Yusuf is a native New Yorker who began his athletic career playing multiple sports, including running Track & Field at Stuyvesant HS. He earned a degree in Biological Sciences from Rutgers University and after a successful career as a research assistant in cancer gene therapy and clinical diagnostics, Yusuf transitioned to a full-time certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor. 

He’s used his specialized skills in sports strength & conditioning and run coaching to work in various positions for over 15 years in the fitness industry. Yusuf has been a founding coach for a number of boutique fitness studios, including Mile High Run Club in NYC, where he works with runners of all levels and coaches half-marathon and full marathon athletes.

Previously, as a 4-year Head Coach of Nightingale-Bamford HS Track & Field, Yusuf led teams that competed at state and national level for every season that he remained, a 1st in school history. Yusuf is also currently one of the North American Race Directors for HYROX, a global fitness racing event. 

Above all, Yusuf believes in the transformative and psychologically liberating power of physical fitness. 

• BA - Biological Sciences
• USATFCCCA - L1
• NASM - Performance Enhancement Specialist
• NASM - Corrective Exercises Specialist