EPIC NYC’s Mandee Barreto, has been a member since 2014. Over the last two years, she’s made strides in both her physical and nutritional well-being. Read about what Mandee has to say about her EPIC transformation.
In the grand scheme of things, I didn’t really know where I fit in. I was surrounded by the idea that skinny was the thing to be and I just wasn’t. I blamed genetics and, as ashamed as I am to say, I blamed my parents. I had the typical teenage mentality; everyone was out to get me, and because of my insecurities I felt like no one found me attractive, so I buried myself in my books.
At EPIC, everyone is friendly and supportive. I found myself celebrating their accomplishments and they celebrated mine. It felt good. This was the most consistent I had ever remained with working out, especially at one place. As my confidence grew so did my strength. I started getting daring and one day as I sat by my computer I signed myself up for a whole trifecta with the first race being a Beast! What a wakeup call! That race was probably physically and mentally the toughest thing I had ever done in my life. When I crossed that finish line, emotions washed over me and tears rolled down my cheeks. I was so happy and so proud. This had happened to me only once before, a month prior when I crossed the finish line of the NYC Half Marathon. Checking the Half off of my bucket list, I found myself hooked on Obstacle Course Racing. Before joining EPIC, I had maybe 2 5Ks under my belt. Since joining, I’ve run countless 5Ks, the NYC Half, The Viking Obstacle Race, and next month I will be running my 6th Spartan (and I’m sure that number will quickly climb).
James’ life purpose is coaching others to be the best version of themselves. His love for fitness started as a teenager through martial arts. James has completed 32 Spartan Races, and holds certifications in Strength and Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Fitness Nutrition, and Fitness Trainer through International Sports and Sciences Association.
Samantha Logoluso started her life of fitness at a very young age excelling in swimming through her college years and now enjoys competitive running with her mother along with challenging workouts. Samantha has her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and has been the owner of The Growing Patch Private Preschool for five years. Samantha has been married to her amazing husband for 11 years and together they have two wonderful boys (ages 9 and 7).
Cassidy lives and breathes the Hybrid Training lifestyle! As is Head Coach and Program Director, her passion is creating exciting and effective workouts and putting them into a well-rounded program for all levels to get (and stay) in the best shape of their lives. Cassidy is a member of the Spartan Race Pro Team and is the Champion of CMT’s Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge. Cassidy practices what she preaches…when she is not coaching, you can find her taking a class and setting a brutal pace!
Alexander Nicholas is the owner and founder of EPIC Hybrid Training. He is a fitness entrepreneur always looking for the next EPIC challenge.