considered before any programs are designed. In this way, you truly are getting the best individual attention possible when it comes to Personal Trainers.

Lisa is committed to motivating, inspiring, and teaching her clients about fitness and nutrition. Fitness education which includes proper form, body mechanics and a basic understanding of bodybuilding principles is the foundation by which Lisa designs her clients routines.

Because diet is such an integral part of any fitness program, Lisa will give you a diet make over. Your current diet is as important as your fitness training. This fact is the reason Lisa spends so much time educationg her clients on nutrition as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

Knowing what to eat, why, when and how much you should eat will effect your goals.  Nutrition is the basis on which all of Lisa's programs are created. Her diet make overs, coupled with her sharp attention to detail and form will ensure that you get the results you desire.

Lisa is also a well known internet author with articles written on diet, nutrition, supplements and self reliance. She is not only a highly successful and sought after Fitness Trainer, but she is a Self Esteem Coach as well. Her articles have also been published in "New Living Magazine", and currently she is working on her second book.

Her clients include Doctors, Businessmen, Mom's, Grandmothers, and children as well.

If you want to finally figure out what you need to do to get fit for life, then training with Lisa, who has tremendous experience in the Fitness Industry, is a decision you should make. As a mother of three, she understands and can relate to how hard getting fit can be. She knows what it takes to get healthy. Let her share her knowledge with you.

Dino Tsagalas
AFPA Certified Personal Trainer

Welcome to General Fitness Center. My name is Dino Tsagalas and I was born on April 9th, 1988 in Brooklyn, NY.  I am an AFPA Certified Personal Trainer and I currently attend Queens College, majoring in Exercise Science/ Physical Education. 

Growing up in a heavily crowded neighborhood in Bensonhurst, I participated in many sports and activities that took place within the neighborhood.  As I got older, I continued to participate in such activities but I developed an appreciation for the field of exercise as I began witnessing physical changes within my body as well as a cognitive appreciation of exercising and the many benefits it generates.  After completing Bayside High School with Honors and an Advanced Regents Diploma, I took my curiosity for exercise to the next level and began applying the concepts I was taught on myself and I watched my body transform. 

Once I developed the hands on experience necessary for fully understanding the world of exercising, I began working as a personal trainer at The Fitness Consultant, which is a one on one Personal Training Center.  With an older group of clients, I had to overcome many physical limitations as well as setbacks and that helped me evolved as a trainer.  The reward I gain from my job is great as I watch my clients completely alter their bodies, through a strict workout plan as well as a dedicated yet fair diet plan.  Meeting each client’s specific goal is not an impossible task yet it is one that requires dedication and consistency. 

My specialties in the field of exercise focus primarily on muscle gain, toning and weight/fat loss.  With my knowledge and hands on experience, I can promise a program that will significantly meet my client’s needs and expectations. Thank You.