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Our Dream: Building the Unbreakable
Hi everyone — we’re Phil and Fanni, and we’re incredibly excited to share a dream that’s been years in the making. We’re opening a gym to cultivate a community focused on strength— real strength that builds the foundation we need to move confidently, optimize health, and elevate our quality of life. Strength is more than just lifting weights — it’s resilience, confidence, and the freedom to live your life to the fullest.
Fanni's Story
Fanni is a Strength, Nutrition, and Wellness Coach with two master’s degrees; one being in Public Health Nutrition,
along with advanced certifications in Pain-Free Performance, Postpartum and Prenatal Fitness, and Hormone-Aware Training. She has also served as a Fitness Manager, where she built out and managed an entire training facility, gaining valuable experience in program design, operations, and team leadership. Fanni specializes in supporting women through life’s transitional stages with a holistic, evidence-based approach.
Phil's Story
Phil’s journey into fitness began after a severe multi-ligament knee injury shifted his perspective on health and functionality. His recovery sparked a deep interest in movement mechanics and the role of fitness in prevention, rehabilitation, and development. Phil holds a degree in Exercise Science, along with NASM CPT, CrossFit L-2, and multiple strength and conditioning certifications. With almost a decade of experience training diverse clients and over a decade of swim coaching children and adults, he brings a technical foundation, empathy, and a passion for helping clients improve strength, body awareness, and achieve their goals.
What we are offering:
Services
- Private training
- Semi-private training
- Small-group strength programs
- Nutrition coaching
- Recovery coaching
Specialized support for:
- Postpartum women
- Perimenopausal clients
- Active aging adults building strength for life’s changing seasons
Community & Education
Beyond training, The Strength Collective operates as a community hub for learning and belonging.
We’re hosting:
- Bi-weekly workshops on longevity, stress management, bone health, posture, pelvic floor recovery, metabolic changes in menopause, strength training for men over 40, and more
- Discussion circles and small group learning series, like our Women’s Strength Forum and Men’s Club gatherings
- Social connection events, designed to create a space where clients form friendships, accountability, and shared identity around living strong
Why New Canaan
New Canaan is wellness-oriented, but there is no dedicated expert-led strength hub focusing on longevity, education, and community connection.
We are filling that gap by:
- Keeping health investment within the town
- Supporting women’s health and men’s wellness
- Providing a space that inspires healthier, stronger living for decades to come
Why We’re Building This Gym
Together, we bring a shared philosophy: education, intentional movement, community, and strength for longevity. We want to create a space where people feel supported, informed, and empowered — a place where strength becomes a lifelong tool, not just a phase. Launching a gym from the ground up takes significant resources, and that’s why we’re turning to our community. Funds will go directly to enhancing our community space during the buildout; Strength equipment, flooring, operations etc. Your support — whether financial or simply sharing our story — helps us bring this vision to life and build a space that can truly make a difference.
Thank you for believing in us, and for being a part of the journey.️♀️
Organizer
