PFP PHILOSOPHY
A SUPPORTIVE FITNESS COMMUNITY
OUR APPROACH
PEOPLE FIRST. PROGRAMMING SECOND.
PFP was built around a simple idea: Fitness should work for the person doing it. Not the other way around. Our job isn't to make you fit into a fitness culture or force you through someone else's ideal routine. It's to listen, coach, adapt, and help you build something you'll actually use.
WHAT GREAT COACHING LOOKS LIKE HERE
IT’S KNOWING YOUR NAME • IT’S REMEMBERING THAT YOUR SHOULDER BOTHERED YOU LAST WEEK. IT’S ASKING HOW YOU’RE FEELING BEFORE DECIDING YOUR PLAN TODAY • IT’S TEACHING INSTEAD OF JUST EXPECTING YOU TO KNOW • IT’S ADJUSTING THE PLAN WHEN LIFE CHANGES • IT’S CELEBRATING THE BIG WINS, BUT ALSO THE SMALL ONES BECAUSE THEY MATTER JUST AS MUCH
GREAT COACHING STARTS WITH PAYING ATTENTION
MEET THE HUMANS WORKING WITH YOU
OUR TEAM
-
Owner & Head Barbell Coach
Tom founded Pittsburgh Fitness Project in 2015 and PFP Barbell in 2017. He started personal training in 2009 and coaching Olympic style weightlifting in 2015. Tom began his career working with people on general fitness and now his focus has shifted to primarily working with people who want to learn and master the Snatch and Clean and Jerk. Tom believes in using the right tool for the right job. Through his diverse experience as not only a fitness professional but also a competitive athlete through multiple disciplines (football, track and field, bodybuilding, CrossFit, Olympic lifting ). he will work together with you to find the best possible solution for your fitness needs. It is his mission to help find the method of training that will work for you, but also one that you will stick with and have a good time in the process.
Qualifications: USA Weightlifting L2, NSCA, CSCS
-
Owner, MD, & Physical Trainer
Brian started the Pittsburgh Fitness Project in 2015 with his personal trainer, Tom Duer. Their goal was to provide a welcoming place for the Pittsburgh community to lead healthy lives.
Brian is a local pediatrician and a lifelong runner. He competed in high school and college. And continues to enjoy competition at the Masters Level. He is interested in providing health education for the community and an inclusive space for all types of people to work out and recover.
After almost 15 years of personal training, Brian decided to further pursue his love of fitness by earning his personal training certification. After experiencing his own health issues, like osteoarthritis and atrial fibrillation, he looks forward to helping clients with age-related health concerns maintain their strength and fitness. As a former collegiate runner, he also enjoys working with athletes. Feel free to schedule a fitness evaluation with Brian to begin your fitness journey.
Qualifications: MD, CPT - NASC
-
Owner, Personal Trainer & Group Coach
After bouncing around various jobs post undergrad, Wes decided to make a career change and commit to making one of his passions and favorite hobbies his life.
Wes is not here to just tell you what exercises to do as a personal trainer, but he takes on the responsibility of coaching and educating his clients as well. He will tell you why he’s giving you a specific exercise, and educate you on how to perform it correctly and how it will help you reach your specific goals.
His goal for you is to help you become the best version of yourself, achieve the results you want, no matter where you are in your fitness journey and to have a little fun along the way.
Qualifications: M.S. Exercise Science, Nutrition Coach
-
PERSONAL TRAINER, WEIGHTLIFTING COACH, GROUP COACH
Gina is a certified personal trainer, USA weightlifting coach, and holds her A.A.S. in Physical Therapy.
Growing up, Gina was involved in various sports including soccer, karate, and track. In her early 20’s, she started to prioritize building strength and adopting a healthier, more well-rounded lifestyle. She was introduced to CrossFit several years ago, which led her to find my passion for Olympic weightlifting. Gina now trains and competes as a member of the barbell club here at PFP.
As a personal trainer, her goal is to motivate, educate, and to help her clients recognize their potential. Gina’s perspective on training stems from her own fitness experiences, background in physical therapy, and continuing education.
Gina believes in establishing key foundations and progressing accordingly to ensure proper movement patterns and injury prevention. She aims to take away any uneasiness about starting a new exercise routine so that it becomes approachable and attainable, and she looks forward to helping others break through barriers and achieve their goals, wherever they may be in their fitness journey.
Qualifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, USA Weightlifting L1, A.A.S. in Physical Therapy
-
Personal Trainer, Weightlifting Coach, Group Coach
Caleb grew up snowboarding, playing baseball, and playing and soccer, and then in high school found strength and conditioning through CrossFit. After competing in CrossFit for several years, he found a passion for Olympic Weightlifting. While attending Slippery Rock University for Exercise Science, that passion led him to pursue coaching in both CrossFit and Weightlifting.
Caleb has coached a wide variety of clients including powerlifters breaking state records, barbell athletes, and general population. The pursuit of strength is something that can seem intimidating to many people and it is his goal to make that journey accessible to anyone willing to put in the work.
Caleb’s greatest moments as a coach are when people achieve things through training that they never thought to be possible, and watching that confidence transfer to their regular life.
Qualifications: USA Weightlifting L1, CrossFit L1
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & GROUP COACH
Leah is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Group Personal Training Specialist. She has been a 1:1 and small group coach since 2020, and has worked with a wide range of clients at different ability levels. She has coached over 1,500 hours in those few years and has improved her coaching skills and technique with each hour.
Leah’s personal journey with improving strength and health is what motivated her to become a coach. Once she achieved success in my journey, she knew it would be cool to help others do the same.
Leah enjoys working with beginners, and ensures to teach each individual how to move and feel better in their bodies. She believes that coaching shouldn’t and can’t be one-sided. She wants and will request her clients’ input so that she can help each client succeed. She is determined to learn and grow together with you.
Whether you want to increase strength, improve mobility, improve your cardiovascular health, or a combination of all of those, Leah is here for you and your success.
Qualifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Personal Training Specialist
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & WEIGHTLIFTING COACH
Originally from South Jersey, Devin is a weightlifting coach and personal trainer. Growing up, he was always active, whether playing sports, building forts in the woods, or competing with friends. His passion for movement eventually led him to strength training in middle and high school, where he was introduced to Olympic weightlifting by his wrestling coach’s son, a two-time national champion. From that point on, the sport became his primary focus.
Devin went on to compete collegiately at LSU Shreveport, where he spent five years developing both his performance and his understanding of the science behind training. During his undergraduate and graduate studies at Louisiana Tech University, he developed a strong interest in coaching athletes in the weight room — particularly those driven by ambitious goals and high performance standards.
Throughout his career, Devin has worked with collegiate athletes and members of the United States Speedskating Team, ranging from junior national competitors to world and Olympic champions. What stands out to him most is not just talent, but drive and the willingness to pursue improvement relentlessly, regardless of background or starting point.
As a coach, Devin is passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life build strength, confidence, and resilience. Whether you’re an experienced athlete chasing performance goals or someone stepping into the weight room for the first time, he believes that with a clear plan and the right guidance, progress is always possible.
Qualifications: MS, CSCS, USAW2, B.S. Community Health - Strength & Conditioning, M.S. Kinesiology - Sports Performance
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & GROUP COACH
Shana is a strength and conditioning coach who moved to Pittsburgh from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband in 2024.Shana’s primary experience lies in the competitive athletics environment and is performance-minded in her approach to designing and coaching training programs, whether guided by sport-oriented goals or those who are looking to enhance their daily quality of life. She believes that every person is an athlete in their own right, whether they are non-competitive, new to organized training programs, or have been competing and training for years.
Shana is a firm believer in working through one’s natural range of motion with good technique to help develop strength throughout the full movement of a joint, which in turn can help improve coordination, mobility, and flexibility. To ensure that clients are able to move well, she coaches in a progression of: feeling the position → slow movement between positions → faster movement between positions (where appropriate) → adding weight to the movement.
Interestingly, Shana is an introvert for whom coaching brings forth her slightly extroverted side. When she’s not coaching, Shana enjoys being outside whenever possible and is rediscovering the joy of mountain biking upon moving to Pittsburgh. She and her husband have enjoyed getting out and exploring their new city and going to some of the various sporting events that Pittsburgh boasts.
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & GROUP COACH
Coach Deon is a Pittsburgh native who’s passionate about helping people live healthier, injury-free lives through strength training and boxing. He began his journey in 2017, training clients at a local boxing gym, and quickly discovered a love for guiding others through transformative lifestyle changes.
Since then, Deon has worked with a wide range of individuals—from kids and Division 1 athletes to doctors and desk-job warriors. No matter who he’s working with, every training session is rooted in intentionality. His programming incorporates everyday movements into strength and conditioning routines, ensuring clients are equipped to handle the physical demands of daily life with confidence.
Let Deon help you make that change you’ve been talking about.
CONTACT>
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & GROUP COACH
Frank is a certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine and holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in corrective exercise. Raised in Ohio, Frank moved to Pittsburgh in 2020 to enhance his career in health and fitness and build stronger bonds with every community he works for.
Frank has recently regained his passion for participating in obstacle course races such as the Spartan Race, and loves integrating what he’s seen in those courses into exercise routines for clients of all fitness levels! He also is an active participant in various Stonewall Sports leagues and enjoys playing dodgeball, pickleball and kickball at a recreational level!
Frank is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals in all aspects of health and fitness, while having a bit of fun doing it at the same time! Frank likes to meet you where you are at and find ways to make exercise an exciting and engaging process! Even though most of Frank’s career has been with the older adult population, he also has credible experience leading Bootcamp classes, Small Group Training and Cardio Drumming (ask him about teaching DrumAlive classes!)
Qualifications: M.S. Kinesiology, ACSM Certified Exercise PhysiologistCONTACT>
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & WEIGHTLIFITNG COACH
Isaac grew up in Latrobe, where he competed in track, football, and wrestling before discovering Olympic weightlifting during his senior year of high school. He spent his first year training and competing on his own, but after joining Pittsburgh Fitness Project and working with a coach, he quickly fell in love with both the sport and the gym culture.
After competing at his first national-level meet, Isaac earned his USA Weightlifting Level 1 coaching certification and was offered an internship at PFP. Through learning from the coaching staff and gaining hands-on experience, he went on to earn his personal training certification and began coaching both group classes and individual clients.
Isaac loves working with youth athletes interested in Olympic weightlifting as well as beginners who are new to the lifts. He’s passionate about helping people achieve goals they once thought were out of reach, knowing firsthand that progress doesn’t always happen on a perfect timeline—but consistency and effort always pay off.
Qualifications: NASM Certified Personal Trainer, USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & GROUP COACH
Andi Parana is thrilled to be part of the team here at Pittsburgh Fitness Project.
Andi’s fitness journey began on the competitive stage, from earning a black belt in karate to years on the soccer and softball fields. Today, that drive has evolved into a passion for powerlifting, CrossFit, and HYROX. Whether she’s under a barbell or coaching a high-intensity circuit, Andi believes movement transforms both the body and the mindset.
Andi is dedicated to making fitness inclusive and is proud to work with any and all populations. As a coach who is Deaf with bilateral cochlear implants, Andi has a personal mission to increase accessibility for the Deaf community and individuals with disabilities. She strives to ensure that high-level training is adaptable, communication is clear, and the gym feels like home for every athlete.
Currently, Andi is deepening her expertise through graduate studies in Sport and Performance Psychology.
Her goal is to bridge the gap between physical training and mental fortitude, helping you unlock your full potential.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; NASM-CPT, BCS, CES, MNTS, PES
CONTACT>
-
PERSONAL TRAINER & DPT STUDENT
Devan is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the NSCA and is an incoming Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the University of Pittsburgh DPT class of 2028 cohort. He also recently graduated with his B.S in Exercise Science with Honors from Utah Valley University (UVU) where he also completed a biomechanics study on pelvic tilt mechanics in females during a bar bell squat. He additionally speaks Spanish.
Devan loves sports and participated in many sports growing up such as football, rugby, and wrestling. More recently before moving to Pittsburgh he worked with UVU’s men’s baseball team’s athletic trainer helping athletes with treatments and recovery. Throughout his life he has struggled with his weight like many people and chose a degree in exercise science in part to learn more about how the body works to improve his health and to share his knowledge with others.
As a personal trainer Devan’s mission is to educate his clients so that they can better enjoy their lives and keep doing the things they love to do. He plans to accomplish this by focusing on functional movements and the science behind exercise with his clients.
Qualifications: Incoming DPT student at the University of Pittsburgh (starting: August 2026; expected graduation: December 2028) CSCS, B.S. in Exercise Science
CONTACT>
-
COMING SOON
-
DR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Diana Jordan (she/her) is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who specializes in treating orthopedic injuries and pelvic health. She is a Pittsburgh native and earned her DPT from the University of Pittsburgh where she was able to gain valuable experience in traditional practice settings. Upon graduation she started her own non-insurance based physical therapy practice, Strive Physical Therapy, out of Pittsburgh Fitness Project. Her mission is to provide high quality, value-based care for her patients.
Diana is passionate about helping individuals stay active and functional, especially when managing injuries or nagging pain. She excels at treating a variety of orthopedic concerns, from sprains and strains, pre- or post-operative conditions, and chronic issues. She has her USA weightlifting level 1 coach certification and over 8 years of competing in powerlifting and weightlifting. She uses this expertise to bridge the transition from rehab to training and competing.
She is also devoted to improving the accessibility of pelvic health physical therapy for all genders. Within the scope of pelvic floor PT, she treats conditions such as urinary incontinence including athletic incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, pre- and post-op conditions (including hysterectomy/prostatectomy), labor and delivery preparation, and postpartum care / return to exercise.
Qualifications: ICE Dry Needling: Upper Body, Dry Needling: Lower Body, USA Weightlifting L1
-
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Tiffany began her career as a licensed massage therapist after graduating from the Atlanta School of Massage in 2014. Her education and practical experience continued as she earned a bachelor degree from Georgia State University in Exercise Science and Kinesiology. She has experience with college and pro athletes in strength training and massage therapy . Tiffany also had the opportunity to work on the clinical level with physical therapists and chiropractors.
Since becoming an LMT, Tiffany has continued her education in full body wellness. She is certified in Fascial Stretch Therapy, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Myofascial Cupping, Functional Movement Screening as well as post op breast cancer/top surgery soft tissue work.
A believer that mobility is the key to longevity, Tiffany is excited to join the PFP’s team and guide clients to perform and feel their very best at any age.
Qualifications: Licensed Massage Therapist, Fascial Stretch Therapist, Rock Tape Practitioner
-
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Sasha is a licensed massage therapist who has recently joined Pittsburgh Fitness Project. She’s excited to be a part of the team and community!
She started her career in the healthcare industry as a caregiver. She worked with children all the way up to senior citizens and loves helping people as much as she can. It was a very difficult position, but it was worth it. She wanted to help people in a different way, a way that would lessen the pain or the stress from daily living.
She saw her chance to go to school for massage therapy through a 3rd party provider out of Hand and Stone in Wexford, PA. Throughout massage school, she learned several techniques. These techniques include Swedish massage, hot stones, stretching, and much more. After graduating from massage school, she worked with two companies, where she gained experience in sports massage by massaging NFL players, runners, and female bodybuilders.
Throughout her career as a licensed massage therapist, she’s always valued the skill of learning and is always learning new techniques, such as trigger point therapy and cupping. In addition to learning new techniques, she is willing to strive to improve every day to help those who may suffer from pain or the daily life stressors. Furthermore, she’s excited to help more people to feel good and enjoy their lives to the fullest!
Qualifications: Licensed Massage Therapist.
-
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Raphael “Raffi” is a born and raised yinzer; movement and sports have always been an outlet in life. Growing up, he was constantly active playing soccer, football, and running track, inspired by our sports teams. As much as he loved playing sports, the grind to get better for them was just as fun. He loves being active and always encourages others to be active as well. But just as great as activity can be, recovery is just as important.
He studied Exercise Science at Pitt and wanted to do more, so he then went for his Massage Therapy license afterwards. He focused his studies on helping people recover, heal, and feel their best. Through that, he discovered how powerful massage can be in supporting the body. Now he brings that knowledge and passion into every session to make you feel your best.
Whether you’re looking for pain relief, deep tissue, or a relaxing classic massage, his goal is always the same - to make you feel better. Everyone’s body has its own needs, and Raffi loves customizing each session to support you as you need.
Qualifications: Licensed Massage Therapist.
-
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Bill is a professionally trained and State Licensed Massage Therapist. He graduated from The Pittsburgh School of Massage in 2013, and has over 1000 hours of in-person learning and continuing education.Bill has practiced massage therapy for years in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. He does an exceptional blend of Swedish, Sports, and Deep Tissue muscle therapy with a focus on pressure and muscle recovery.
He is a strong believer in not just the physical benefits that massage provides to the soft tissues of the body, but also the overall whole-body positivity that comes from making the recovery process an active choice in your health and fitness journey.
After personally spending more than two decades in high-stress work environments and almost 10 years away from Pittsburgh, Bill has moved home to Western Pennsylvania to be near family and focus on a career that brings wellness and joy to him and his clients. He currently resides in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with his husband and their wild pack of spoiled rescue dogs.
Qualifications: Licensed Massage Therapist
CONTACT US
5500 Butler Street, Suite B | Pittsburgh, PA 15201
OUR FACILITY
built for coaching, not rows of machines
FAQS
BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS QUESTIONS
-
No! We work with people at different fitness levels, including people who are brand new to structured exercise.
You don't have to get ready for PFP before coming to PFP.
-
Book your 45-minute Fitness Assessment.
We'll talk about your goals and experience, look at how you move, complete an InBody scan, and help you decide what comes next.
Assessment: $20.
-
Yes! If you'd rather talk before booking, you can schedule a short call or arrange another communication option. If you book your Fitness Assessment during that conversation, we'll waive the $20 assessment fee.
-
Comfortable clothes you can move in and clean athletic shoes. Bring a water bottle too!
-
We offer:
Personal Training
Semi-Private Training
Group Fitness
Physical Therapy
Massage Therapy
InBody 270 Body Composition Scans
-
Yes! We offer both services under one roof to help you recover, move better, and stay active.
-
No. That's the main reason why we start with our assessment.
-
Personal Training is one coach working one-on-one with you.
Semi-Private Training puts 2–4 members in the same coaching session, but everyone follows their own personalized program.
-
No.
-
Also, no.
-
Absolutely! We have a club!
-
Yes. PFP currently offers month-to-month memberships without long-term contracts or commitments.
-
Yes. Standalone InBody 270 scans are $25.
-
We show up with actions, not words. LGBTQ+ ownerd and fully accessible, at PFP we aim to be the supportive fitness community you’ve always wanted to be a part of.
NEED AN ACCOMMODATION?
Bodies, brains, communication styles, and access needs vary. If there's something we can do to make your visit or training experience more accessible, tell us. We'll talk through what's possible and help you plan your visit.