About Lainie Cassel
My Healing Story
Fifteen years ago I refused to accept that I would spend the entirety of my adulthood much like I spent my years as a child - plagued with countless autoimmune-related symptoms. Instead, I reclaimed what I could of my body and after endless hours studying, digging through forums and experimentation, I eventually cured 90% of the same health problems that countless doctors told me were incurable and continue to be healthier and stronger with each passing year. In a world where our bodies are held hostage in conditions that set us up for a life of disease and pain, I'm forever motivated by the body's ability to heal. It's a constant reminder that our greatest power lies in reclaiming what is ours.
Athletic Background
I am a lifelong athlete and have competed in multiple sports, including 17 years as a swimmer (four years at the NCAA level), long-distance running and triathlons. I currently compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as a blue belt and continue to train powerlifting, striking and movement in my free time.
Work Background
As a swimming and strength coach, I have coached both large high school and NCAA swimming teams, as well as served as a private strength coach for elite athletes across various disciplines. I have also spent a lot of time working with the general public - offering both strength and nutrition coaching to everyone from individuals with chronic pain and disease to adults eyeing aesthetic and athletic goals.
Education
I am a graduate of the Nutritional Therapy Association and hold an MA in film/media studies from The New School in New York. I spend much of my free time studying movement and nutrition and have also been fortunate to have had some of the top nutritionists and strength coaches as mentors. I believe strongly that education is a never-ending process and I make sure to stay up to date with the latest debates and studies so that I can provide the best possible information to my clients.
TESTIMONIALS
“I found Lainie back in March and it’s been a dream ever since. I’d gone through a number of different programs and nutrition trainers, but none of them ever felt right, felt like they listened to me, felt like they really heard what my issues were, until her. I’m so psyched that we get to work together towards my goals!”
“I cannot say enough about Lainie! I’ve been working with her since October of 2021, and I tell everyone about her. She is extremely knowledgeable about strength training, general fitness, physiology, chronic illness and nutrition…I have chronic autoimmune conditions that make exercise difficult, but she helped me build strength and stamina in a way that worked for my body…I would highly recommend meeting Lainie and learning more about her approach. I love that her goal is to give all of her clients the foundation/skills needed to be a healthier version of themselves, not to sell supplements or gain more followers! She’s the best!”
“Coach Lainie has been a pleasure to work with! Bit of background: I’m a 23-year-old nonathlete (didn’t play a sport since fifth grade non-travel soccer) just trying to add some muscle mass and get stronger. Social media and the occasional program got me to some okay (some would say bad) numbers, but I was stuck in a plateau, spinning my wheels for three years. After a few months, I can confidently say that working with Coach Lainie has been the best decision of my lifting career. She helped me to break my plateau and improve my squat, deadlift, pull-ups, and bench press, even as I lost weight from failed “dirty bulks.” I actually look forward to going to the gym again! She’s also easy to talk to- I’ve never felt judged for my lack of athletic background, low lifts, or appearance. I highly recommend her as a coach to anyone like me.”
“Learning to lift weights with Lainie has been an amazing experience. I understand my body so much better than before my first sessions with her, and I’m so much stronger. Her approach is wholistic and doesn’t mess with fitness fads. She’s in it with you for the long-haul! Highly recommend.”
““I train doing weight lifting with Lainie every week. I often find that even if I’m grumpy going into it I am so much happier when I leave the gym. It’s great to have someone guiding me every step of the way- I feel a lot more confident in my abilities now. She does a great job of making sure you get down the fundamentals- you start off with breath work and getting to know your body before you do any heavy lifting. All in all Lainie is a great trainer!””
“I took a series of lessons to learn to swim for my half Ironman triathlon. I came in not knowing any swimming technique beyond treading water. I feel like every lesson got me closer to my goal. The swim in my half Ironman went great - I had the confidence I needed. I also have a great new way to exercise that I will use the rest of my life. Best investment I’ve ever made, and fun too!”
“Coach Lanie is the most professional swim coach we have worked with. We sought her out to work on stroke technique for all competitive swim styles and were blown away by her calm,patient and knowledgeable coaching. She is very technically focused and determined to get results. If your a dedicated athlete of any age she’s the coach that will get you technically advanced.”
“Lainie is very professional and has done an incredible job coaching our 11 year old daughter. Our daughter went from wanting to quit her swim club to now having confidence and enthusiasm in the water. Lainie has helped my daughter improve her strokes and feel more confident in the pool. She is also very responsive in addressing any questions we’ve had. My daughter looks forward to her weekly sessions and really enjoys them. I highly recommend Lainie!”
“On top of everything, my son has formed a true bond with Lainie - he always looks forward to spending time with her. Being knowledgeable doesn’t always translate to an ability to effectively teach; Lainie is the rare coach who delivers on both counts. She’s patient, fun, and an excellent communicator - she’s an awesome fit for young swimmers. So happy we found her!”
“I had a splendid experience with Coach Lainie. I feel like my first lesson solidified all the fundamentals that I never knew, and I already feel more comfortable and confident in the water. She was attentive, observant, and perfectly tailored the lesson to my existing abilities, and communicated a lot of information effectively, and at a pace that suited me. I would highly recommend.”
“Coach Lainie is working with my CrossFit teen daughter focusing on the fundamentals of swimming first. She breaks down every movement and explains how it will improve her performance. Incredibly patient and knowledgeable. She is taking my daughter from a non swimmer to prepping her for the swim for a CrossFit competition!”