About

Philosophy

I believe training should make everyday life feel easier—not harder.

My approach is grounded in the idea that athleticism isn’t reserved for elite performers. Strength, endurance, balance, and coordination are skills that can be built at any stage of life with the right structure, consistency, and understanding of the human body.

Rather than chasing extremes, I focus on sustainable progress: better movement quality, smarter training decisions, and programs that respect both physiology and real-world constraints. Strength and endurance are not competing goals—they support one another when designed intentionally.

Whether I’m working with an individual, a small group, or an organization, my goal is the same: to help people move with confidence, train with purpose, and build capacity that lasts.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
SUNY Cortland — Class of 2020
Coursework with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and human movement science.

Master of Public Health (MPH), Global Health Concentration
Liberty University — Class of 2022

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Tompkins Cortland Community College — Class of December 2025

Master of International Sport Diplomacy (MSc)
Hungarian University of Sport Sciences — Class of Spring 2026
(Magyar Testnevelési és Sporttudományi Egyetem)

Certifications & Professional Training

Fitness & Coaching

  • NASM Certified Personal Trainer

  • AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor

  • ISSA Certified Specialist in Exercise Therapy

  • ISSA Certified Running Coach

Les Mills

  • Advanced BodyPump Certified Instructor

  • GRIT Certified Instructor

  • CORE Certified Instructor

Health Coaching & Movement Programs

  • Primal Health Coach Institute – Level 1 & 2 Certified Health Coach (now Master Coach)

  • Oula Certified Oula Dance Instructor

  • SH1FT Fitness Certified Instructor (all programs)

Safety & Aquatics

  • American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard

  • American Red Cross Certified CPR/AED/First Aid

  • American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Instructor

YMCA & Evidence-Based Health Programs

  • Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Instructor

  • YMCA Moving for Better Balance Instructor

  • YMCA Healthy Heart Ambassador

  • YMCA Healthy Weight and Your Child Coach

  • YMCA Livestrong Coach

  • YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Coach

  • CATCH Trained

  • MaineHealth A Matter of Balance Coach

Additional Training

  • Graduate, Hungarian Startup University Program (Semester 1)

Professional Experience

I bring experience across aquatic safety, community health leadership, and fitness program operations.

  • Head Lifeguard, Olympic-sized public pool — 4 years

  • Health & Wellness Director, YMCA — 1.5 years

    • Oversaw personal training, fitness floor staff, group exercise, and county-wide health initiatives

    • Led program strategy, staff development, and operational growth

Languages

  • French — B2 proficiency

  • Hungarian — A2 proficiency

Program Development & Specialization

Programs I have developed include:

  • Women’s Learn to Lift

  • Adult Learn to Lift

  • Teen Learn to Lift

  • Teen Strength & Conditioning

  • Roller Derby–specific strength programming

  • Runner injury prevention programs, including:

    • Road running injury prevention

    • Long-distance overuse injury prevention

    • Speed development

    • Trail running preparation

  • Total-body strength circuit–based fitness classes

For individual clients, I have designed training and rehabilitation programs for:

  • Post-stroke recovery

  • Post–joint replacement rehabilitation

  • Chronic joint pain management

  • Lower back pain rehabilitation

Operational & Program Growth

One of my proudest accomplishments has been developing and scaling structured training offerings within a community setting.

I grew a facility from offering no small group training to sustaining six weekly small group classes, with plans to expand to four additional class times in 2026. This growth included the creation of multiple participation pathways—drop-ins, memberships, and progressive levels—making structured training more accessible while maintaining program quality.

This blend of coaching, systems thinking, and community-focused design shapes all of my work today.

Stef Health & Performance

Turning real people into athletes through better movement.

msteffiehealth@gmail.com

© 2025 M Steffie Health LLC. All rights reserved.