About Us

Elizabeth Pongo
Pongo Power, Owner

• Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine & The American College of Sports Medicine.

Elizabeth received her Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College with a major in psychology and a minor in education.

Having studied psychology and education, in addition to kinetics and physiology, Elizabeth places a strong emphasis on life-style coordination when training clients and teaching proper form and technique.

“As a successful runner of the New York City Marathon (time: 5:08:25), I have experienced the benefits of consistent physical activity over time…a very long period of time. I look forward to sharing those benefits with you!”

Amy Henderson
Pongo Power, Personal Trainer

• Certified by the American Council of Exercise, Pre and Post Natal Certification by Annette Lang, and Graduate of the American Academy of Personal Training

Amy focuses on comprehensive and functional workouts for busy professionals, soon-to-be mothers, brides, and people recovering from injury. After completing her first triathlon, she started training clients who are preparing for marathons and triathlons as well.

"I truly enjoy helping clients achieve their goals. The road to fitness is paved with education, an emphasis on each client's needs, and of course lots of FUN!"

Nathan Clifford
Pongo Power, Personal Trainer

• Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Whitewater Canada.

Nate has spent the past 10 years as a Whitewater kayak instructor across the country and in Canada and is a competitive runner of Half Marathons. For the past 3 years Nate has provided personal training for many clients in Brooklyn with an emphasis on postural alignment, corrective exercise, strength gain and youth training.

“Adults measure risk by aches and pains – the scars of failed attempts. I invite you to rediscover the freedom of physical strength, balance and agility – that which leads to the joyous audacity of youth.”

Gardy Reglas
Medical Exercise Specialist

• Certified by American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, Functional Training Specialist, Core Conditioning Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist

Gardy's training approach is based heavily on functional and core Training, using sound scientific methods throughout the entire session. He focuses on providing his clients with education and information about the human body and a strong sense of self-accomplishment.

"Being a Personal Trainer is a passion. I get to work with and manipulate the most complex machine ever designed. Through education about the human body people feel better about themselves. Not to mention, it brings me joy when clients tell me that they can slip into that piece of clothing they’ve had hanging in the closet for years."

Stephanie Severe
Pongo Power, Personal Trainer

• Certified by American College of Sports Medicine, Pre and Post Natal Training through Annette Lang Education Systems.

Stephanie focuses on full body strength training with clients of all fitness levels. By focusing on form, as well as the mind body connection, she strives to educate, challenge and empower each individual she works with.

"My passion for training lies in the ability to help my clients integrate fitness into their everyday lives. The positive mental, physical, and emotional effects are limitless."

Maggie Alexander
Pongo Power, Personal Trainer

• Certified by the American Council on Exercise, Pre-natal Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine

Maggie enjoys teaching the finer aspects of functional training and postural correction, placing emphasis on core and lower abdominal work. During her movement studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara Maggie developed a great appreciation for the connection between the mind and body. After completing the Tri for the Cure in 2008, Maggie was the swimmer for a half iron man relay team. In April 2009, she ran her first half marathon (time: 1:50). Maggie’s background also includes AcroYoga and aerial acrobatics (trapeze and silks).

“I love strength, both mental and physical.  I have a profound respect for extent to which your body can serve you. As a trainer, my reward comes when a client discovers how the mind and body work together in all aspects of daily life.”

Danielle Cacioppo
Pongo Power, Personal Trainer

• Certified by the American Council of Exercise, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant through the American Council on Exercise, Pre and Post Natal Exercise Specialist Certification by American Fitness Professionals and Associates

Danielle's approach to personal training focuses on her clients' needs. She emphasizes proper nutrition; relaxation and self-care; as well as how to identify and overcome obstacles, in order to achieve success. As an avid triathlete, Danielle knows how to keep her clients motivated and engaged. She does this by creating workouts that are not only challenging, but also fun.

"Reaching your fitness goals requires more than willpower. It involves being excited about your fitness program and your progress. When you are physically active, challenged, and emotionally revved up, positive results are virtually impossible to avoid."