Variant Fit
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Variant Fit
That has been our mantra since Day 1! Following a career in politics/international relations, I had a hunger for change and to forge a new path within the wellness space. As a life-long athlete and avid fitness and wellness junky, a return to my roots in fitness was not a surprising path to take.

The goal was to create a more holistic approach to fitness blending mind and body, and to grow a health and wellness community where I could effectively inspire and impact the lives of others.In that pursuit, Variant Fit (VFit) was born, along with it's core E-F-S system, built on Efficiency, Functionality, and Self-Empowerment.
Services
With Personal Training, everybody is different. That's why there's absolutely no "one size fits all" structure in place with my results-driven training and holistic approach to fitness. As your Personal Trainer, I'll personally design a program tailored specifically to your needs and goals, and help guide you every step of the way.
Do you feel as though you're simply going through the motions in most fitness classes? Feeling like you're not making any progress and want/need a more individualized approach to your routine? Stop the fitness hamster wheel and start getting more out of what you're putting in! The personal attention and structure reflect that throughout each and every class, and they are like no other group class out there, PERIOD!.
Finding your new Personal Trainer has never been this easy! With the creation of our Variant Fit app, we're now able to deliver our results-driven holistic approach to health and wellness to an ever widening audience. Our online training system intends to deliver the same results and level of service found in our private training services for a fraction of the cost.
Reviews (23)
Jeff Janus
Jeff Janus
Dec 16, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
Mike is terrific. He is absolutely the best trainer I've ever had, and in every way, the best!
Grace Cummins
Grace Cummins
Nov 29, 2021
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Mike is absolutely the best! He has completely transformed both my body but also my mindset in the gym. I've been working out with him for nearly a year and the growth in my strength, understanding, and endurance is visually obvious. Mike isn't just knowledgeable about how to structure a tough (but survivable!) workout, he also knows how to adjust, manipulate, or modify each move to suit any injuries, soreness, or discomfort you might be feeling. He continues to teach me foundational techniques to make sure each move I am doing is done so correctly and with supervision, ensuring that I understand
Michelle L. Shuffett
Michelle L. Shuffett
Nov 16, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism
The outdoor classes that Mike hosts are fantastic! You get a great workout and plenty of tips on form. Lots of equipment to play with -- battle ropes, kettle bells, TRX, and more! Plus, it's simply just good fun.
Dina Senerchia
Dina Senerchia
Sep 30, 2021
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Mike’s classes are awesome. Always challenging while taking into consideration the level you are at or any injuries you might be working through. Classes are kept small to focus on form though each exercise. Quality and fun workout every time!
Paul Clarke
Paul Clarke
Sep 05, 2021
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Mike is a quality trainer who is both enthusiastic and professional. Each training class is capped at a maximum of five people meaning you get the attention of a personal trainer while still having the fun environment of group training. Mike is also a great 1-1 trainer and always looks at ways to improve his students technique. Mike also provides a great app which can be used for bookings and to track progress. A consummate professional, Mike’s reliability and enthusiasm for training make him a top choice in NYC!
K. Olivia
K. Olivia
Aug 04, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality
Mikes classes are the best I have yet to experience in my 10 years of living in New York City. He’s extremely attentive, thorough and makes sure your alignment is correct. Class sizes are small so you get a more personalized experience. I highly recommend his classes/ personal training!
Apple Luo
Apple Luo
Aug 01, 2021
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Mike is the best personal trainer! He asked my fitness goals and tailored the sessions to my goals. He helps me work out in right ways and good forms. I didn’t realize how important it is until I felt that the targeted muscles actually work better after his correction. I used to go to fitness studios where the trainers can’t monitor my forms constantly. But with Mike, he makes sure the time I spend with him is effective. Not only he is a great trainer, he is also very good at communication. He listens to me and adjusts my workout accordingly. Always challenges me to push my limit. Every workout
Rory Ellison
Rory Ellison
Jun 25, 2021
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Mike is the consummate professional and is absolutely dedicated to his craft. He is by far the hardest working and highest quality personal trainer that I have ever worked with. He will design a program and reevaluate your progress weekly - working new techniques / workouts to push you even further. He has a positive attitude and sincerely cares about helping you maximize your potential and reach your goals. I highly recommend his service.
Artin Kiassati
Artin Kiassati
Jun 18, 2021
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I’ve been training with Mike since 2015. My strength and endurance has heavily improved
with his method and personal attention. Recently he’s been helping me improve function in body parts that were affected by a major medical incident and we’re seeing Weekly progress. Can’t recommend him enough.
Jorge Barreiro
Jorge Barreiro
Apr 16, 2021
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Mike is a stellar trainer. He is very technical in his workout programs, but balances that with a personality that puts you at ease. He is always pushing you to drive incremental / sustainable gains. His creativity in workout programs is comparable to those for elite athletes.
The app is he uses is very good, as it gives you options to continue his personalized workout programs during the week. Coupled with the in-person / virtual classes // this is a full package program. Personally I prefer the in-person lessons - but having the virtual / app driven options is super helpful with a busy schedule
Anna H.
Anna H.
Jun 20, 2016
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I started working out with Mike at Variant Fit a little over a year ago, shortly after I moved to NYC. I tried dozens (if not hundreds..) of classes, gyms and trainers during this time - so believe me when I say Variant Fit is one of the best. My favorite things about it are:

1. Small classes - it's like you're getting a personal training session, every time.
2. Variety - every class is slightly different so it never gets boring.
3. Supportive - Mike is great at pushing you to perform at your best, but also offers modifications for injuries, or if you need to go slower/lighter for
Mia C.
Mia C.
May 16, 2016
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I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to Mike as my personal trainer and 4x4 class instructor. As an actress, I am determined to live a balanced lifestyle and not get suckered into the "saltine and seltzer" diet. After receiving some negative criticism about my body, instead of quitting, I used it as fuel-- and my search for a trainer began. As luck would have it I found Variant Fit, put in a call, and received my free consultation with Mike. WOW!

First and foremost he approaches fitness holistically. Not only do you have tailored workouts
Rebecca H.
Rebecca H.
Nov 14, 2015
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What makes Variant Fitness so special is that as soon as you begin the workout, it's on. For those 30-60 minutes, you will be moving, sweating, moving some more, sweating some more, you get the picture.

Mike is one of the most strategic technical trainers that I have ever met! In high school psychology, I learned about gestalt or something that is more than the sum of its parts. Gestalt totally describes Mike's workout strategy.

Depending on the workout that you are doing i.e. 4x4 beginning, 4x4 intermediate, the gauntlet, you will do 4-5 rounds. In each round, you will do 2 sets
Lisa D.
Lisa D.
Oct 08, 2015
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Variant Fit is by far my favorite class on classpass and if I could take more than 3 a month, I completely would. The classes are challenging but fun and you feel accomplished and great after the class is over. Its never the same workout which makes it fun and challenging week to week. Mike knows everyone's name and really takes the time to get to know each student and their strengths/weaknesses. He is constantly pushing you to new heights and ensuring you are pushing yourself. I would 100% recommend this to everyone, no matter your skill level!
Matt O.
Matt O.
Oct 07, 2015
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Mike is a great trainer, he specializes in smaller classes that are highly structured and supportive. He creates a welcome environment where his challenging classes will push you to do your best. Mike has classes suitable for all levels and his attentive style brings the best out of his clients.

The Guantlet and Plyo Burn are very competitive classes to will bring workouts to the next level and allow anyone to reach their potential.
Adam A.
Adam A.
Jun 09, 2015
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I love Mike and I love his classes. Not much else I can say that hasn't already been said....

Mike even modified the class for me a few times when I was in a boot (A BOOT!!!) with a sprained ankle!!! Very impressive.

Awesome instructor and awesome class. You should go. That is all.
Kaylan S.
Kaylan S.
May 13, 2015
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Holy hell. Mike's class, "The Gauntlet," is flat-out incredible. I love any good challenge, but this was just on another level. A few Sundays ago, there were only two of us in the class, which meant that my partner-in-sweat/new friend and I each had Mike's full attention, all the way through (as I'm sure is always the case, as he intentionally keeps classes small).

Mike is genuinely encouraging, knows exactly when to push harder, and exactly when to let you dig deep and grind it out on your own. This perfect balance made an hour fly by of some of the (seriously and surprisingly
P. K.
P. K.
Apr 03, 2015
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I have taken the 4x4 and Gauntlet classes and both are probably the best group classes I have ever taken.

It starts with Mike, who is an awesome trainer. He's not the type of trainer who is a lunatic meathead, nor is he the kind who is bored during your workout. He is really supportive, engaged, and encourages you to go at your own pace while challenging you to push yourself. He is also really quick to answer to emails and maintains a great level of communication if you have any questions before or after a class.

Also, I like that the classes are small (4 people in the 4x4 and no more than
Dan S.
Dan S.
Mar 12, 2015
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I don't leave Yelp reviews unless something is absolutely terrible or absolutely amazing....this one is the latter.

Today was my second 4x4 class I attended through Classpass and it was AWESOME. Very high intensity, moving nonstop for just about the full hour. Some body weight movements, some dumbbell moves, kettlebell moves, and TRX. From the first circuit on, my heart rate was up and the sweat was dripping.

Post-workout, I was gasping for air, my heart was racing, and I had a huge smile on my face. I haven't worked that hard/felt this good post-workout in a while.

As far as classes
Nick B.
Nick B.
Mar 02, 2015
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Mike is awesome. His classes are high intensity, super positive, and always small. I've tried a few circuit classes via ClassPass and this one is definitely the best.
Kim A.
Kim A.
Feb 22, 2015
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I am your typical New York gym junkie & have been to probably 40 gyms in The city. This is one of the best! Mike comes up with a well balanced workout that truly challenges you for a full hour. High recommend checking it out
Jackson B.
Jackson B.
Oct 01, 2014
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My fiancée has been working with Mike for many years and always sung his praises and tried to get me to join.... But I'm pretty stubborn sometimes.

Now, though, that the wedding is in sight and I don't really want to have to wear the largest available suit size - I decided it was time to listen to her and join them for a session.

I have to say that Mike met and exceeded all expectations. I have had trainers before with mixed results (see above) - but I know I'll be working with Mike up to the wedding and beyond.

After only a couple sessions he quickly learned how to read me
Hannah R.
Hannah R.
Sep 08, 2014
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Mike has been my personal trainer for 6 years. He's been through 2 pregnancies with me and helped me emerge the other side to be in better shape than ever.

I really can't say enough good things about Mike. As a trainer he's makes the work outs great fun and varies them so they never become boring. He's also really knowledgeable when it comes to injuries. When I developed pregnancy related back pain he worked with me to strengthen and resolve the problem.

He's also been a great source of advice with regard to nutrition.

I really can't recommend Mike highly enough