
meet your coaches
Expert Coaching for Your Fitness Journey
Meet Coach Kara
Hi! My name is Kara!
I am the owner and founder of Primal Fit! Originally from Farmington, CT, I’ve lived in Tennessee, Colorado, and Montreal before returning to Connecticut in 2016. I’m a pilot wife, dog mom, and coffee lover, and you’ll likely meet my dogs at the gym!
My fitness journey began after college in Colorado when I joined intense boot camps that improved both my strength and mental health. As someone who worked in mental health and special education, fitness became my self-care, a way to decompress from long, stressful days.
In 2016, I discovered The Yoga Shop, where I completed my 200hr and 300hr Yoga Teacher Training and became a RYT 500 hr. I’ve been teaching there since 2018 and am so grateful for the community.
To diversify my routine, I started boxing and strength training in 2019, eventually teaching classes like YogaBox, kickboxing, and strength conditioning. I also became a NASM-certified personal trainer (CPT) and Nutrition Coach, working at the Hartford Golf Club in 2020.
Fitness is essential for both physical and mental well-being, and I wanted to make personal training accessible to everyone. That’s why I founded Primal Fit—to offer affordable, effective training.
Primal Fit is raw and authentic. No bells and whistles, just you and your innate ability to push limits!
Meet Coach Jake
Hi! My name is Jake!
Hi, I’m Jake, the proud new member of the Primal Fit community! I was fortunate enough to have Kara as one of my yoga teachers over the years and am honored to join her team! I’ve been involved in fitness from a young age and it has always been a passion of mine. As I grew older, life started to catch up to me and the years began to take their toll. On paper, I suffer from a number of health issues, including Fibromyalgia. However, metabolic health is a passion of mine and through a dedicated wellness practice, I am able to maintain an active, full life and remain free from pharmaceuticals. Some of my favorite fitness interests include yoga, weightlifting, trail running, and rucking in the mountains.
I could not be more excited to join Kara and look forward to sharing my passion of helping others achieve their health goals!!
Meet Coach ANTHONY
Hi! My name is Anthony!
Hailing from East Hartford, CT, Anthony has been passionate about boxing since the age of eight. Throughout his career, he has achieved remarkable success, including being a two-time Western Golden Gloves Champion, and a National Golden Gloves Semifinalist. He was also named the 2018 Professional boxer of the Year, boasts an impressive 13-1 professional record, and holds the title of ABO America Boxing Organization Champion.
Anthony leads a group boxing class every Wednesday at 5 & 6 PM and is also available for one-on-sessions on Fridays.
Meet Coach Crystal
Hi! My name is Crystal!
I started my fitness journey way back when I was first able to get my license and a part-time job to get to the local gym after school.
Over the years I have taken on many athletic interests. Prior to having kids, I was an avid runner. I completed the Chicago marathon as well as a couple half marathons. After having Joey and Lucy, my running body never quite felt the same. At that point in time, I transitioned into CrossFit. It is there where I gained an appreciation for small group classes and a positive, competitive community.
Over time, the wear and tear took its toll on my body. Since then, I've explored several small group training gyms, then ultimately dabbled with a personal training session. Just after Covid, I decided to do my first (and possibly only) body-building competition. During this period, I learned a lot of things, including the impact of proper nutrition and protein intake paired with progressive overload training. While that regimen wasn't sustainable for me, I do carry a lot of those training philosophies with me now.
At this point in my life, most things are about balance. I do my best to make time for things that bring me joy, prioritize sleep, nutrient-dense meals, listening to my body, and yes…..lifting heavy weights. I’m looking forward to having an established role at Primal Fit. It is such a great, supportive, positive community. We are all getting stronger every day!
Meet Coach Fran
Hi! I’m fran amara!
I’m thrilled to be joining the Primal Fit community! With a background in health and exercise science, along with my experience as an educator and school leader, I’m passionate about sharing my love for fitness and well-being with others.
Athletics have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and strength training has played a crucial role in maintaining both my physical and mental health. It’s helped me overcome injuries and stay active in sports like basketball, running and golf. For me, feeling strong and healthy is essential — especially as i enjoy an active lifestyle with my kids, my dog Diego, and my loved ones. I’m excited to help you aset and achieve your fitness and lifestyle goals. Being part of the Primal Fit team is a fantastic opportunity, and I can’t wait to grow stronger together. Let’s make this journey a success.
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