STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If you’re new to the fitness game, stepping foot in a gym can be overwhelming: The machines, the mirrors, the absolute pressure of fitting in and keeping up. Nina Romano, a Staten Island native and founder of Because We Can Fitness, knows this feeling all too well.
“I wasn’t always into fitness,” Romano recalled. “In fact, I was once a complete stranger to the gym. I was overweight, insecure, and incredibly intimidated by gym culture.”
Romano works with a client during a recent training session.(Courtesy of Devon Waschitz)
But when the pandemic turned daily routines upside down, Romano found a lifeline in exercise. And what started as a way to manage stress during uncertain times soon grew into a passion and ultimately a mission.
“I went to a personal trainer, who helped me to gain confidence and competency in the gym,” Romano said. “It was then that I realized I wanted to do that for others.”
“The name itself, Because We Can, is a statement of empowerment: no matter your age, shape, or background, you can take that step toward a healthier, more confident you,” Romano noted.(Courtesy of Devon Waschitz)
Romano, an occupational therapist, earned her adaptive and inclusive training license, which allows her to train those with varying abilities. For the past five years, she’s made it her focus to teach other gymg-goers that fitness is not about perfection — it’s about building confidence.
“I love helping someone overcome their own mindset, changing their outlook from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can,’” Romano said.
She noted Because We Can Fitness is not the typical personal training company. It’s designed with beginners in mind and welcomes children, teens, and adults of all backgrounds and fitness levels.
Because We Can Fitness is a “safe, uplifting environment where people from all walks of life come together,” according to Romano.(Courtesy of Devon Waschitz)
“I want people to know that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what your starting point is, there’s a place for you in the fitness world,” the trainer said. “Fitness is adaptable. It’s not reserved for the able-bodied or the already confident. It should be fun, supportive, and inclusive.”
That philosophy has shaped Because We Can Fitness into a safe, uplifting environment, where people from all walks of life come together. Parents looking to introduce their kids to movement, teenagers searching for confidence, and adults wanting to rewrite their health story all find support here.
“We’ve trained people who never thought they’d step into a gym. Seeing them grow stronger, but more importantly, seeing them become more confident, that’s what this is about,” Romano explained. “The name itself, Because We Can, is a statement of empowerment: no matter your age, shape, or background, you can take that step toward a healthier, more confident you.”
Because We Can Fitness is located within Elev8 Fitness in Charleston. Hours are flexible and can be scheduled by calling 347-825-0353.
As the company continues to grow, Romano said she hopes to inspire even more Staten Islanders to take that first step.
“More than building strength, the heart of Because We Can Fitness lies in breaking down stigma,” she concluded. “Too often, fitness is portrayed as a space only for athletes or influencers. I want my story to remind people that it’s okay to start as a beginner. I did. And if I can do it, you can too, because we can.”
New Businesses in Focus is a column that tells the stories of new Staten Island business owners. If you run a new business on Staten Island and would like to be featured, e-mail jgorman@siadvance.com.
Because We Can Fitness at a glance:
Address: Located within Elev8 Fitness, 32 Carlin Street, Staten Island, NY 10309
Phone: 347-825-0353
Instagram: Ninaromano_training
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