About Fit and Functional

Fit and Functional specializes in functional rehabilitation and using common, everyday movements to achieve exercise success. Whether it be weightloss, muscle building, body toning, strength conditioning, or sports training, we are fully versed in many facets of fitness. In fact, we helped write the training manual for the NFPT Master Certification. In addition, we have developed a extensive certification program in cooperation with Westchester Sports & Wellness.

On Diet & Nutrition…

We don't push any single latest fad-diet; we don't believe those diets do what they claim. Sure, they will help you lose weight, but are you losing that weight in a healthy manner? Are you doing your body more harm than good? Our nutritionists and diet experts will work with you on an individual basis to custom tailor a healthy well balanced meal plan that is based on your body and individual needs. This is not a case of "one-size-fits-all".

On Fitness Trainers…

Our trainers are some of the best in business. We have a variety of specialists who work with Olympic athletes to the everyday person, and even celebrities who just wants to look good on television. Our trainers are held to a higher standard. We separate ourselves by not only educating ourselves, but our clients as well.

Trainer Levels

Level 1 Trainer

Completion of nationally accredited certified personal training certification, our in house workshop and an online course. This level trainer has demonstrated competence in administering exercise to a variety of clients. These trainers are well rounded and are great problem solvers. They sometimes work as personal trainers in our office but are not functional therapists.

Level 2

This level trainer must be certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, hold at least two specialty certifications and must complete our entire in house program. This trainer is experienced enough to work on our gym floor with our docs. This level trainer is qualified to work with a variety of clients ranging from rehabilitation to performance enhancement. They are considered functional therapists.

Level 3

This is the highest level trainer. They must hold a BS, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified and must complete our entire in-house program and internship. Qualified to teach all GSM training courses and CEC courses for ACE, NASM, and NFPT . This is the most difficult level to achieve. Trainers on this level are able to design custom programs and work with a variety of clients ranging from rehabilitation to performance enhancement.

In most cases these trainers have published articles and are considered experts in the field. We created this level to go beyond the highest level trainer certification available.

Approved trainers

These are freelance trainers that have been approved to receive referrals. These trainers are required to have at least one accredited certification, complete an online course and a final exam. These trainers are personally interviewed when in the NY or CT area and must provide three fitness related references. Trainers outside this area are interviewed by phone and must complete an extra test. These are considered quality professional trainers capable of general fitness and safe program design.

All trainers are insured and have CPR/AED/1st aid.

Meet Our Team of Professional Fitness Trainers

Charles DeFrancesco
This trainer is Level 3 Certified

Charles DeFrancesco is the owner of Fit and Functional and Consultant to Club @800 and Club @1133. He specializes in functional assessments, flexibility, and treatment of sports injuries. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the National Federation of Professional Trainers Master Trainer (NFPT), EFTI, AFPA and EFG. He has attended and hosted numerous strength and conditioning seminars. Along with these certifications, Mr. DeFrancesco is one of the Authors of the accredited NFPT standard CPT study manual,created their advanced trainer workshop, has written various continuing education courses for ACE,NASM and NFPT. He also proctors workshops and administers exams. He is a board member of the Ethics and Safety Compliance Standard for personal trainers. In addition, Mr. DeFrancesco has written numerous articles and presented various lectures on the essentials of core rehabilitation and flexibility. He currently has courses and articles featured on PT on the net. Mr. DeFrancesco’s active rehabilitation and conditioning have been essential in the prevention of injuries as well as for performance enhancement. Mr. DeFrancesco works with a variety of doctors and has even consulted on setting up programs and training staff for their rehabilitation facilities.

Dan Kruy, CPT
This trainer is Level 3 Certified

Dan is the assistant director of education for Fit and Functional and fitness director at Club @ 1133. His professional experience as a trainer includes the following:


  • Professional training certifications from the National Federation of Personal Trainers and the National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Flexibility Specialist
  • A bachelor degree from The University of Connecticut
  • Functional Therapist and Personal Trainer at Westchester Sports and Wellness and Club @ 800
  • Youth and Teen Program Squash Fitness Instructor at the Greenwich Field Club
  • Sports Therapist at triathlons and professional golf events
  • Assisted in completion of our WSW in house specialty course

As a life-long athlete, Dan’s interest is in the how the mind and body work together to improve your athletic performance and well being.


  • Second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon-Do
  • Program Director and Assistant Instructor at Norwalk Tae Kwon-Do Academy
Jill Messina, CPT
This trainer is Level 2 Certified

Jill Messina has been a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) for the past 8 years. She is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT). In addition, she has completed courses in Human Movement and our in house flexibility specialist program.
Jill stays up to date with research by attending various workshops and seminars. Her specialties include women’s fitness, post surgical rehabilitation, postural assessments, functional rehabilitation, and weight loss. Jill is currently taking courses for Powerlifting and Olympic lifting. She is also a key player in the creation of Westchester Sports and Wellness personal trainer certification school

Jimmy Smith, BS, CSCS, CPT
This trainer is Level 3 Certified

Jimmy Smith is the General Manager and Director of Education for Fit and Functional. He is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and is actively pursuing his Masters degree in Kinesiology. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Jimmy has lectured on topics such as energy system training, addressing low back issues,functional movement and evaluating.
Jimmy has a keen interest in human movement and is considered an expert on nutrition. He continually researches and studies various methods of strength and rehabilitation training. His specialties include post-surgical rehabilitation, weight management and power training for athletes.

Justin Petraglia
This trainer is Level 2 Certified

Justin Petraglia is the Fitness Manager for the Club @ 800 in Rye Brook, Ny. He has been certified for over 10 years. He currently holds certifications through NASM, NFPT, and ECITS. Justin also holds a Bachelor's degree from Fordham University. He has worked with all types of clients from all walks of life, ranging from the Olympic athlete to the post surgery patient. An avid reader, he keeps up to date by attending various industry lectures, workshops, and seminars. He has completed all in house specialty programs designed by Westchester Sports and Wellness.

Justin has:

  • Lectured on such topics as ACL prevention for women and sports specific workouts for soccer players
  • Trained with UFC fighters , Pro bodybuilders, and  Professional athletes
  • Completed Flexibility Specialist  courses
  • Completed Functional Therapist courses
  • Adidas All-State soccer player
  • Coached soccer at the Varsity level for Tuckahoe H.S.
  • Lifetime, drug-free bodybuilder