Mike Smaltz is the Director of Operations and Training at Platoon Fitness, as well as its founder. He has taught over 17,000 outdoor fitness classes and has spent over 25,000 hours working individually with clients during the past 18 years. Mike dedicates himself to providing each client with a unique training program, optimized to meet individual needs and goals. Mike’s training sessions and all Platoon Fitness classes follow the four pillars he created – Structure, Discipline, Accountability and Sacrifice. He works with clients of all fitness levels and ages, including current and former high school, college and professional athletes, members of the military, post-trauma rehabilitation, pre- and post- natal, cancer and fibromyalgia patients, and geriatric populations. Mike can create and tailor a workout to meet the goals and abilities of any client. He can adapt these routines to a variety of environments, designing workouts that can be done at home, in the gym, on the beach or even in a hotel room when traveling. Mike continuously varies his clients’ workouts, never using the same routine twice, and focuses not only on the clients’ training goals but also on their general health and well-being.

Certifications include: ACE (American Council on Exercise), AAAI-ISSA, IFPA (International Fitness & Physique Association) and NSCA-CPT (National Strength and Conditioning Association), Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) Level 1 certified, studied under RKC founder Pavel Tsatsouline; CrossFit Level 1 & 2 coach,TRX certified, Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor Level 1, Kettlebell Athletic Level 1, USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach, CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting certified coach, First Aid/CPR/Lifeguard Instructor for the American Red Cross; leading quarterly training seminars. Mike is a licensed muscular therapist (MT), specializing in Pfrimmer, Myofascial Release and Sports Massage, FMT 1&2 (Functional Movement Tape-Rock Tape), KT 1 & 2 (Kinesiotape). Leader of Platoon Fitness’ certified training program, instructing over 150 trainers to reach Instructor Levels 1 & 2. Prior to starting Platoon Fitness, Mike was in the US Navy for six years, graduated the Dive farer boot camp program, went to Navy communications school and entered BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL) training, following which he was stationed overseas. During his years in the military, Mike became the Head Fitness Trainer for his command, whereby he was responsible for training other military personnel. After leaving the US Navy and studying at the PA School of Muscular Therapy, Mike taught the first Platoon class about 18 years ago to a group of approximately 45 people of all fitness levels on the beach at the New Jersey shore. Many of those original participants are still members of Platoon Fitness today. Platoon Fitness has grown from an organization that held one class to a fitness institution with over 60 outdoor classes, five outdoor locations in the Philadelphia region, a 10,000 square foot indoor location in Bryn Mawr and a 4,000 square foot indoor location in Philadelphia. Platoon Fitness also advises various corporate clients such as Lincoln Financial and VWR on their overall fitness programs. Mike recently was named the “Best of Philly Personal Trainer” by Philadelphia Magazine, has been quoted in hundreds of fitness articles. Mike enjoys competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and had two 3rd place finishes in the Masters International Jiu Jitsu Championships in Rio DeJaniro, Brazil in July 2011. He currently also continues to compete in endurance adventure races, as well as, sprint obstacle race.

The 2007 Mainline Personal Trainer of the Year, Mike McLaughlin prides himself in his expertise as a personal trainer and acclaimed chef. Mike holds many personal training certifications and is extensively trained in Russian Kettlebell. Mike had the honor of studying directly under Pavel, Russian Kettlebell’s inventor. He holds a Level One Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC) and is one of only an elite few who are training for the Level Two RKC. While he is too shy to admit it, we have it on good information that Mike received one of the all-time highest scores on the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification (NSCA) exam and is NSCA certified.

Bill Manley is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a level 1 Olympic weightlifting coach through USAW as well as a Level One Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC). Bill is Platoon’s head Muay Thai instructor. In addition to his education in fitness, he holds a degree in Emergency Medical Services and worked as an EMT in Montgomery County for over two years before coming to Platoon Fitness. He works with Mixed Martial Arts competitors and performs fitness assessments for professional athletes. Bill works with all ages. He is also a Strength and Conditioning specialist who personalizes programs for the non-athlete as well as athletes. He is currently attending college as a kinesiology major with his sights set on becoming a physician’s assistant.

Jim McGoldrick became a personal trainer at 19 by attending and graduating from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI). This year long course gave Jim the foundation for excelling as a Platoon Instructor. Jim completed Platoon University and is certified to instruct both Platoon Outdoor and Platoon CrossFit classes. Jim also is CPR, AED and First Aid certified through the American Red Cross. He is CrossFit certified. Jim is Russian Kettlebell Certified (RKC) having studied directly with its founder Pavel. He is a certified Nutritional Counselor. Jim is Olympic Lifting Certified and is certified in Pose Running.

Originally from Bensalem, PA, Stephen O’Donnell graduated from Lasalle University with a Bachelor’s in Business Marketing.  A Varsity athlete, Stephen competed on the school’s Division I Track and Field team.  He specialized in the 400 meter event and was an A10 Champion in the 4×400.  Stephen has shared his passion for Track and Field by coaching high school athletes.
Stephen is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  He has experience instructing all ages in a variety of modalities of functional training.  In addition to being certified through AAAI and Red Cross CPR/AED, Stephen recently continued his education by earning Kettlebell Athletics Level I and Level II certifications.  In his free time, Stephen enjoys training for and competing in endurance events such as triathlons and 10K runs.

Rashan Chanyothi graduated from Temple University with a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise & Sport Science. He has a deep interest in the evidence based knowledge and foundation of science behind all aspects of exercise ranging from the neuromuscular, physiological, bioenergetic, and biomechanical level and how each can promote health and performance. At Temple, Rashan had the privilege of learning from one of the best in the field of exercise science, Dr. Mike Isratel and Dr. James Hoffmann of Renaissance Periodization, who provide science based diet and training programs for top athletes and general population in the areas of physique alteration, sports performance, and health.

Emily is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelors in Health Behavior Science and a minor in Exercise Science. She is an avid runner, having finished in the top 1% at the Broad Street Run. Emily’s primary passions are rehab, strength, conditioning, and weight loss. She is equally adept at working with children and adults. Emily is a RunDNA Certified Endurance Running coach, which is a program that integrates running and physical therapy. She is in the process of obtaining her NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Nutrition Certification. Emily coached endurance athletes that won multiple State titles. Emily directed rehab for multiple physical therapy clinics and has a broad and in-depth knowledge of physical therapy based personal training. In her free time, Emily enjoys road racing, skiing, and reading. She has a cat name Luna and named her hamster after Philadelphia Sixers Player, Bball Paul.

Sam worked as a swim instructor for 6 years with the NPAC (North Penn Aquatics Club) teaching fundamental skills as well as endurance training. For three years he worked closely with chiropractors specializing in weight loss, correcting postural deviations and muscular imbalances. Sam’s passion is helping people lose weight and improve performance. Sam is certified through the American Council of Exercise (ACE) as a Personal Trainer. In addition he achieved his Sports Nutrition Specialist Certification also through ACE. Sam’s style tends to incorporate principles of mobility, stability and endurance.

He takes a clinical approach to address issues while they are less prominent.

Sam is a green belt in Kempo karate which he has studied for 5 years. He is an avid student and Instructor of orthodox boxing as well as kickboxing which he has studied for 20 years. He can incorporate these into any session. 

Sam played rugby for 5 years, 3 of which where with Doyelstown Rugby Football Club which is ranked 5^th in the nation.  His hobbies include running, wrestling, swimming and Jiu Jitsu. 

Sam’s family includes three dogs, two rescue Labradors and a shih-tzu.  He lives in North Wales, PA 

Steve is a Chiropractic Doctoral candidate and Health Performance Specialist.
His focus is athletic goal-driven training for individuals and small groups across various skill levels. Specialty experience with strength training and tissue mobilization, specifically active & passive manual techniques.

He is a Licensed Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA as well as CSCS), Functional Movement Systems (FMS) level 1 and 2, and Precision Nutrition certified.

Steve has athletic experience in collegiate football and Triple Jump field events. His fitness journey began after being amazed at the inter-workings of a rehab facility while recovering from an injury. Since graduating with his BS in Exercise Science & Business, Steve is receiving high level mentoring and serving individual through reaching their goals. His focus is to optimize lifestyle health and athletic skill performance.

Colleen is a multi-state licensed & Professional Standing member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She brings passion and experience with over 10 years of massage practice. Specializing in clinical massage, Colleen graduated (with honors) in 2011 from The Soma Institute in Chicago IL. Thereafter,  many years of involvement within the spa setting has allowed her to customize unique hands-on methods, incorporating productive healing modalities and therapeutic bodywork, but also a relaxing, restorative & mindfully-tailored session.Modalities include: myofascial release, trigger-point therapy, injury rehab, cupping therapy, salt stone massage, CBD treatment, sports, & chair massage. Additionally, Colleen has recently become a certified Yoga Instructor- accredited with The Yoga Alliance, which further increases her promotion of holistic wellness, stress management, body-awareness and self-care, for a truly collaborative understanding of mind and body.

Eli Goodwin is a Cum Laude graduate from West Chester University with a degree in Exercise Science. Eli graduated from Friends Central High School and won several bodybuilding competitions. Including the 2019 Excalibur Classic Physique Novice and the 2021 Lehigh Valley Championship Classic Physique Junior. Eli specializes in building strength and muscle in kids and adults. He loves fitness because it makes him feel strong, healthy, and is great for helping manage stress. Some of Eli’s hobbies include working out and painting, he is also a huge animal lover and has 2 cats, a lizard, and a bird.

Daniel is a Marine Corps veteran who served from 2012 to 2020. His love of running and general fitness has branched out over the years to spread the good word about mental health and general physical wellbeing to everyone.

Daniel is a graduate of Penn State with a BS in Kinesiology and a minor in Exercise Science, as well as being certified with ISSA (International Sports Science Association).
Following a lax phase of his life, Daniel has since cleaned up his life both mentally and physically Danny has made it his mission to encourage others. He realizes that many people have their own personal vices, and has decided on his personal mission to assist as many people towards their goals as possible. Whilst in the military, Daniel was given the task with working alongside overweight fellow service members to get them to an acceptable level of fitness, and this experience has been an instrumental focal point in discovering his affinity for fitness.

In his free time, Daniel is an avid enjoyer of the outdoors, and spends a majority of his time either biking or going for a brisk run. On days where the weather isn’t so favorable, you can find Daniel inside, exercising his mind with a good book and a solid cup of tea. He is currently residing in Ardmore with his dog, Chip

Scott Ertel is an ACE Certified (American Council on Exercise) Personal Trainer. Scott has a Bachelor’s degree from Villanova University. While at Villanova, Scott played on their Division 1 Lacrosse team as a Midfielder and Attackman, as well as the Man-Up Unit. Scott has been coaching and training athletes for over 20 years. He has coached and trained at the Youth, High School, and College levels. Scott coached lacrosse at the National powerhouse Haverford School for seven years. Also, he coached Youth programs: Mesa Lacrosse Club, Ashbee Lacrosse Club, and North Penn Lacrosse Club. Scott helped coach Rosemont College Lacrosse to their first Playoff appearance in program history, and the most single season wins in program history. He has coached eleven High School Lacrosse All-Americans, as well as five Professional lacrosse players.

Scott has a wide variety of knowledge in training athletes and non-athletes alike. He has the ability to train people at any age and any exercise experience. Scott also trains in Boxing, and can incorporate Boxing into any training session.

In his free time, Scott enjoys playing a wide variety of sports, and is an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams.

Anna Scharf is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) who has been exercising in different forms for over a decade. Anna competed successfully in gymnastics for over 5 years winning various State and regional titles and transitioned into professional natural bodybuilding during her college years. During this time she won shows in the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) and later on in the National Physique Committee (NPC) Federations. Gymnastics training and weight lifting contributed to her success in various sports. Anna anticipates graduating with a bachelor of science’s in pure mathematics and a minor in art at West Chester University in December 2023. Anna brings a broad array of knowledge and experience across different disciplines including weight loss, strength training, gymnastics training, mobility and flexibility, and weight training to craft the best personalized training programs for kids and adults.

Laurie is a dedicated and experienced personal trainer who has been making waves in the fitness industry since 2017. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Temple University, Laurie’s passion for fitness was ignited during her high school years when she tore her ACL while playing basketball. This personal setback turned into a powerful lesson as she discovered the importance of strength training and taking care of her body.

Laurie’s commitment to her craft is evident through her certifications and qualifications. She is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer, equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide you on your fitness journey. Additionally, she holds a USA Weightlifting (USAW) certification, ensuring that her training methods are safe and effective. Not only that, Laurie is also a Precision Nutrition coach, allowing her to provide valuable insights into the role of nutrition in achieving your fitness goals.

What sets Laurie apart from other trainers is her “long game” approach. She believes in teaching her clients how to train effectively so they can sustain their progress for the rest of their lives. This means focusing on building mobility, strength, and conditioning, while also addressing nutrition and weight loss goals. Laurie is well-versed in sport-specific training as well, ensuring that athletes receive specialized guidance tailored to their unique needs.

When you work with Laurie, you’re not just signing up for a temporary fitness routine; you’re embarking on a transformative journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. With her expertise, dedication, and personalized approach, Laurie will empower you to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

Laurie genuinely cares about your long-term success. Together, you’ll build a foundation of strength, overcome obstacles, and discover the amazing things your body is capable of. Get ready to embrace a healthier, happier you with Laurie by your side.

Steve Ray is a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer as well as a Licensed Massage therapist. Steve is local originally from Paoli and graduating from Great Valley High school. After graduating Steve found that he was supremely passionate about health and wellness and enrolled in personal training school at the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in 2010 and graduating in 2011. A few years into training Steve found that many clients needed additional training in pain management and maintenance through soft tissue work and mobilization, which led him to enroll in massage therapy school in 2018 at Cortiva Institute and graduating in 2019. Figuring out the best way to keep people healthy through exercise, diet, and bodywork has become a lifestyle and he is eager to help you all in your own personal journey! Steve’s hobbies include training/competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, hiking alongside his two German Shepard\Husky mix dogs Jefe and Odin, strength/HIIT training, and cooking! Book a massage or stretch session with him today!

Lauren is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Instructor. Additionally Lauren is a Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) certified Mobility Specialist. Lauren’s passion for helping people came from her recovery from an eating disorder when she was a teenager. Strength training allowed her to shift her focus form trying to be small to becoming strong physically and mentally. Lauren is continually learning, teaching and improving. She is in the process of studying be a certified nutritionist.

Luke has been a certified trainer for 15 years. He has both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University. Both degrees are in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning. Luke holds numerous certifications from the top accredited organizations in the country. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist ( C.S.C.S.), Level 1 CrossFit Coach, Certified Weightlifting Coach ( U.S.A.W), and a Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES). Luke was named Best of The Mainline for Personal Trainer in 2019. He has also recorded over 15,000 hours of hands-on training experience working with clients ranging from grade school age children to nursing home residents and spanning skillsets from beginners and those looking to learn the ropes all the way to professional athletes.