Matt Ramey
Owner/Operator
Years in the industry: 15 years
What’s the story behind PIT:
PIT began in a local park, with nothing but determination and whatever scrap equipment I could get my hands on—old tires, beat-up sledgehammers, tapped kegs. I turned whatever I had into a workout and invited friends to join me, not just to train, but to push each other past our limits.
Drawing from my college football background and my experience as a Deputy Sheriff, I shaped that raw style into the structured format PIT uses today.
Our classes are team-based, functional, and designed to make you move, feel, and perform like an athlete—whether you consider yourself one or not. It’s the most effective way to get real results for any client.
So when you walk into PIT and don’t see polished machines or fancy setups—and when the vibe feels raw or even a little intimidating—that’s exactly the point. PIT was built on grit and the belief that if you show up with whatever you have and give everything you’ve got, you’ll become stronger than you ever thought possible.
Favorite type of training/favorite movement:
I’m all about big, powerful, compound movements – snatches, tire flips, keg slams, deadlifts. They hit everything and deliver the most efficient full-body results.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I still love instructing and training just as much as day one. And that look clients give you after a session? That’s the proof. They know they just crushed the most intense workout they’ve ever experienced, and that’s why they keep coming back for more. It never gets easier, they just get better at it💪
Ashley Ramey
Why you love fitness/PIT:
Life serves unforeseen circumstances and stressors outside of anyone’s control. But what you can control, is how you show up for yourself, your habits, and your grind. Working out is the one constant I can rely on to make me feel better, inside and out.
At PIT, the workouts hit hard—in the best way. Every session proves you’re capable of more than you ever believed. Over a decade later, it still pushes me, still humbles me, still makes me better…but the real magic is the community. You’re welcomed instantly, everyone struggles together, lifts each other up, and leaves ego at the door. It’s a “we’re all in this together” vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
PIT has become more than a gym for me. It’s where I grow and heal – my therapy, goals, and family.
Favorite exercise/movement:
Pull-ups are my favorite, mostly because research claims “the average woman can’t even do one.” With consistent practice, assisted progressions, strength training and grip development, any woman can improve their pull-up game and help change that statistic. Just tell a woman she can’t do something, and watch her turn your doubt into fuel.
I also love planks of any variety because they are so effective. Planks require full-body engagement, improve posture, enhance stability/balance, and help prevent injuries by strengthening the muscles that support the spine. There are so many different variations for ALL levels, anyone can do it!
Favorite song to workout to:
Welcome To The Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” – Rocky Balboa
Shon W.
What you love fitness/PIT:
Fitness/Sports have been a part of my life since birth! Fitness is the One-Stop Shop for physical therapy, mental therapy, and emotional therapy. PIT is great because it’s family oriented. People come together from all walks of life to one central location to support each other’s overall growth!
Favorite exercise/movement:
My favorite is every single movement. Why? Because I chase improvement and there’s always room for growth!
Favorite song to workout to:
Anything DMX, Future, or Vybz Kartel, Mavado.
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“Pull up your pants, Roll up your sleeves. No matter what happens, God believes.”
– My mother & my brother
Gabby C.
Why do you love fitness/PIT:
Fitness changed my life & helped me heal & become the best version of myself & continues to push me to grow.
PIT is an amazing community filled with various individuals who want to uplift one another & it creates a family-like environment which is great to be a part of.
Favorite exercise/movement:
Deadlift or bench press because it makes me feel so strong & powerful.
Favorite class to teach:
Women’s strength is my fave but I love my small group too! I absolutely love helping women become the best versions of themselves inside & out!
Favorite song to workout to:
Lose Yourself – Eminem
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“What you aren’t changing — you’re choosing.”
Lyn B.
Why do you love fitness/PIT:
I love fitness because I believe in maximizing vitality and longevity through exercise. I love PIT because the very first day I walked in here, I felt like I finally found my gym home. These workouts and this community are an important part of my life!
Favorite exercise/movement:
Strength training in general is my favorite form of exercise. Running is what I love to hate.
Favorite class to teach:
Women’s Strength, obvi! LFG, ladies!!
Favorite song to workout to:
I like rock-based EDM, 90’s hip hop, 70s heavy metal, and 90s grunge.
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“Take care of your body. If you don’t, where will you live?” ~ Kobi Yamada
Dan W.
Why do you love fitness/PIT:
Fitness provides both immediate mood boosts from endorphin release and long-term physical and mental health benefits, including reduced stress, increased confidence, better sleep, and a greater sense of accomplishment and control over your life. To grow is to struggle. Bend don’t break. Steel sharpens steel.
Favorite exercise/movement:
Barbell Bent Press or Turkish Getup – These two exercises put whole body under tension at length; require deep focus, concentration, and balance.
Favorite class to teach:
Mobility – It’s fascinating how a 10lb resistance band can humble the strongest of athletes.
Favorite song to workout to:
Voodoo Child – Jimi Hendrix
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“Health is a divine gift, and the care of the body is a sacred duty, to neglect which is to sin” – Eugen Sandow
Laura S.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I love fitness not just for the physical benefits, but also the mental health benefits. It helps me keep a clear mind, and group fitness provides a supportive community that pushes us to be the best versions of ourselves, inside and out.
Favorite exercise/movement:
A snatch – Your entire body is working together using power & momentum to get the weight up overhead. It’s just empowering and satisfying!
Favorite class to teach:
Anything that incorporates circuit or AMRAP training. The short increments of work make the class fly by and clients push themselves harder for the shorter bursts/ sets. That is how we ultimately build strength and endurance over time.
Favorite song to workout to:
Avicii – Levels – that beat drop
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
“You don’t know what you’re capable of unless you try!”
Bobby J.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I was a youth athlete from as young as I can remember – Tae Kwon Do, football, basketball, baseball, I was always active. I was small & skinny, so when I discovered training and how it could help me get bigger & stronger, I fell in love. I love the work, the noticeable improvements in performance/esthetics, & it just feels so damn good when you’re in good shape – something I can share with everyone at PIT.
Favorite exercise/movement:
Squats – for resistance training at any level/frequency, nothing tops any variation of squats for strength & hypertrophy gains. Be it back squats for loading/moving heavy weight, front squats for added core mobility/trunk control, DB squats for lighter loads/less experienced lifters, and plyometric squats for athletic performance. My favorite is the Bulgarian Split Squat.
Favorite class to teach:
Youth Athletics – Having been involved in sports from a very young age, l understand how crucial it is to have good coaches teachers. In addition to training, also a Little League coach – no better feeling than teaching a young athlete something, watching them work at it and succeed. I always participate in my kids’ classes because they’re more motivated to do the work when they see me doing it first. I help them progress, and they keep me young.
Favorite song to workout to:
Creep by Alpha Wolf. I listen to pretty much everything (I’ve also been a musician my entire life), but in the gym, I need heavy/angry music making my ears bleed.
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
Be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday. Don’t worry about the person next to you or what they’re doing. Focus on you and your progress. Be consistently better than you were the day before, and if you are consistently the hardest worker in the room/ team/class, the rest will take care of itself. Put your head down, get to work, and don’t stop.
Jeff C.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I love fitness because it is a great natural stress reliever. All problems disappear while working out. And I love PIT because it is a unique combination of many exercises. Not to mention it has a great family vibe.
Favorite exercise/movement:
Anything leg related is my favorite, but if I had to choose, I choose Squats.
Favorite class:
I love the Men’s strength class because it is a great way to push yourself and others. No judgement, just group motivation.
Favorite song to workout to:
A Warrior’s Call – Volbeat is my favorite right now.
Favorite inspirational quote/mantra:
Move every day. Fight to stay strong and as healthy as possible.
Phil B.
Years in the Industry: 5 years
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I love PIT because it’s an atmosphere I look forward to going to everyday. I can honestly say working here for the last couple of years, witnessing the turnaround in client confidence, body changes, and strength is rewarding for me. My bosses / coworkers are awesome and we have a great time working together. We are all positive, funny, and outgoing people who feed off of watching the people around us get healthier and reach their goals
In 7th grade I started working out with a personal trainer for sports which I continued throughout high school. This opened me up to speed training, strength training, and functional mobility training. Working with these experienced and variety of techniques brought the most out of myself. I now use those techniques and my prior experience to help my clients grow, gain knowledge and learn how to discipline themselves.
Favorite type of training/favorite movements:
Deadlift. Bench.
When i’m not at the gym:
Playing the role as the coolest uncle to my 3 nieces and 2 nephews
Danielle D.
Personal Trainer/Nutritionist
Bachelor’s of Science–Nutrition and DieteticsIndiana University of Pennsylvania–2008
Associate’s in Applied Science–Health and FitnessMontgomery County Community College–2013
- NETA
- CPTACE
- Group FitnessACE
- Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- AEA
- Aquatics FItnessBarre Instructor
- CPR/AED
Why you love fitness/PIT:
Danielle has been a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist since 2013. She started working at a YMCA in Pittsburgh, Pa, until she moved back to the Philadelphia area in 2014 (Philly is home!) Since then, she has taught a variety of different fitness classes and absorbed numerous hours of personal training experience since then. She has completed numerous 5ks, 10ks and the Tough Mudder in 2013. She has also been coaching and teaching nutrition clients for the past five years, teaching them the “why’ food is important, how food works, and how to properly prepare meals to keep accountable during the busy week.
Nutrition has always been an important part of her fitness goals, as well as for her clients. She believes ‘sustainable’ nutrition for the long run will continue to push your fitness goals forward for years to come–there is no quick fix to achieve goals. It is about consistency and hard work; no matter how much you work in the gym, it is impossible to get to where you want to be without proper nutrition to accompany the gym. You can still enjoy what you like, just everything in moderation! There are no ‘diets’ with Danielle. Just consistent meals paired with a badass fitness routine.
Tim Z.
Years in the industry: 5 years
Favorite type of training/favorite movements: Deadlift
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I’ve always loved playing and watching sports. I liked going to the gym, but learned to develop a passion for it, learned to love it. Making the connection between effort, consistency and results has made all the difference. I love to instil that dedication in others. There is no better feeling as a trainer than having a client obtain a goal, something they may have thought impossible. The people at PRIME INTENSITY TRAINING, the clientele, trainers and owners create an awesome environment which make for one of the most badass gyms around!
Paul D.
Years in the industry: 7 years
Favorite type of training/favorite movements:
I love doing circuit style or superset lifting to maximize time efficiency. My favorite movements are Box Squats, Barbell Push Press, and Farmer Carries
Favorite PIT Class to instruct and to take:
I enjoy running my Women’s Strength and my Men’s Strength classes. There’s nothing better than those groups of strong individuals motivating eachother and getting stronger every week.
My favorite class to take is the 6AM Tuesday Co-Ed. There’s no greater feeling than when it’s only 7AM and you’ve already gotten an incredible workout in.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I am passionate about fitness because it’s a never-ending journey of self improvement. There is ALWAYS something new to learn and something you can build upon. Challenging yourself consistently doesn’t just build you up physically, it has a huge influence in all facets of your life by teaching you fortitude, perseverance, and a growth-mindset.
I love PIT because it’s not just a gym. It’s a community and a family. Some of my best friends are from PIT, people that came to my wedding, people I celebrate birthdays with, people I care about. The PIT family has been together for everything from charity functions and flood recovery to rallying around keeping the gym afloat through the COVID pandemic. You come here to work out, but you stay for the people.
When I’m not at the gym:
I can usually be found hanging out with my wife and dogs, listening to music, gathering with friends in Conshy, or cooking.
Interests/hobbies:
Weightlifting, Any & All Sports, Singing, Dogs, Italian Food, Breakfast, Boxing, Cooking
Emily K.
Years in the industry: 10 years
My favorite type of training is strength training:
Deadlifting, back squatting, and benching are a few of my favorite movements.
My favorite class to instruct:
My favorite class is the coed class. The DB compound class is by far my favorite class to take.
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I love fitness because of the pure enjoyment it gives me and how it brings people together. It has shaped me into who I am today and I truly cannot picture my life without it. PIT is such a big example of this. The sense of community is unmatched. From the owners, to the trainers, clients, and of course the workouts, there is nothing quite like it.
When I’m not at the gym:
I can usually be found playing fetch with my dog Mochi
My hobbies/interests:
My hobbies are traveling, sports, hiking, running, paddleboarding
Dr. Jory Davis, PT, DPT
Years in the industry: 10+ Years
Favorite type of training: HITT
Favorite PIT Class: I like the standard PIT class which is anything but standard. This class kicks your butt!
Why you love fitness/PIT: PIT is like no other training gym. This is truly a unique experience! I love how the classes challenge me to push myself harder than I would at any other gym. Great camaraderie of the group!
When i’m not at the gym: I can usually be found traveling with my family, beaching and eating at new places( I’m a foodie). I opened my own business last year where I provide in-home physical therapy and training.
Alexandra D.
Years in the Industry: 3 years
Favorite Type of Training/Favorite Movements:
Heavy compound movements (squats and deadlifts) but I also love burpees, lots and lots of burpees.
Favorite PIT Class to Instruct:
Regular PITFavorite Class to Take: Dumbbell Circuits (sometimes I like to switch it up)
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I love being active and pushing myself to go harder and further than I thought I could. PIT pushes you with every class, and it never really gets easier. The PIT community is unmatched, they are now my closest friends!
When I’m not at the gym:
I can usually be found: either out with friends having a good time, at a concert or sporting event, or on my couch 🙂
Kevin M.
Years in the industry: 12
Favorite Training: Boxing and Compound Exercises
Favorite PIT Class: Men’s Strength
Why you love fitness/PIT:
I took my first PIT class when it was located at the fellowship house in Conshohocken. It was one of the most challenging and unique workouts I’ve ever taken. I have always been active with my hobbies and played sports thru college. I needed a gym that pushed me to my limits and PIT did just that.
I also love taking classes and teaching at PIT because of the people. The clients are driven with similar fitness goals and the trainers are dedicated, experienced and passionate. PIT is more like a family, and I am privileged to be part of such an amazing community.
Favorite type of training/favorite movements:
Boxing adds to an already unique format of training and fitness offered at PIT. Clients are taught the fundamentals of boxing with a challenging circuit workout experience.
When I’m not at the gym:
I can be found at my job in education, with friends and family or with my dog Rocky.
Rikki B.
Years in the industry: 1.5 years
Favorite type of training/favorite movements: Strength training is my absolute favorite for both myself and my clients. Seeing clients
progress and being able to celebrate new personal records is so rewarding.
If you ask anyone in my strength classes they’ll tell you my favorite movement is bench
press. It is definitely one of my favorites because in my experience it is a lift a lot of people avoid, so
it makes me happy to be the first person to get them to try it! Hip thrusts would be a close second !
Favorite PIT class to instruct and to take? Women’s Strength is my absolute favorite. It builds a sense of community, and helps all
the women feel comfortable in a space they may have been previously intimidated by. I love pushing
them to hit new personal records, and I can tell they leave my class feeling proud of what they
accomplished. Also love seeing them celebrate each other’s wins!
My favorite class to take is boxing! Kevin is an amazing instructor and it is so fun it makes
you forget you’re even working out.
Why you love fitness/PIT?
I love fitness because it is always evolving. There is always something new to learn and
new goals to reach. It is just a very positive space to be in.
I love PIT because everyone is so welcoming. To some the workouts may come off
intimidating! I was intimidated before my first class, but after you get to know the people, you
realize they all are so encouraging and want to see you win!
When I’m not at the gym…
I’m spending time with my boyfriend, Mike, and my cat, Gouda. I spend a lot of time with
friends and family, and love trying new restaurants.
Interests/Hobbies: Reading, art, dance, hiking, concerts, and I love traveling!