Meet the Speakeasy of Strength team

Steve “Coach Fury” Holiner got into fitness in his mid-thirties with the singular goal of becoming a strong parent. Often referred to as the “trainer’s trainer”, Fury’s journey has taken him around the world teaching people and instructors the amazing benefits of the systems he uses. He opened Speakeasy of Strength in 2018 to share with the neighborhood the glory that movement and strength can bring to your life.

Why do you train?

I train because it makes me feel strong, both physically and mentally. The satisfaction when you move up to the heavier bell, the pride when the heavier bell starts to feel like the lighter one you just put away, and the painful yet joy filled grind of that final rep- these are just a few of the reasons why I train. I train because mastery of each move/skill gives me a kind of confidence I don’t get from anywhere else.

What phrase keeps you motivated?

Living well is the best revenge.

This was one of my grandmother’s go-to life mottos. I think this phrase encourages people to both prioritize themselves and live a life more in tune with their values- just a couple of things I assume a lot of us could probably benefit from. I know I could.

What would your superpower be?

Teleportation!

The obligatory experience question…

I’ve trained with and learned from a few of the best coaches in this field for almost 15 years. One of those coaches being our beloved and fearless leader, Coach Fury. Alongside learning and practicing kettlebells, TRX, sandbags etc., I’ve also been a student of Muay Thai kick boxing for well over a decade.

I’m so excited to be part of the amazing Speakeasy team and to get to work with all of you!

Why do you train?

To be ready for the zombie apocalypse! That’s obviously a joke but the meaning behind it is real: I like the idea of my body being able to perform to the best of its ability as much as possible, regardless of what comes my way. This could be anything; a surprise hike with friends, carrying home way more groceries than I meant to buy because I found a secret stash of Choco Tacos, or running to catch the F train because God knows another one may literally never show up.

What phrase keeps you motivated?

“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” -RuPaul

Can I get an amen? It’s all about being comfortable with myself, because after all, I have to spend 24 hours a day with the guy so I might as well like him!

What would your superpower be?

Shapeshifting into any animal I want (99% of the time I would choose house cat).

The obligatory experience question…

Chris is a NASM-CPT and has trained with some of the best in the business. Kettlebells are his go-to modality, and yes, he has taken them on the subway before. His interest in fitness was first sparked about ten years ago with running, and he’s since run the New York City marathon 6 times and is working towards a Boston marathon qualifying time. In his other life Chris is an actor and singer, where strong and beautiful movement is always a priority.

Why do you train?

I train because it is the best part of my days. I love how great I feel after a good lift, especially after a new personal best. And also because I hope to look as good as Jlo does at her age when I’m older.

What phrase keeps you motivated?

How you do anything is how you do everything. And “You are destined for greatness”. This is something Iheard my mom tell me everyday as a child, and even to this day she manages to remind me of how much i am capable of.

What would your superpower be?

Talking to animals, for the sole purpose of knowing what my dog thinks of me.

The obligatory experience question…

Coach Kenya is a NASM CPT and a Student Physical Therapist Assistant with the aspirations of becoming a Doctor of Physical therapy upon completion of her degree. She has bee working in the fitness industry for over 4 years and has been passionate about this field for over 8 years.

Why do you train?

I train for life. I train to maintain an active lifestyle and hopefully to inspire others to remain viable and vibrant in their lives.

What phrase keeps you motivated?

Well I actually have 2 phrases that keep me motivated. The first is “ALL DAY!” When someone says Don’t Quit most people hear Don’t And Quit but when you hear ALL DAY, well…You can do this All Day!!

The second “You can do anything for 15 Seconds!” I will change the time depending on the activity but if you can take one step than you can take another and sometimes it really is just that simple!

What would your superpower be?

Photographic reflexes. I would love to be able to watch someone in action and be able to replicate it so I can share with others.

The obligatory experience question…

I am W.I.T.S. Certified as a personal trainer for 15 years. I am also certified with IKFF and Kettlebell Athletics as well as TRX. I am a health and wellness life coach and have owned and operated my own studio in previous years. I have a love of functional training; sandbags, kettlebells and battling ropes are my go to tools for training. I love to compete to continually push myself outside my comfort zone. I have competed in triathlons (to conquer my fear of open water), Half marathons, tough mudders, dragon boat racing, and kettlebell. I love having a goal and continue to find ways to learn new techniques to better myself and those around me.

I’m really excited to be a part of the Speakeasy of Strength Team!