We're kicking off a new series here on the NLGA blog called Friends of NLGA — a chance to spotlight some of the businesses and people in the area who have been influential in helping our team grow and continue to push us toward bigger and better things.
To say that this first feature hits close to home would be an understatement.
It's the area's premier destination for strength and athletic training, and our next-door neighbors — NEPA Fit Club.
Family, But That's Not the Reason
Of course, NEPA Fit Club is also owned by Coach Matt's brother, Mike Marcinek, so it's a place our Head Coach is extremely familiar with. But family bias aside, Matt is quick to point out that it's the quality — not the sentiment — that makes Fit Club special.
"If I had never met Mike and I were just a stranger — an athlete or a person looking to improve their overall performance and well-being — and I were meeting Mike for the first time and hearing what they do, hearing their process, there's no way I'm leaving that meeting without being a member. I can say that pretty definitively."
That's a strong statement. But spend ten minutes inside Fit Club and you understand exactly why he made it.
Nothing Cookie-Cutter. Nothing Templated.
It's Mike and the Fit Club team's dedication that stands out.
Every athlete gets a program that is custom-tailored directly to them. Nothing cookie-cutter. Nothing templated. They look at everything — strength, speed, muscular endurance, balance, posture — every facet of an athlete or person's makeup to make sure they're operating at their very best.
That's a level of attention to detail you simply don't see at most facilities. And it's the same standard we hold ourselves to at NLGA.
Iron Sharpens Iron
Matt says he's taken a lot from his brother over the years.
"Yeah, we're actually a lot alike. He's been a coach for close to 20 years, he's been named the area's best personal trainer 12 times, the gym has been named the area's best gym 11 times, he's trained athletes from MLB, NFL, NHL, major D1, you name it — and he's still studying, still investing in himself. Not satisfied. Not resting on his laurels. And I've been training grappling and coaching for 24 years, and I'm the same way — always studying, always investing, always looking to make the team better. So some of his habits have definitely rubbed off on me."
That mindset — never satisfied, always sharpening — is contagious. It's the kind of energy that elevates everyone around it.
The Least Intimidating High-Level Gym on Earth
There's also the sense of community Fit Club has built. For a place that has been so successful, it might be the least intimidating high-level gym on earth.
The staff is friendly. The members are welcoming. Everyone just wants to see you do well.
That's not an accident. That's culture — and it's something we deeply respect.
Strength Matters in Grappling
One thing we constantly preach to our athletes at NLGA: it's not just technique. It's not just knowledge. It's everything.
And no matter what internet memes might tell you — strength matters in grappling.
Coach Matt always says it best:
"I've never heard anyone lose a match and say, 'God, if only I were just a little bit weaker.'"
So if you're looking for a place to improve your mat strength, your athleticism, or just your overall health, there's no one else we'd send you to.
Check out NEPA Fit Club And get gorilla strong.