Category Archives: State of the Union

Shoutout to Our Staff

Hi UF Community! 

 

We all live different lives outside of our jobs, but it is important to establish and build a strong team in order to succeed in your workplace setting. I wanted to take a few minutes to shoutout and say thank you to every single one of our hard-working team members who are here at Union Fitness weekly. 

 

Allyssa – She has been a hard worker since the start. She immediately took on clients and hopped on the sub list for our classes and the front desk and has never stopped working hard. She is also doing all this while in Physical Therapy school, which makes it even more impressive. 

 

CJ – The wizard! He does it all here, whether it’s training almost all our University athletic teams, or several of his own clients, all while doing his management duties. He taught me all that I know when it comes to coaching group classes, and I’m forever thankful for that and for all he does to help keep UF in the best shape possible. 

 

Curtis – This guy is truly one of the greatest humans out there. Fun fact: He is the one who hired me on as a part-time contractor back in 2020. He always goes above and beyond for his clients and for UF. He still puts in his full 100% effort even while having a baby at home, which I sincerely respect and admire. I am happy to call him a very good friend of mine. 

 

Dahveed– I love the way he truly connects with both his clients and his athletes. He has a special way of interacting with them and making them feel like they are the most important people in the room. The amount of respect I have seen him gain from both his clients and athletes (and coaches, too) is highly commendable. 

 

Adeel – He has been a stellar addition to the UF Team. He never hesitates to step up when it’s needed and is a super friendly face for when anyone and everyone comes into the gym. We are glad to have you on the team! 

 

Eric – This guy showed up wearing an F45 hat, and we haven’t stopped messing with him about it. He has a great personality and has been able to fit himself right in with the UF crew. He’s already been crushing it with his own personal training clients and with subbing in for all our classes. 

 

Ethan – He is one of the best trainers I have had the pleasure of working with. I have the utmost respect for him and for how hard of a worker he is. Ethan also brightens up the room with his jokes and humor, which we all appreciate. He started a new trend called “Opera music Fridays,” which helps keep the good vibes rolling in the Strength Lab on Friday afternoons. 

 

Grayson – He is another one of our trainers who always puts a smile on everyone’s faces. He’s fun to mess with but will give you some attitude right back. You always need those people to help keep the environment light and fun, and Grayson is that person. 

 

Hannah – She is one of the newest hires here at UF, but she has also shown herself to be one of the hardest workers in the room. From the start, she was ready to take on some of her own classes and clients. Hannah teaches Powerful every Monday at 6pm and Cardio Lab every Saturday at 9:30am. If you are looking for a perfectly fun and upbeat class, Hannah is your girl! 

 

Hanson – He started as an intern last semester and has proven to be quite the “sponge” for information. He is always looking to learn and ask questions, which keeps him knowledgeable and ready to tackle the 6am Powerful class on Tuesday mornings. If you’re a morning person and are looking for a fun laugh while getting a great lift in, grab a coffee and check out his class! 

 

Jared – This dude is one of the smartest and strongest guys out there. He has been keeping the gym running by opening on M/W/F at 5am for several years now, and even teaches our Powerful classes at 6am on those mornings as well. He has also built his own Physical Therapy business (Function Reforged) and runs it right here out of Union Fitness. If you’re injured or even just looking to get your form right, he is your guy! 

 

Jen – She has been on the Front Desk team for quite some time now and has recently been promoted to be our Front Desk Supervisor! Jen has always crushed it when it comes to customer service and teamwork, and it really shows. She’s a friendly first face when you first walk into the gym and a great person to talk with about anything. We love having her on the team! 

 

Justin – Justin started working here last year as one of our Front Desk employees, and he has been a consistent gym member since way before then. He is always willing to help the team, and help the gym grow in any way that it can! We love seeing him train and get strong in the Strength Lab every week as well. 

 

Katie – Katie is always a super friendly and smiling face to see in the very dark hours of the morning. I don’t think I have ever seen her in a bad mood! She teaches Cardio Lab every Friday at 7am, so if you’re looking to get your butt kicked and start your weekend off right come and join her! 

 

Kyle – This kid is one of the smartest dudes I know. You could ask him any question about training, and he will most likely know the answer. On top of working here, he also works at Pitt with some of their athletic teams. He always works hard, and it definitely shows. 

 

Lauren – If you haven’t checked out a yoga class here at UF yet, you’re missing out! Lauren’s classes on Wednesday’s at 6pm and Sunday’s at 10:30am are always bumpin and she is awesome at what she does. She really cares about everyone that walks through the door and it shows. 

 

Mary – Mary came here while she was still in school and immediately picked up coaching our university teams and cardio lab classes. She has been working hard since she first started and has not stopped. We appreciate all of her help! 

 

Nick – Nick is another one of the newest hires here at UF and is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. He has been a great addition to our Front Desk team and has been willing to work hard ever since he started a few weeks ago. He is always willing to learn and wants to be sure he gets the job done right. 

 

Rachael – Rachael is one of the most thorough coaches I have ever met. I can honestly say she is one of the best. The way that she truly cares about all our members and cares about the growth of the gym is so much appreciated by all of us on the management team. She is one of the OG coaches who has been here since close to the opening of UF, so the fact she is still here is awesome. 

 

Roman – Roman may be quiet, but he is one of the nicest and friendliest employees we have. He has also been a long-time member here at Union, so it’s pretty cool to have him on the other side with us! 

 

Sara – Sara is a serious OG. She’s been here since the beginning of UF’s time! She holds down the desk on the weekends and is a consistent devoted class member. We love having our employees take our classes! 

 

Steph– Speaking of OG’s, Steph is also a serious OG. Her classes are one of the most popular ones here, only because everyone knows and loves her! Steph is always smiling and will always be sure to kick your butt! 

 

Ted – Not many people are willing to be awake before 5am, let alone come to open a gym at 5am. Ted has been great for the past few months he has been here. He’s been coming here for the past few years as a Chatham Lacrosse athlete, so his working here now is awesome. 

 

Vicki – Vicki came on board because her and Ted are coworkers at their other job, and both were members here. Another long-time member converted into a staff member. She is another quiet one, but super friendly. 😊 

 

Zain – I like to think of Zain as my little brother (not just because he reminds me of my actual 9-year-old brother), but because we treat each other like siblings. I love how he is always in a positive mood and is always making UF a better place. I have really enjoyed seeing him grow here at UF from back when he was just lifting here, to being an intern, to now being the Head Personal Trainer.  

 

Zoey – Zoey is from the same hometown as me, so that means we automatically have a cool connection. She’s also a Pitt grad, which we also have in common! She has been a great addition to the team, and I look forward to seeing her grow here at UF. 

Meet the Staff – Erik

Hi Everyone!

 

I am Erik Gountanis and I moved to Pittsburgh from Wisconsin at the end of May after finishing my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science! My wife and I moved to Pittsburgh together so that I can attend Pitt for their physical therapy program.  

 

I am interested in improving my health and wellbeing through training, diet, and other behaviors. After I get my degree in physical therapy I would love to further my education, and participate in research to help develop new technologies within the world of fitness, medicine, and physical therapy. Outside of work I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, listening to podcasts, and relaxing. 

 

Working at Union Fitness has been and continues to be an awesome experience! I love sharing my passion with people who are looking to improve themselves in various ways through training. While most of my knowledge is centered around general strength and rehabilitation, I hope to continue to expand my scope by surrounding myself with the knowledgeable, experienced coaches and staff at Union Fitness! 

 

See you around! 

Erik 

Meet the Interns – Nathan

Hi everyone! 

 

I’m Nate! I am a senior Exercise Science major at Lewis University located in Chicago. I also play volleyball for the University as well. I plan to eventually get my doctorate in chiropractic or Physical Therapy following my undergraduate degree.

 

I have had a passion for exercise science from a young age when I was just trying to figure out how to jump higher and dunk a basketball. I love interacting with people and helping them believe they can achieve their goals when it comes to fitness and health.

 

I am excited to learn and be an intern at Union Fitness this summer. I’m looking forward to being part of a community that believes in hard work, science-based exercise, and fun through the process! If you see the tall guy around at the gym, it’s probably me so don’t hesitate to say Hi! 

 

Nate

Meet the Interns – Jason

Hi my name is Jason Kavulic. I am a junior at Chatham University and currently play on the men’s hockey team. I plan to graduate in the Spring of 2025 with a B.S. of Exercise Science. I grew up around the gym as my dad was a body builder and my mother being a gymnast. I enjoy training because of the good habits you can form with discipline, hard work ethic, and patience.  

 

I am from Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in Baldwin. Growing up playing hockey has taken me on an interesting journey. I have lived in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. In the off season, I enjoy golfing in the summers and just relaxing with friends and family. I have worked at Ice Castle in Castle Shannon for about 4 years where I drive the Zamboni, work in the pro shop, and help out in the gym. 

 

Hope to see you all around!

Jason

Important Announcement Regarding Massage Services

Important Announcement Regarding Massage Services

 

Hello everyone!

 

We wanted to take the time to inform our members of a change to massage services that will be effective immediately. The price of a 60-minute massage/service with Sarah will now be $115 and the price of a 90-minute massage/service will be $150. In regard to our wellness plus membership that is currently at $175 a month, the new price will now be $225 a month. With the change being so abrupt, we are keeping our current wellness plus members at their current rate until September 1st of 2024. We felt that this gives our members adequate time to decide if they would like to continue their current membership, downgrade to a different membership, or whatever else may be of interest to them.

 

The reason behind the price increase is to provide Sarah with a fair pay wage when she provides her service. Sarah has 20+ years of experience in massage and we felt that providing her with a higher hourly rate was necessary given her expertise.

 

We thank you for your understanding and we appreciate your support in this decision. Thank you for continuing to be great people that you are at Union Fitness and attributing to the positive environment that we have here! If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Union Fitness staff.

 

Thank you for your time and we hope you continue to crush your goals!

 

-UF Staff

Meet the Interns – Jade

Hi! My name is Jade Minniefield. I am from the Pittsburgh area and have graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Exercise Science. I am currently finishing up my master’s in clinical Exercise Physiology at Pitt as well! I plan on pursuing a career in the fitness industry, but I am not sure about the specifics at this moment.

 

I am a multi-business owner and live a very busy life. I have a passion for travel and fitness, as I go on trips regularly and follow the same exercise regimen I preach to my clients. I have extensive experience as a strength coach and personal trainer and love human interaction and socialization. Training clients is one way to combine my favorite things to do. I have been super active throughout my lifetime, as I played softball, ran track, and an abundance of other sports. No matter how busy I am I will always make time for fitness! If you see me around, say hello! I would love to meet new people as I help and learn exercise and training here at Union!

 

Jade

Meet the Interns – Alicia

Hi everyone! 

 

My name is Alicia and I am a new summer intern here at Union Fitness. I am a senior Exercise Science student at Slippery Rock University and I am also in the process of becoming a NASM certified personal trainer. My long-term goal is to become a Physical Therapist and I will be applying to PT school this June! 

 

I have had a strong passion for exercise since a young age. Growing up I played softball and did gymnastics. As of now, I focus primarily on full body weightlifting and I would like to get into yoga in the future as well! Outside of the gym I enjoy reading, being outdoors, and going out with friends. I was born and raised about 40 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and I am a huge Steelers fan! 

 

 I look forward to meeting new people and increasing my professional skills as well as my fitness knowledge during my time here at Union Fitness! 

 

See you around! 

 

Alicia Maley 

Meet the Staff – Hannah

Hey Friends!

 

I’m Hannah, a NASM certified personal trainer. I am a Pittsburgh native and have over two years of experience with individual and group training within the city. As a coach I strive to help each person I work with to create their OWN version of a healthy and happy life. I am from an active household and was taught how important it is to live a healthy life through movement. I grew up playing softball and golf. When I’m not in the gym I still love to get out on the course in my free time and I’m always looking for new hikes to go on with my dog Quinn. My biggest piece of advice is to find a way to make training FUN!! It is a lifelong commitment to your health, why not enjoy it?

 

See ya around the gym!

 

Hannah

Hello to all members of Union Fitness!! 

 

We have some very exciting class schedule changes happening starting this upcoming Monday, May 6th. Read on to find out what’s coming! 

 

We unfortunately are saying our goodbyes to all of the ryde classes, so the bikes are currently up for sale. If you or anyone you know may want one, please let us know asap! Since that class will no longer be offered, we are adding in some extra “mobility” and cardio lab classes! Here is the new weekly schedule below. 

 

Monday 

6:00-7:00am #Powerful 

7:00-7:30am Cardio Lab 

7:00-7:45am Candlelight Slow Flow Yoga in the Alloy 26 auditorium 

12:00-12:30pm Blitz 

5:00-6:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-7:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-6:45pm Cardio Lab 

 

Tuesday 

6:00-7:00am #Powerful 

7:00-7:45am Mobility 

12:00-12:45pm Cardio Lab 

5:00-6:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-7:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-6:45pm Mobility 

 

Wednesday 

6:00-7:00am #Powerful 

7:00-7:30am Cardio Lab 

12:00-12:30pm Blitz 

5:00-5:45pm Cardio Lab 

5:00-6:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-7:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-6:45pm Mobility

 

Thursday 

6:00-7:00am #Powerful 

7:00-7:45am Mobility 

12:00-12:45pm Cardio Lab 

5:00-6:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-7:00pm #Powerful 

6:00-6:45pm Mobility 

 

Friday 

6:00-7:00am #Powerful 

7:00-7:30am Cardio Lab 

12:00-12:30pm Blitz 

5:00-5:45pm Cardio Lab 

 

Saturday 

9:30-10:30am Cardio Lab 

10:30-11:30am Yoga:Yin 

 

Sunday 

10:30-11:30am Yoga:Vinyasa 

 

All the #Powerful classes will also be undergoing a slight change! The old programming schedule was Monday/Wednesday lower body and Tuesday/Thursday upper body. The brand-new schedule will feature Monday as bench press day, Tuesday as squat day, Wednesday as overhead press day, and Thursday as deadlift day. Friday’s will not be altered. It will stay the same full body mobility/strength with Jared. 

 

Stay tuned for a Summer variation of our “Strength Project” to get these new classes and class times rolling! Let’s have a great rest of our week and weekends. We’ll see everyone to start the new schedule this Monday! 

 

Please let us know if you have any questions/comments/concerns. We love to hear feedback! 

 

Best, 

Team UF 

Meet the Staff – Mary

Hello everyone! My name is Mary Howski, and I am a new trainer at Union. I am a student at Pitt, studying Exercise Science. About 90% of the people in my program want to pursue Physical Therapy, but there are a few of us, myself included, who want to follow a strength and conditioning route.  

 

There are two main things that led to me choosing this career path. First, I grew up playing year-round, super competitive volleyball for school and for club teams. I was a libero as well as the person who chose the warmup music and gave the pregame pep talks for my club team. This team is the reason I first started being involved with sports performance as we had several sessions per week of lifting, conditioning, etc. to help us excel at our sport. It was difficult, but also very rewarding and enjoyable. I loved the time spent in the weight room and on the turf because I loved our great coach-player dynamics and bonding with my teammates and best friends. 

 

Second, I have always had an immense passion for exercise and health in general. Since grade school I’ve been active, and I began to enjoy it more in high school when I started lifting. During my freshman year of college I studied psychology at Boston College, but I decided to study for my personal training certification. Throughout this process I realized the real extent to which I love training. I thought that my personality, passion, and desire to learn would make me well suited for a career in sports performance. So, I transferred to Pitt and have absolutely loved school since then. I love working hands-on with physical activity and general health, whether that means learning from a professor, another coach, or the other ExSci majors. I absolutely crave figuring out all that I can to help athletes perform at an excellent, efficient level.  

 

I have experience in personal training, teaching group exercise, and shadowing/working with teams. This summer I will have the privilege of working with Pitt Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and I could not be more excited to be in the weight room with their very hard-working coaches and players.  

 

Outside of the gym, I love to read, go to concerts, and discover new music. I’m also a huge fan of long walks, painting my friends’ nails, and figuring out how to meditate. I am also a massive Cleveland Cavaliers fan. After finals week is over, I’m planning to spend some more hours at Union with all of you extremely dedicated and impressive people! I’m so grateful to be here! 

 

Mary