Soho Strength Lab

“Changing a person’s pre-conceived notion of who they are physically, and what they are capable of, and then progressing them further.”

Ryan Hopkins has spent the last 15 years of his life exploring everything fitness and weightlifting related and, with the launch of SoHo Strength Lab in 2013, transitioned into the gym ownership aspect of the fitness world. Ryan began his deep dive into health and fitness as an Athletic Training major at the University of Central Florida, but his most significant learning was done outside of the classroom. Everything Ryan knows and does he has at one time done himself.

Ryan separates himself from many fitness professionals because of his exposure to and comprehension of a wide variety of training methods and modalities. Ryan is constantly educating himself, applying what he learns in his training to “experience the individualities and peculiarities of each approach for every situation and circumstance.” He specializes in all things strength and conditioning, Olympic weightlifting, weight loss, making regular people look and feel good and making older men and women strong and athletic, both inside and out.

Ryan currently competes in Olympic weightlifting and is a member of USA Weightlifting, both as a competitor and as a certified Advanced Sports Performance Coach. Ryan recently returned from Russia where he studied at the Olympic Training Center in Chekhov under Olympic Gold Medalist Dmitry Berestov and World Champion Dmitry Klokov.

As the personal training manager of SoHo Strength Lab, Ryan’s biggest accomplishment has been building what he believes to be the most dynamic, well-informed and educated training department in the personal training world. He prides himself on providing a haven for great trainers to operate and create a productive, fun environment that is the intangible ingredient for a great gym.

“I have always enjoyed learning about the human body and its capabilities under different conditions: training, nutrition, recovery from injury and other variables. My goal is to help others connect with their bodies so that they can build their strength and confidence to pursue life to the fullest.”

Albert grew up running, swimming, surfing, climbing, biking, lifting and, of course, eating. His running led him to a five-year career as an athlete at the University of Florida, where he competed at the S.E.C. Championships for the Gators in both track and field and cross country. After college, Albert trained and competed professionally under Barb Lindquist, the former world #1 ranked triathlete.

Albert holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology and Food Science/Human Nutrition, a Master of Science degree in Human Performance and is licensed as a Registered Dietitian.

Throughout his career, Albert has researched nutrition to improve training, recovery from injury and general health. He is well-versed in creating individual nutrition plans to complement specific training program goals. Currently, Albert serves as the consulting dietitian for DB Track Club, a professional track and field training group lead by Rana Reider (USA Track and Field National Coach of the Year in 2011).

Albert specializes in integrating his nutrition and physiology background into his training program design. He is skilled in the areas of weight loss, building lean muscle mass, core strength, triathlon training, kettlebells and corrective exercise for injury recovery.

Albert is the founder and CEO of Promix Nutrition.

Tyler Eckles, BSc, CSCS, CPPS, PN1

Movement and muscle is medicine. Empowering others to remind them of what they can do instead of what they can’t do is the mission. We’re all extremely capable and some journeys take longer than others but never forget that health and wellness is for everyone. In order to pour into others, we need to be able to pour into ourselves and I believe the route of that is improving our emotional, existential, environmental, mental, physical, and relational health.

I have immersed myself in the fitness industry over the past 5+ years from both physical and education standpoints. My quest for information and improvement stemmed from my love for sports. It taught me the discipline, consistency, relentlessness I have in my approach to life and fitness today. I am committed to enhancing an individual’s lifestyle to become a better version of themselves because of it. My 4 years of experience at a Physical Therapy office pushed my exploration of the capabilities  of the human body. I soon realized I was interested in providing personalized attention and training so I started personal training and I completed my Certified Physical Preparation Specialist certification and Precision Nutrition certification. During my three years as a Strength and Conditioning coach/Personal Trainer, I directed multiple Athletic Performance departments and designed effective programming for junior high school, high school, and college athletes. I also trained a wide demographic of 1 on 1 clients and programmed fitness plans tailored to individuals unique needs. This further continued my commitment to sharing my knowledge and drive of health and wellness with my clients. I want to continue to research, experiment, and provide the best experience possible for everyone I come across.

“Readiness, preparation, commitment, consistency, ambition–these are stages of fitness any successful athlete can recognize. Those who find themselves struggling with change and growth are often stuck at the first stage—readiness. While we may never be 100% ready for any challenge, there is no better time to start than NOW.”

Colette’s passion for movement began with dance. Colette was born in the Bronx and raised in South Florida, where she attended Alexander W. Dreyfoos High School of the Arts (DSOA) as a dance major. Colette moved back to NYC to pursue dance and graduated from Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) with a BFA in Modern Dance Performance. Upon graduation, Colette worked with the José Limon Dance Company as an Arts Admin Intern as well as a dance apprentice.

Throughout her 17 year long dance career, Colette suffered many injuries including repeated ankle sprains, knee, hip, and low back pain that eventually became a catalyst for pursuing fitness. Never lifting weights a day in her life, Colette worked with a personal trainer as a client in 2016 to learn from the ground up and it transformed her life. The seemingly endless cycle of injuries was interrupted and her body no longer felt broken. Her physical performance and quality of life improved so dramatically, it ignited a new passion for teaching and empowering others through movement and strength.

Colette became a Certified Personal Trainer under the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in 2017 and has since worked with over hundreds of individuals one-on-one on their fitness journey. Pre-pandemic, Colette clocked in an average of nearly 1,500 training hours in just 2019 alone. She was the first female Master Trainer under a well-known commercial gym at their NYC flagship location and as well as their Lead Boutique HIIT Instructor. In addition, Colette led and assisted educational workshops and provided business and training mentorship for existing and incoming trainers at that location. Colette also helped individuals transition seamlessly from in-person training to remote online training/programming during the pandemic, allowing them to maintain their physical fitness without suffering from home-workout fatigue.

Colette considers the successes of her clients to be her greatest accomplishments. She stays true as an artist, collaborating with her clients to craft training programs that are specifically curated to produce results and encourage sustainable, life-long habits. Whether you are working out for the first time, beginning again, or working toward a greater fitness goal, Colette will guide you through thick and thin, making sure you stay on track, are held accountable, have all the resources you need to conquer any obstacle during your journey, and emerge a champion of your fitness.

Specialties — Strength; Hypertrophy; Pre/Post-Natal; Remote/Virtual Online Training; Kettlebells; Flexibility; Myofascial Release

Certifications — NASM CPT; FMS II; FCS; Pre/Post Natal Certified Fitness Instructor; SFG I; Bulgarian Bags Certified Instructor; MovementEdge Practitioner

Jaid Coronel, BSc, EXOS XFS/XPS

Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Jaid played sports from the time he could walk. He was a well-rounded athlete who loved competing and being a part of a team in sports like baseball, football, wrestling and track.

Despite all of that movement, Jaid still struggled with weight most of his life. He understands the frustrations that come with it and for that reason decided to get his degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University. His schooling was not only based on exercise science but he also learned a lot about the other factors that affect our health and wellness besides nutrition and exercise like stress management, habits, social factors, etc.

He focuses on creating a healthy lifestyle so he can have fun while feeling strong and in shape. He coaches his clients so they can live this kind of lifestyle as well.

His specialties include functional strength and conditioning, mobility training, body recomposition, and powerlifting.

Jaid holds a B.S. Exercise and Wellness and is certified as an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and NASM Behavior Change Specialist.

Aaron Phillips, BSc

“One of the main drivers I have for my job is the eternal search for solutions to problems and instilling confidence in the route we choose to take.”

Aaron’s passion for exercise started with wanting to get better at football and track. Playing those sports there was always pressure to be bigger, faster, stronger in which Aaron felt always falling short. In trying to overcompensate with his skinny frame, he trained heavily in his high school weight room but also eating everything in sight to “bulk up”. The day he struggled to carry the extra weight in warmups was when he realized he needed to be smarter. This newfound interest in studying hypertrophy, exercise physiology, and nutrition led to pursuing a Bachelors in Exercise Science at Rutgers New-Brunswick.

In college, Aaron developed his knowledge base by pursuing experience in strength and conditioning, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Olympic weightlifting. However in his pursuit of performance came with and injury history dating back to high school that led to shadowing in physical therapy clinic and being mentored by top clinicians.

It that never ending pursuit of knowledge, Aaron is enrolled at Touro University in Manhattan to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy to integrate rehab into performance and bridge the gap.

Specialties:

Strength and Conditioning, Olympic weightlifting, Powerlifting, Athletic Performance, Nutrition,

Virtual/Remote Training, Return to Performance

Certifications:

B.S. Exercise Science

NCSA Certified Strength and Conditioning (CSCS)

USA Weightlifitng L2

Russian Kettlebell Instructor (RKC II)

Pronatal Pre/Post Natal Certified

ISSN Sports Nutrition Specialist (ISSN-SNS)

Exos Performance Specialist (XPS)

Running Mechanics Professional Level 2 MED

Brian Longo, BSc, CSCS

Brian Longo is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. His experience began 15 years ago working with athletes as a Strength & Conditioning intern at The George Washington University, where he completed his BSc in Exercise Science. Brian spent the last 11 years in Bergen County, New Jersey developing his business, expertise and family.

Stephanie Krempa, M.S. Nutrition Science, B.S. Exercise Science, ACSMPT, Pn1

Stephanie has dedicated her life to providing a holistic approach to wellness. From a young age, she realized the importance of fueling exercise with the proper nutrition. She grew up with a very active lifestyle, practicing in gymnastics, softball, waterskiing, volleyball, track and cross country. She worked toward success in distance running as my high school cross country team placed first in their State Championship for three years in a row, and went on to run at Nike Nationals in Oregon. During this time Stephanie overcame the female athlete triad; low energy availability, low bone mineral density, and menstrual disturbance. This influenced her academic path, which led her to pursue a career with both exercise and nutrition intervention. With a Master’s in Nutrition Science and a Bachelors in Exercise Science from the University at Buffalo, Stephanie’s focus shifted from endurance training herself to strength training athletes. She shadowed fellow strength and conditioning coaches of Division 1 athletes in basketball, volleyball and football. Eventually providing resources of sports nutrition to more than 100 athletes.

After graduating, she received her personal training certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and moved to New York City to pursue her coaching career. Understanding that health needs to be approached with a total long-term and consistent outlook, she also attained a nutrition coaching certification from Precision Nutrition. Today Stephanie enjoys empowering a wide variety of clientele keeping their bodies strong and minds healthy.

Specialties:
Nutrition, distance running, strength and conditioning, calisthenics, kettlebell movements, and functional training.

Certifications:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification
AAAI/ISMA Mat Pilates Instructor Certification

“Exercise should be a way to connect your self to yourself. Understanding how your body functions, getting it to a place where you move without pain or resistance and are able to use your body as a tool for health, movement, and aesthetic desire. This is why I love being a coach!”

Chelsey grew up with fitness as a dominant part in her life. She began gymnastics at a young age and continued on to compete at an elite level around the world. After retiring, she joined the circus as an acrobat and began coaching gymnastics with a focus on special needs athletes and worked with the Special Olympics. At this point, 10 years ago, she fell in love with yoga.

Chelsey became a personal trainer in 2009 with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has been training in New York and Sydney for the past 6 years. She became a certified yoga teacher in 2011 and travels the world hosting yoga retreats with a focus on meditation, Ayurveda and relationship counseling. Chelsey has since studied under some of the top coaches and educators in the world, including Stoyan Deltchev, Charles Poliquin, James LaValle and Ido Portal. She has studied sport specific strength training, Biosignature (a science of the relationship between body composition, hormones, and nutrition), calisthenics and gymnastic bodies training.

“We are all Apprentices in a craft in which no one ever becomes a master” – Ernest Hemingway

Stephen is Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and learned the importance of sports training and fitness at a young age participating in martial arts, wrestling and weightlifting.
2 years ago, when his insatiable passion for learning and devotion to serve others became so strong, he decided to make a drastic career change and left his job in Investment Banking to pursue a career in fitness and never looked back. He went back to school and graduated from Focus Personal Training Institute’s Master course. Stephen wanted to surround himself and learn from the best trainers and coaches in NYC and completed an internship at Soho Strength Lab
His philosophy focuses on continual lifelong science-driven learning, as he works towards enhancing the well-being of his clients by empowering them with the knowledge, skills, support, guidance and resources to assist and inspire them on their journey to a healthier and stronger life. Together he will help transform your quality of life through active participation in fitness activities and the integration of guided fitness programs, to make your health goals become a reality, in a caring, smart and dynamic environment.

Certifications:
NASM- CPT
Focus Personal training – Master Course graduate

“Train Like an Athlete.”

Jungin Jung, or JJ as he’s known at the gym, joined SoHo Strength Lab in August 2015. His journey in becoming an athletic trainer took off in Oklahoma where he studied Athletic Training at Oklahoma State University and expanded to Long Island University in Brooklyn where he earned a Master’s of Science in Advanced Athletic Training.

Before joining SoHo Strength Lab, he was a graduate assistant athletic trainer, working with women’s soccer, baseball, and track and field teams. He also held many athletic training, and strength and conditioning internships, including with Major League Soccer, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the University of Pittsburgh.

JJ’s motto has always been “Train Like an Athlete”. He believes in potential in every human being. Regardless of age, physical characteristics or previous athletic levels, he treats every client like a professional athlete—not an athlete that plays vigorous sports on the field, but an athlete who has the potential to grow and develop their fitness and performance level.

As an Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach, he firmly believes that good rehab comes from balancing all body parts as a single unit—instead of just one weakened area—and he incorporates this belief by providing his clients with a holistic rehab routine through a combination of RNT (regeneration, nutrition and training). The balancing of these three components maximize one’s fitness and performance levels.

JJ has experiences in training wide variety of clients, from general population to professional and tactical athletes and is an expert at designing unique programs for each individual with different assets and goals. His focus varies from rehabilitation, prehabilitation, power, strength, speed and agility, to flexibility, coordination and balance, and more.

He is a Certified Athletic Trainer (NATA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA), Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM), Sports performance coach level I (USAW), USA Track and field Coach Level I (USTF) and Functional Movement Screen Level I (FMS).

Salma Nakhlawi, USAW

Hello, my name is Sal and I’m a strength coach and personal trainer here at SSL. I attended Middlebury College, where I studied Neuroscience and was introduced to the sport of powerlifting. Sessions with me focus on building strength from the inside-out balanced with having a fun time. I measure success for my clients both in the progress we make and how much fun we have making it. Let me know any questions you have, hope we chat soon!

Specialties: Powerlifting, functional bodybuilding, strength training, nutrition, body recomposition

Certifications:

• USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 2 Advanced Weightlifting Coach
• Certified Functional Strength Coach
• DV8 Kettlebell Teacher
• Certified in TRX Suspension Training
• Certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

“Be proud of your hard work and accomplishments, but never be completely satisfied and never forget you’re not the only one out there working hard. You can always do more, do better, and help others do the same”

Jason initially started at Soho Strength Lab as an intern learning from the best in New York City while also attending CUNY Brooklyn College. He eventually earned his Bachelors in Exercise Science and became a trainer at SSL with his own unique approach to training. Jason is dedicated to the “training process” for implementing long term changes and preventing training staleness. Over his career so far Jason has gone from a body builder in high school going from 115lbs to 151lbs, a powerlifter in college, and is currently an Olympic weightlifting competitor. Along with his extensive training weight training background he has recently become a Functional Range Mobility Specialists in order to help clients who struggle with flexibility or past joint injuries.

Jason is a NSCA certified personal trainer, a USAW Advanced Sports Performance Coach, a Catalyst Athletics Weightlifting Coach, and a FRC mobility specialist.

Jason Li BS, NSCA-CPT, USAW lvl 2

“My strive for excellence in the fitness field is predominantly based on the gratification of helping one achieve their desired fitness goals. There is no better feeling, and is the main reason I love my job.”

Scott knows what it’s like being fat, weak, and slow. As a teenager, Scott played sports such as basketball, baseball, and football. He was always a step behind, and could not keep up with the other athletes. Aspiring to become a better athlete, he began working with a coach to improve performance. From there Scott was hooked. He spent hours a day researching the body, and how to develop it into the best machine possible.

His passion began to turn into a career when he attended school studying exercise science. While in school he had the opportunity to intern with some of the greatest coaches in the country. He graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, and has spent the last few years adding many of the top fitness certifications (see below).

Scott’s hard work and passion to make himself a better athlete has helped him become one of the most qualified trainers in NYC. His clients now reap the benefits of his self-indulgence. He takes pride in helping others through the same process he experienced. He has coached people of all ages and exercise levels from professional athletes, CEO’s, to children and the elderly. In a field that is ever-changing, he is always staying up to date with current exercise science research proven to yield the most efficient results. His energy, knowledge, and passion to make people better brings a positive training environment during every session. SLL has developed a reputation of having the best coaches in NYC, and Scott is proud to join the team where he can learn, as well as contribute to educating as well. When he’s not in the gym, you may find him at your local burger joint chowing down on a juicy burger while watching a game.

Certifications:

B.S. Exercise Physiology

ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)

NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Functional Movement Systems lvl 2 Certified (FMS)

Strongfirst Russian Kettlebell Certified (SFG)

Triggerpoint Certified

Pre/Post Natal Certified

ViPR

Bulgarian Bags

Athletic Republic Certified