Prime is an innovative concept sports performance facility combining fitness, movement and biomechanics. A blend of backgrounds has been integrated in order to ensure our clientele find their solution.
Prime is an innovative concept sports performance facility combining fitness, movement and biomechanics. A blend of backgrounds has been integrated in order to ensure our clientele find their solution.
OWNER/BIOMECHANICS THERAPIST
Michael C. Petrina is a Biomechanics Therapist and the owner/operator of PRIME, an innovative sports performance facility combining fitness, movement and biomechanics. He coined the term based on his approach to treatment and training. Michael specializes in pre-injury and post-rehab strength training and treatment. His treatment concentrates in neuromuscular structural integration that resolves injuries and discrepancies in biomechanics and anatomy. His cross-functional approach minimizes downtime as his clients can continue to build strength and flexibility while overcoming injury. Studying under Dr. Keith Pyne, a pioneer in corrective therapy, for many years, Michael has honed his treatment skills and developed a system that corrects the actual cause of the pain. Unlike traditional methodologies that only treat symptoms providing just temporary relief, Michael's system is unique in that he incorporates manual therapy, proprioception, and corrective patterning to reset the brain's connection with the body. Addressing the problem where it starts, in the body's kinetic chain, is paramount in Michael's treatment philosophy - and why his clients consistently improve their performance.
Michael has worked with several professional athletes in post injury rehabilitation and biomechanical efficiency. He is a consultant with professional sports teams, assisting in the treatment and design of programs to reduce the chance of injuries.
PERFORMANCE COACH
As Director of Human Performance, Ivan Tchatchouwo oversees our performance methodology. He focuses on sports and athlete-specific performance, injury prevention protocols, and rehab training. Being a former collegiate basketball athlete himself, Ivan understands the mental and physical demands of training like an athlete that translate into meeting your life’s goals and needs. Ivan came to us with an undergrad degree from Concordia College and is finalizing his M.A in Exercise Physiology from Columbia University. He has been with PRIME since 2015 and looks to continue impacting the lives of our clients.
PERFORMANCE COACH
Jacob Zemer is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer who specializes in body composition. Jacob has a dual focus in functional strength and conditioning, reinforced with specific nutrition. He drives results by creating sustainable actions and reinforcing positive habits until they become second nature. He offers not only assistance with training and eating, but accountability and understanding. Though his clients each have their own unique goals which are theirs to achieve, he is always present to motivate, answer hard questions, and provide guidance for the proper next step. Regardless of your needs and abilities, Jacob is confident that he can help you begin your successful journey or help you to finally achieve that next level in your training.
Jacob hails from Buffalo, NY, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Finance. He posses near a dozen certifications in the fields of exercise and nutrition, and a passion for the industry that is infectious. In recent years, he has worked for Equinox helping numerous clients to lose weight and improve the quality of their lives. Jacob not only motivates his clients but maintains the same lifestyle himself, understanding how to take theory and apply it.
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
Rachel Poccia is a Licensed Massage Therapist with a degree in Health Science. Rachel is currently continuing her Neurokinetic Therapy Level 1 Certification. Expertise specializing in trigger point therapy, connective tissue therapy and sports massage, Rachel has been working with the United States Tennis Association since 2015, and co-head therapist for the US Open since 2016.
Rachel’s passion for health and fitness was introduced to her from age five, she excelled as a young athlete in softball, volleyball, basketball and cross country. Rachel played competitively through her college years, earning her spot in Westchester Community College’s Hall of Fame. Her talented spirit did not stop there, Rachel’s lifetime of athletics led to her dedication of studying and healing the body. Rachel proceeded to study health sciences at Mercy College, and continued on to complete her Massage Therapy Licensure at Finger Lakes School of Massage. Throughout her career, Rachel has worked with professional tennis players, NFL players, Division 1 college swimmers and various retired athletes on sport-specific maintenance, preparation and recovery.
Rachel is currently continuing her Neurokinetic Therapy Level 1 Certification. Expertise specializing in trigger point therapy, connective tissue therapy and sports massage, Rachel has been working with the United States Tennis Association for four years, and co-head therapist for the US Open for two years
PERFORMANCE COACH
Cedrick McFadden is a certified personal trainer who focuses on sport and athlete-specific performance, strength and conditioning, as well as injury prevention. Prior to Cedrick’s experience as a coach, he spent most of his life being an athlete himself. Having been a competitive collegiate and professional basketball player, he understands and enforces the importance of the physical necessities with training.
Cedrick resides in New York where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in New Media from Concordia College. He is currently finalizing his M.S. in Business Leadership from Concordia, as well. Previously, he has worked for Orangetheory Fitness and Equinox, helping clients reach their health and fitness goals.