At The Fit Stop Fitness Center in Strykersville, NY, our expert coaches are here to help you train with purpose, build confidence, and see real results. More than just a gym, we’re a supportive community where you’ll feel motivated, challenged, and empowered every step of the way.
The coaching team at The Fit Stop Fitness Center in Strykersville, NY brings years of experience and expertise across diverse specialties to help you reach your fitness goals faster. With personalized guidance, accountability, and support, our coaches are here to set you up for success.
Tom Schiltz is the Owner and Founder of The Fit Stop in Strykersville, NY, a community-focused training center built around helping real people move better, feel stronger, and stay healthy for life.
With decades of experience in fitness, coaching, and small-business leadership, Tom has worked with thousands of individuals across all ages and ability levels – from beginners who feel intimidated by traditional gyms, to athletes, parents, and older adults who want to stay active and pain-free. Over the years, he saw a growing gap in the fitness industry: plenty of gyms, but very little guidance, accountability, or genuine human connection.
The Fit Stop was created to change that. Tom believes fitness should feel supportive, not overwhelming – and that long-term success comes from personalized coaching, consistency, and a strong sense of community. His approach emphasizes proper movement, strength, mobility, and sustainable habits rather than quick fixes or extreme programs. Under his leadership, The Fit Stop has become a place where people feel seen, encouraged, and confident taking care of their health. He is a published author of two books, Aging Optional and Fit For Life which earned Amazon #1 Best Seller in 2023.
Beyond the gym, Tom is deeply rooted in the local community and is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where people can build strength not just physically, but mentally and socially as well. His mission is simple: help people feel better in their bodies, reconnect with their confidence, and stay active for the long run.
Gavyn is the coach you instantly feel comfortable around – calm, knowledgeable, and never trying to prove anything. He holds a 4-year degree in Exercise Science, so yes… he really knows his stuff. But the best part?
He makes all that science feel simple, practical, and actually useful for real humans. What truly separates Gavyn isn’t just his education – it’s the fact that he’s a high-quality human being through and through. He listens first. He explains things clearly. And he has a way of making people feel capable again, even if they’re coming in sore, frustrated, or convinced their “best days are behind them.” Gavyn believes fitness should be effective, intentional, and built to last – not Mickey Mouse workouts that look fancy but don’t actually do anything.
His coaching is thoughtful, structured, and grounded in fundamentals that protect your body while helping you make real progress. In addition to his work at The Fit Stop, Gavyn is also the founder of EAC – Elite Athlete Construction, where he specializes in training youth and adolescent athletes. This gives him a unique lens on movement, development, and long-term athletic health – not just for kids, but for adults who want their bodies to move well for decades.
He understands how strength, coordination, mobility, and confidence are built the right way – whether that’s helping a middle-school athlete move safely, a high-school player perform better, or an adult rebuild function without breaking down. Clients often say Gavyn makes fitness finally make sense. No yelling. No ego. No random exercises. Just a clear plan, steady wins, and the confidence that you’re doing things the right way for your body. If you’re looking for a coach who’s highly educated, grounded, encouraging, and genuinely invested in long-term success – for yourself or your child – Gavyn is your guy. Serious knowledge. Zero intimidation. No Mickey Mouse stuff. Just great coaching from a really good person!
Hannah is one of those people whose energy you feel the second she walks into the room – in the best way possible. If there were such a thing as a human energizer bunny, it would probably be Hannah… just with better coaching cues and a stopwatch in hand. She’s a Certified FitPro and holds a CrossFit Level 1 certification, giving her a strong foundation in strength training, functional movement, and smart conditioning.
But what really sets Hannah apart is how she blends that technical knowledge with relentless positivity and genuine care for the people she coaches. Hannah is also just a really great human being – the kind who remembers what you’re working on, checks in when you’ve had a tough week, and makes people feel seen the moment they walk in. That matters more than most people realize, especially when fitness already feels intimidating.
She has a special gift for helping people who feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure where to start. She brings structure and clarity to workouts while making them feel approachable, fun, and – surprisingly – something people actually look forward to.
Even on days when your energy is low, she somehow finds a way to lift it without ever making you feel pressured or overwhelmed. Clients often say Hannah makes them feel capable again. She’s great at breaking big goals into manageable wins, celebrating progress that others might overlook, and reminding people that consistency doesn’t have to mean misery. Between her coaching knowledge, contagious energy, and genuinely good-human vibe, Hannah is the coach who makes you think, “Okay… I can actually do this.” And that’s usually the moment real progress starts.
Ryann is the coach people gravitate toward when they want more than just a workout – they want to feel better in their body and in their life. She has an incredibly warm, calming presence, but don’t mistake that for soft coaching.
Ryann is deeply knowledgeable and intentional in how she helps people build strength, energy, and confidence in a way that actually lasts. She’s especially skilled at working with people who feel overwhelmed, run down, or frustrated that “doing all the right things” hasn’t been working anymore. Ryann is both a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and a Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), which means she understands how training, nutrition, stress, sleep, and hormones all work together – not in isolation. She’s also worked as a Biggest Loser coach, giving her real-world experience helping people through significant transformations – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. That combination allows Ryann to meet clients wherever they are on their journey – whether they’re just trying to get their energy back, break through stubborn weight loss, or finally understand what their body needs to feel good again. Her approach removes guilt and confusion and replaces it with clarity, support, and confidence.
Clients often say Ryann has a way of making things feel doable again. Food becomes less stressful. Movement feels more supportive than punishing. And progress finally feels sustainable – not like another short-term push that ends in burnout. Above all else, Ryann is just an all-around awesome human. She listens, she cares deeply, and she meets people exactly where they are – without judgment, pressure, or one-size-fits-all plans. If you’re looking for a coach who truly sees the whole picture and helps you feel supported every step of the way, Ryann is someone you’ll be grateful you connected with.
Becky is the coach people instantly feel safe with – especially if they’ve ever said, “I want to work out, I just don’t want to get hurt.” She works full-time as a Physical Therapy Assistant, which means she spends her days helping people move better, recover from pain, and rebuild strength after injuries or setbacks. That real-world clinical experience deeply shapes how she coaches at The Fit Stop – with intention, precision, and a strong respect for how the body actually works. Becky specializes in helping people who feel stiff, achy, or hesitant to train because something doesn’t feel quite right anymore.
She’s exceptional at meeting people where they are, identifying movement limitations, and building strength in a way that supports joints, protects the back, and restores confidence – not just “burn calories.” What clients appreciate most about Becky is her calm, reassuring approach. She explains the why behind what you’re doing, makes adjustments on the fly, and never pushes people past what’s appropriate for their body. Sessions feel purposeful, smart, and supportive – especially for those coming back after time off, injury, or long periods of inconsistency.
At the same time, Becky knows how to challenge people safely. Her coaching proves that you don’t need to beat your body up to make progress – you just need the right plan and the right eyes on your movement. If you’ve ever felt unsure about getting started again, worried about pain flaring up, or frustrated that workouts haven’t translated into feeling better day to day, Becky is exactly the kind of coach you want in your corner.
If you’ve ever taken a cycling class at The Fit Stop, there’s a good chance Rose was the reason you walked out sweaty, smiling, and wondering how 45 minutes just flew by. Rose has been leading indoor cycling classes here for years, and she’s mastered the art of turning hard work into something that feels fun, energizing, and surprisingly doable. Her rides are upbeat, choreographed, and music-driven – the kind where you forget you’re doing high-intensity cardio because you’re too busy keeping up with the rhythm and the vibe. But don’t be fooled by the fun factor.
Rose’s classes deliver serious cardiovascular benefits, improved endurance, and a great calorie burn – all without the joint stress that turns many people off from traditional cardio. That’s why her cycling sessions are such a great option for people who want to push themselves safely, improve stamina, and feel that “I did something good for myself” glow when they’re done. What really sets Rose apart, though, is how welcoming she is.
Whether it’s your first ride ever or your hundredth, she meets you where you’re at, encourages you without pressure, and makes sure everyone feels included – not judged. If you’ve been looking for a high-energy, no-awkwardness way to get your heart rate up, build endurance, and actually enjoy cardio again… Rose’s bike has your name on it!
Deb is one of those rare people who has quietly made The Fit Stop better for nearly two decades – and if you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you’ve felt it.
She’s been teaching Yoga at The Fit Stop since 2007, helping thousands of people move better, breathe deeper, and feel more at ease in their bodies. Her classes are approachable, grounding, and thoughtfully structured, whether you’re brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years.
Deb has a way of meeting you exactly where you’re at – no pressure, no pretenses, just smart movement and calm guidance. In addition to yoga, Deb also leads our TRX classes, where she blends strength, stability, and mobility into a workout that’s both challenging and incredibly joint-friendly.
Her TRX sessions are proof that you can build real strength while still moving with control and intention. And while Deb may be known for her teaching, she’s also a huge reason The Fit Stop feels so welcoming and well cared for. Her attention to detail, pride in the space, and behind-the-scenes effort are a big part of why the gym feels clean, calm, and comfortable the moment you walk in.
Deb is steady, genuine, and deeply invested in the people she teaches. If you’re looking for movement that helps you feel better – not just tired – and a coach who truly cares about your experience, you’ll feel right at home in Deb’s classes.
Sarah is the kind of coach who makes people think, “Oh… so this is what training is supposed to feel like.” As an exercise specialist, CrossFit standout, and functional movement expert, Sarah brings a rare blend of athleticism, precision, and real-world practicality to every session she leads. She understands how the body is meant to move – not just in the gym, but in everyday life – and she builds strength in a way that actually carries over outside these walls. Her training style is smart, intentional, and empowering. You’ll work hard, yes – but never at the expense of form, safety, or confidence.
Sarah has a talent for breaking down complex movements into simple, achievable steps, helping people feel capable instead of overwhelmed (even when they didn’t think they were “that kind of person”). Whether she’s coaching functional strength, guiding a CrossFit-style workout, or helping someone rebuild movement patterns from the ground up, Sarah meets people exactly where they are – and then helps them move forward with clarity and purpose.
She’s driven, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping people feel strong in their bodies again. If you want training that challenges you while still respecting your body, Sarah is exactly the kind of coach you want in your corner.
Laura is the kind of coach who helps you feel stronger, calmer, and more connected to your body – often all in the same class. She leads our BodySculpt class, a barre- and Pilates-inspired workout that focuses on controlled strength, posture, balance, and those “deep” muscles you didn’t even know you had (until the next day 😉).
Her classes are low-impact but incredibly effective, making them a great option for anyone looking to tone, improve stability, and build strength without beating up their joints. What truly sets Laura apart is how she coaches. As a Functional Nutritionist and Certified Meditation Coach, she understands that progress isn’t just about burning calories or chasing soreness – it’s about how your body feels, recovers, and responds to stress both inside and outside the gym. Her approach is thoughtful, intentional, and refreshingly non-intimidating.
You’ll never feel rushed, judged, or overwhelmed in Laura’s classes. Instead, you’ll feel guided, supported, and encouraged to move with purpose – whether that means focusing on form, breathing, or simply giving yourself permission to slow down and show up. If you’ve ever wanted a workout that strengthens your body while also helping you feel more grounded, balanced, and confident in your movement, Laura’s BodySculpt class is exactly where you belong.
At The Fit Stop, we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line, best in class equipment to ensure our clients achieve their fitness goals. Our facility is equipped with Rogue barbells, Concept2 rower, and Assault AirBikes to enhance your training experience. We also offer a variety of kettlebells, medicine balls, TRX, plyometric boxes for comprehensive functional fitness training, and pride ourselves in being the only fitness facility in the area to be certified by the Functional Aging Institute. With our extensive range of equipment, and a coaching team that consists of highly certified fitness pros – The Fit Stop is committed to helping you become stronger, more mobile, and more agile.
Opening in 2007, The Fit Stop features a spacious, welcoming training environment designed for real people at every stage of life – from 6 – 92 years of age, our clients get healthier in a non intimidating environment. Our facility includes dedicated areas for semi-private personal training, functional strength training, mobility work, and small-group coaching, allowing members to train with purpose, confidence and intention! We also offer private locker rooms with FREE unlimited sauna use, a full cardio area, the best in class STRIVE circuit training technology and a supportive family atmosphere where high level certified coaches are always present to guide, correct, and encourage. What truly sets The Fit Stop apart is our focus on personalized coaching, community connection, and long-term health – helping our community move better, feel stronger, and stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. Approaching two decades of success helping our community… come and meet us, you’ll feel the difference the second you walk in… we promise!