MEET THE TEAM
James Lafaro
Co-founder of Hype Gym
James is a NASM certified, Tier 3 Elite Master Trainer with over 20 years of experience. His expertise ranges from kettlebell training, speed and conditioning, Olympic lifting, pre- and post-natal care, weight loss, and body sculpting. James specializes in developing customized programs for individuals to achieve and succeed with their fitness goals. He has developed programs for everyone from athletes to first time gym goers. James focuses on injury prevention, measurable improvements, and results.
Niv Zinder
Co-Owner of Hype Gym
Niv has been involved with sports and fitness since childhood, starting with basketball in his home of Tel-Aviv, Israel playing in the professional leagues. Niv later joined the Israeli Army as a Defense Forces Fitness Trainer where he led workouts for soldiers. For the past decade, Niv has been leading group fitness classes in NYC as well as working one on one with clients. Education is something that Niv is passionate about. After taking dozens of certifications, and seminars, it lead Niv to go back to school to earn a Master Degree in Exercise Science with the focus on performance enhancement and injury prevention. Knowledge is power, however, Niv believes in “principles over systems”. It it not about learning one training system and believing that is the only way to deliver results.
Nathaniel Blau
Coach
Nate is a Precision Nutrition Lvl 2 Master Coach, Certified Exercise Fitness Specialist, and Certified Functional Strength Coach. With his background, certifications, and experience in the field he helps implement sustainable habits around mindset, movement, and nutrition that works for your lifestyle. By going through his own transformation of losing 70lbs, he understands the struggles that come with change and how to support you along the way. Whatever the challenge is, he is ready to be right by your side during your journey.
Certifications:
Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Coach (PN2)
Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise Fitness Specialist (CPT-EFS)
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
Kettlebell Athletics Level 1
Certified Special Population Trainer (CSPT)
Lauren Kranzler
Coach
Lauren is a NASM certified personal trainer with a focus on corrective exercise and strength training. Lauren is a former soccer player and is now passionate about powerlifting and bodybuilding. She focuses on injury prevention, measurable improvements, and results. Programs are unique and customized for each client based on their fitness level and goals. Lauren has trained and developed programs for clients at all levels.
Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1)
Pre/Post Natal
Kyle O'Flaherty
Physical Therapist
Kyle O’Flaherty is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Performance Coach. A former Strength and Conditioning Coach with a BSc in Exercise Science, Kyle witnessed a deficit in full-spectrum care and a need for physical therapy to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness. While Kyle treats a range of conditions, he specializes in treating chronic pain and sports and fitness re-entry. His certifications include ART (Active Release Techniques), Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), Functional Movement System (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Fitness. Kyle spends his spare time outdoors — hiking, rock climbing, cycling, trail running, mountaineering, free-diving, and anything else with “calculated risk” and challenge
Nathaniel Blau
Coach
Nate is a Precision Nutrition Lvl 2 Master Coach, Certified Exercise Fitness Specialist, and Certified Functional Strength Coach. With his background, certifications, and experience in the field he helps implement sustainable habits around mindset, movement, and nutrition that works for your lifestyle. By going through his own transformation of losing 70lbs, he understands the struggles that come with change and how to support you along the way. Whatever the challenge is, he is ready to be right by your side during your journey.
Certifications:
Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Coach (PN2)
Certified Personal Trainer - Exercise Fitness Specialist (CPT-EFS)
Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC)
Kettlebell Athletics Level 1
Certified Special Population Trainer (CSPT)
Lauren Kranzler
Coach
Lauren is a NASM certified personal trainer with a focus on corrective exercise and strength training. Lauren is a former soccer player and is now passionate about powerlifting and bodybuilding. She focuses on injury prevention, measurable improvements, and results. Programs are unique and customized for each client based on their fitness level and goals. Lauren has trained and developed programs for clients at all levels.
Certifications:
Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM)
Precision Nutrition Level 1 (PN1)
Pre/Post Natal
Leilani Surdam
Coach
Aloha! I'm a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with over a decade of industry experience. My journey began as a dancer and evolved through internships with physical therapists at UNC's football team. My approach is rooted in both science and diverse practical experiences, guiding clients towards their fitness goals. Currently, I'm pursuing a PhD in Biophysics at NYU, exploring the fascinating intersection of human physiology. I'm dedicated to delivering results-driven training and nutritional guidance tailored to each individual. Let's embark on this journey together to discover your full potential and achieve your wellness aspirations.
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Francesco Castrogiovanni
Coach
I am a NASM certified personal trainer, with an education from the Resistance Training Specialist program (RTS). My goal is to create a pain free training experience tailored to your goals and needs. With 10 years in the fitness industry, my goal is to create a truly client defined experience in the gym, regardless of your fitness level or any ailments an individual may approach me with. The journey of physical fitness is deeply personal to me. As an obese child and teen, I was able to find solace and safety in the gym. I transformed my life and became a healthier and more confident person. I am fueled with excitement on a daily basis to help others transform their lives as well. I truly believe this is my life purpose.
Bryan Baia
Coach
I’m a certified personal trainer with over 12 years of experience helping clients get stronger, leaner, and healthier. My specialties include strength training, weight loss, and nutrition. I’ve coached multiple clients to 50+ pound weight loss transformations and helped others become record setting powerlifters.
As a former strongman competitor and record holder, I bring real-world experience to every training session. I’m also Precision Nutrition certified, focusing on sustainable, results-driven coaching. When I’m not in the gym, I stay active playing soccer and living the lifestyle I coach.
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Sammy Medina
Coach
Sammy Medina is a highly experienced personal trainer with over 13 years in the health and fitness industry. As a certified strength and conditioning coach and healthy aging specialist, he specializes in strength training, running, and post-rehabilitation training. Sammy has worked with a wide range of clients, including athletes, celebrities, and individuals of all ages, tailoring his programs to meet their unique needs.
Sammy’s background includes working in a gross anatomy lab in the College of Health Care Sciences, where he gained an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology. This hands-on experience with cadavers sharpened his ability to analyze movement patterns, identify imbalances, and create evidence-based training methodologies. His approach prioritizes proper form, alignment, and injury prevention, ensuring safe and effective results for his clients.
With a commitment to helping clients achieve their fitness goals, Sammy combines his scientific knowledge and extensive practical experience to guide individuals toward optimal health and wellness. His dedication, attention to detail, and personalized training programs make him a trusted partner in any fitness journey.
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Maria Koval
Coach
I’m a NASM-certified trainer, nutritionist, and chef with 10 years of experience integrating fitness programming and culinary science. My background includes competitive CrossFit experience and coaching high-profile clients, shaping a methodology rooted in biomechanical efficiency, progressive strength protocols, and practical nutrition strategies. I specialize in performance-driven transformations that prioritize technical movement precision and sustainable food solutions – proving fitness and nourishment are complementary forces. A decade in, I still approach training as both coach and athlete, refining systems that deliver lasting results without compromising life’s balance.
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Certifications:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
10+ years personal Crossfit experience
Strength & Conditioning specialist (CSCS)
Diploma in Culinary Arts from Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)
Bachelor of Science in Finance from NYU Stern
Specializes in strength and resistance training, mobility, flexibility, kettlebell training, prenatal and postnatal
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Eddie King
Sport's Medicine
Kyle O'Flaherty
Physical Therapist
Kyle O’Flaherty is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Performance Coach. A former Strength and Conditioning Coach with a BSc in Exercise Science, Kyle witnessed a deficit in full-spectrum care and a need for physical therapy to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness. While Kyle treats a range of conditions, he specializes in treating chronic pain and sports and fitness re-entry. His certifications include ART (Active Release Techniques), Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), Functional Movement System (FMS), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Fitness. Kyle spends his spare time outdoors — hiking, rock climbing, cycling, trail running, mountaineering, free-diving, and anything else with “calculated risk” and challenge