Because We Can Fitness brings adaptive training to Staten Island

""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. 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."

"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."

""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."

Nina Romano is a Staten Island native and founder of Because We Can Fitness. She began unfamiliar with gyms, having experienced overweight, insecurity, and intimidation by gym culture. The pandemic provided a lifeline in exercise that evolved from stress management into a passion and mission. Romano trained with a personal trainer, gained confidence and competency, and later earned an adaptive and inclusive training license as an occupational therapist. For five years she has focused on teaching that fitness emphasizes confidence over perfection. Because We Can Fitness prioritizes beginners, welcomes children, teens, and adults, and fosters a fun, supportive, inclusive environment.

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