“FOOD is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug in America, and EXERCISE is the most potent yet underutilized antidepressant”
Bill Phillips
Bill Phillips
Meet the Team
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
Brister Hay IV
Founder About
Brister Hay IV is an accomplished personal trainer, born and bred in NYC with a BA in Music from SUNY Purchase and Masters in Music from Binghamton University. He has trained hundreds of individuals from all walks of life as the second highest grossing trainer at Chelsea Piers and learned that a sense of community and support is the most important part of implementing transformational change. Growing up in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood, he suffered from obesity and an unhealthy upbringing. An active lifestyle was not part of the culture since the area was a gym desert and places for children to exercise were not readily available. The neighborhood is still a gym desert, which fuels Brister’s drive to bring fitness to the area. He always encourages others to prioritize health and wellness in their lifestyle. He is excited to create a space that educates, inspires, and supports all community members to transform into the best version of themselves. Having recently adopted his niece and nephew, after the death of his sister, he is passionate about creating spaces that helps the younger generation and families the tools to live a healthy lifestyle. |
Saïd Pressley
Communications Coordinator About
Saïd is an essential part of the FIT team and supports us with admin & operations. Born and raised in the Bronx, he knows the value of community and serving others. |
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can change without being faced.”
James Baldwin
James Baldwin
The Ruth Manor ProjectWhy
Underserved communities are more likely to have health issues and a lack of resources to solve them. There are few facilities, services and programs to help eradicate this fatal epidemic. Our black and brown families are increasingly suffering from lifestyle diseases. Among women, obesity prevalence was lower in the highest income group than in the middle and lowest income groups. We will be sure not to focus on the appearance of any person. We reject body-shaming while stressing the importance of good health. What
An intensive intervention program put in place to affect change in the lives of the socially and economically disadvantaged. The Ruth’s Manor Project is dedicated to providing services to at-risk mothers, women, and youth, with consideration for special cases that prove need. *https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html |
FIT To PlayWhy
Obesity prevalence was 18.9% among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in the lowest income group. “Obese children are likely to die up to 20 years earlier than healthier counterparts”. Minority children account for nearly 60% of obese children: - 24.2% Black children - 25.6% Hispanic children - 8.7% non-Hispanic Asian What
A student and family program. We provide group fitness classes, family fitness classes (parents participate), health fairs, mental health therapy, sporting events, and sports to create foundational healthy habits. We aim to educate and make exercise fun and approachable. *https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html |