Our Trainers
Our trainers are some of the most accomplished athletes and experienced exercise professionals – holding certifications in strength and conditioning, personal training and athletic training.
Frank Giannantonio MS, ATC, C.S.C.S.
Founder; Director of Strength and Conditioning
Frank Giannantonio is one of the area’s leading experts in enhancing human performance and athletic development. He brings nearly two decades of scientific and practical experience, and holds certifications in strength and conditioning, and athletic training. Additionally, Giannantonio holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Movement Science. As the founder and Director of Strength and Conditioning, Giannantonio closely oversees all training programs, ensuring clients the safest, most effective routines available.
Nick Nicholaides, MS, ATC, CSCS
Nick is currently the Head Athletic Trainer at Ridgewood High School. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked as a strength and conditioning specialist and an athletic trainer for athletes of all ages and abilities. In addition, he is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Nick received his Bachelor of Arts in athletic training from Kean University in 1996 and went on to earn his master’s degree in sports medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 1998.
Dustin Thomas, Exercise Specialist
Dustin, a native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, brings a variety of training and competitive experience to F.O.R.C.E. Currently training with the national team for the 2008 Summer Olympics, he is a member of the Professional Nike Club Team as a member of the United States Track Association of Track and Field. Throughout his career he has trained with medal-winning Olympic athletes including two-time silver medalist Terence Trammell. Dustin graduated from the University of South Carolina where he was a member of the nationally ranked track team. In addition, he holds records for the 100 and 200-meter dashes at Ridgewood High School.
Lou Rushnock
Lou is a graduate of Rutgers University where he received his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) and EMT certification. While at Rutgers, Lou competed in three university Strongman competitions, winning first place in the heavyweight division all three years and first place overall two of the years. Lou’s best lifts include an 820-pound squat, 685-pound deadlift and a 555-pound bench press. In addition, Lou was a four-year starter in soccer and basketball at Dumont High School where he received All-State honors in soccer his junior and senior years.
Mike Fox, CSCS
Throughout his career Mike has trained a number of prominent athletes including Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Titans outside linebacker Jacob Bell and Chargers running back Cal Murray, Jr., among others. In addition, he led group exercise sessions for overweight adolescents and children at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and counseled patients through the hospital’s Health Weight Management program. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in health and sport studies with a concentration on exercise science from Miami University of Ohio. He went on to become assistant strength and conditioning coach for the university’s lacrosse team. Prior to attending Miami University of Ohio, Mike graduated from Don Bosco Prep in 2001 where he was an All-County football and lacrosse player.
Sue Montegari
Sue holds a BA in Athletic Training and a double minor in Coaching and Equine Science from Alfred University. She is also a certified Personal Trainer and has been working as a Speed and Agility Specialist for the past 8 years. Throughout her career, Sue has trained many top Division I, II, and III Lacrosse and Soccer players. She also serves as the Assistant Director for the Tri-State lacrosse women’s team. In this capacity, Sue directs the Northern Leagues and Camps & Clinics. She also serves as a Tri-State All-Star coach. Additionally, Sue has also been on staff as the Assistant Varsity Girls Lacrosse Coach for Ridgewood High School for the past 5 years. Her coaching expertise was recognized when she had the pleasure to coach an Upper Atlantic Team at the 2007 Womens' National Tournament. An athlete herself, Sue was a 3-year starter and team captain at Ridgewood High School. She continued her career at Alfred University where she was a 4-year starter and team captain for the AU lacrosse team and a 4-year starter for the equestrian team.