Welcome to a special update on the NexT Fit Clubs blog. Today, we are sharing a bittersweet but exciting transition within our fitness family. After years of incredible leadership and dedication, our beloved Director of Training, Jamie Susino, is stepping into a new chapter. As she passes the torch, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jonathan Hilliman, who brings a wealth of elite athletic experience, fresh energy, and a deep passion for fitness to the role.

Read on for a personal message from Jamie, followed by a special introduction from our new Director of Training, Jonathan.

A New Chapter at NexT Fit

I’ve been working at NexT Fit Clubs for a decade, and for the past six of those years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving as your Director of Training. It has been the most rewarding and wonderful job experience I’ve ever had.

I cherish my clients, and I truly love my daily interactions with all of you. I thoroughly enjoy pushing the athletes in my SGT classes (yes, you’re ALL athletes!). And I especially love those moments when I hear someone curse my name during a workout, only to hear them say “thank you” in the same breath because they know the workout was exactly what they needed.

After 15 years of calling this area home, my husband and I have decided to pursue a lifelong dream of ours: moving ‘down the shore.’

If you’ve taken one of my classes, trained with me, or even just had a conversation with me, you probably know that I spend as much of my free time as possible in Asbury Park—no matter the season.

Knowing the commute would be quite a challenge, I initially thought that meant I would have to say goodbye to NexT Fit altogether.

But after wrestling with the idea of no longer being here, I realized that saying goodbye simply didn’t feel right. This community means far too much to me to fully walk away from it. So, while I will be stepping down from my Director duties, I’m incredibly happy to say that I’ll be staying on as a part-time trainer a few days a week.

Which brings me to my replacement!

Come September, I’ll be handing over my Director of Training responsibilities to your new Director, Jonathan Hilliman.

Please give Jonathan the warmest welcome into our community, just as you all did for me when I stepped into this role. I know he’ll bring his own energy, ideas, and passion to the position, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for NexT Fit.

And don’t worry—you haven’t gotten rid of me just yet! I’ll still be around the gym a few days a week to help with your training, answer your questions, push you through a workout, and, of course, chat with you on the gym floor.

This isn’t really goodbye. It’s just a new chapter.

Thank you for an incredible 10 years. I’m so grateful for the relationships, memories, laughs, challenges, and countless workouts that have made NexT Fit such a special part of my life.

I’ll see you on the gym floor. ❤️

As we celebrate Jamie’s incredible impact and her exciting move, we are equally thrilled for the future under our new leadership. Without further ado, please give a warm NexT Fit welcome to your new Director of Training, Coach Jonathan!

Coach Jonathan’s Welcome Address

Greetings NexT Fit Clubs family,

My name is Jonathan Hilliman, and I have been graced with the opportunity of filling the shoes of the great Jamie Susino as your director of training. I am extremely excited to take on this position, while getting to know you all in a greater capacity. As a child, my parents instilled in me that when entering into a new community it is always best to leave a solid first impression, while introducing yourself in an authentic way. With that being said, I would like to take the moment to provide insight on my background, philosophy as a trainer, and why I chose the world of fitness. At the conclusion of reading this post, my cardinal hope is that you get to know me holistically. The man, the mind, and the mission.

The man.

I was born November 14th 1995 in Plainfield, NJ to Dorrell and Janet Hilliman. As the third of four boys, I have been described by my parents as “the determined child” whose “thoughts have always been a mystery”. I guess that is just the scorpio in me. Although, I had engaged in a myriad of athletic environments, one thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to become a professional football player. I vowed while embarking on this journey, that I would serve as a beacon of inspiration to those who had dreams of their own.

One of my foundational beliefs is that God never grants us our gifts or abilities for self imposed reason, but rather to glorify his agenda, an agenda far greater than what we can imagine. Being a man for others, and considering your neighbor over yourself is a pillar of Jesuit education. Furthermore, it is not a surprise to me that I would end up in a school like St Peter’s Prep for all four of my years in high school.

Some of my fondest memories of high school consist of impatiently waiting for both the NJ transit and path trains, while engaging in animated debates about who’s city has the best food and culture. As well as joining in on weekend volunteer opportunities with teammates, and knowing that you were among a community that has your best interest.

Within that environment, I was able to leave a lasting legacy, and move onto greater heights at Boston College. As I began to venture deeper into my athletic career, I was beginning to notice that your faith and commitment to the process will be tested at every new level of your life. Understanding this age old adage helped me to take on the perspective of gratitude rather than initial frustration.

As a freshman, good days and bad days had occurred simultaneously but my mindset of appreciation for the privilege to play collegiate football allowed me to see the bigger picture. I graduated BC with a degree in applied psychology and human development, while earning a place in history as 7th all time in career TDs. With all of these accolades, I still felt that there was unfinished business for me at the college level. I was blessed to play my last year of eligibility in my home state at Rutgers in front of friends and family. Even though our season had not been what we’d envisioned as a program, it was an honor to represent New Jersey on the gridiron. A dream that I once thought I’d never be able to achieve after decommitting for BC years prior.

After college had ended, my dream of the professional level was no longer a vision that lived in my mind. It had now become a reality. In 2019, I was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent playing with the team up until early 2021. After my tenure with the Giants, I was fortunate enough to continue my career in the spring league and the XFL for two more seasons before retiring to pursue new passions. One of those passions being fitness.

I knew that physical performance would be the next area of life because of the parallels that exist within both worlds. In order to succeed in sports, it takes discipline, dedication, willingness and sacrifice. Obtaining results in the gym is no different.

My clients, staff and the overall club community will receive the same focus and commitment that it took to reach the professional level. Why? Because “how you do anything is how you’ll do everything” I am looking forward to serving as your new Director of Training and developing strategies of health and wealth to the lives of all who desire it.

So, to my new team. Expect professionalism. Expect passion. Expect a NexT level approach.

Sincerely,

Coach Jonathan