Jose Soto
Founder
Jose Soto is the founder of NJ HIIT Fitness and the driving force behind its success as both owner and operator. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in North New Jersey, Jose’s passion for fitness and service took root early. In 2003 He fulfilled his childhood dream by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps immediately after high school, serving for six years, including a deployment to Iraq. As a vehicle commander, he led a four-man fireteam on convoy security missions, where he honed his leadership, discipline, and resilience. After an honorable discharge, Jose pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. Although he was in the process of joining the FBI, his true calling to help others at a local level led him to a career in firefighting. In 2011, he graduated top of his class from the fire academy and currently serves as a full-time firefighter for Millburn, NJ Township. On his days off, Jose began personal training at a local park, fusing his love for fitness with his desire to empower others. This led to the creation of NJ HIIT Fitness, where he now inspires and coaches others to achieve their fitness goals. His journey reflects an unwavering commitment to service, fitness, and transforming lives through personalized guidance and passion for helping others reach their full potential.
Denisse Soto
Co-Owner
Denisse’s passion for fitness began in 2011 after a life-changing experience, transforming exercise from a therapeutic outlet into a lifelong commitment. Always seeking new challenges, she was introduced to NJ HIIT by a college classmate at Rutgers University—now her husband, Coach Jose. She was immediately drawn to NJ HIIT’s dynamic, high-energy training environment. After three years of training at NJ HIIT, she transitioned into her role as Events Team Leader, where she played a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and organizing impactful events that elevate the NJ HIIT experience.
Born in the Bronx, NY, Denisse is the second of four sisters. Throughout her childhood, she moved frequently, including spending a year in her family’s home country, Honduras, before settling in Highland Park, NJ. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rutgers Business School and went on to complete her MBA at the Florida Institute of Technology. With a strong background in business and a deep-rooted passion for fitness, Denisse is committed to ensuring NJ HIIT members stay motivated, connected, and continually challenged in their fitness journeys.
AnnMarie Lugin
Customer success manager
Annie joined NJ HIIT Fitness in 2019 after completing 75 Hard, seeking a gym to take her workouts to the next level. Starting as a dedicated member, she quickly became an integral part of our team, bringing her passion and expertise to help with operations.
Originally from Harrison, NJ, Annie has a strong background in sales, marketing, creative arts, and networking. Beyond fitness, she is deeply passionate about animal rescue and adoption, loves cars, and is an avid sports fan—proudly cheering for the Miami Dolphins. She also enjoys spin classes as part of her active lifestyle.
As NJ HIIT’s Client Success Manager (CSM), Annie is committed to building strong relationships with our members, ensuring they have the support and motivation they need to thrive in their fitness journeys. With a keen understanding of our clients’ goals, she provides personalized guidance to help them unlock their full potential.
Annie has a deep respect and admiration for veterans and first responders. She is proud to contribute to the NJ HIIT Fitness Firefighter PPT Training Program, helping to support and prepare firefighters for the physical demands of their careers.
Her greatest joy? Helping people push past their limits and discover what they’re truly capable of!
Christian Ramirez
Director of training
With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, Christian Ramirez is passionate about building strong people with even stronger mindsets. His natural leadership and love for training evolved into a mission: to help others discover their power through movement, discipline, and community. A NASM Certified Personal Trainer, specializing in strength and conditioning training, high-energy group fitness, and youth athletic development. Christian has trained clients across all levels—from beginners taking their first steps toward a healthier lifestyle to competitive athletes sharpening their edge.
His coaching journey began in North Jersey, where he quickly became known for his ability to connect with clients and create a training style that’s not only structured, but rooted in purpose. For Christian, understanding a person’s why – their deeper reason for showing up – is essential. “Your WHY is the foundation of what will fuel you when you feel like giving up.”
Christian is highly skilled in weightlifting, functional training, and endurance development. He designs structured programs that improve power, mobility, and athletic performance across a range of fitness levels. His approach integrates proven training methodologies including weight and resistance training, metabolic conditioning, sprint work, and energy system development.
A proud family man, Christian is driven by more than sets and reps. He coaches to change lives, build character, and create environments where people grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally. He leads with integrity, passion, and a mission to leave every person better than he found them.
Lynette Cavadas
Coach
With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Lynette Cavadas is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their highest potential. She began her career as a group fitness instructor specializing in boxing and combat-style training, developing a deep understanding of strength, endurance, and conditioning. After stepping away to raise her three children, Lynette’s passion for health and fitness led her back to coaching, where she now plays an integral role at NJ HIIT.
Committed to continuous growth, Lynette leads by example—whether she’s coaching, training, or challenging herself in a class or on a run. As a coach at NJ HIIT, her mission is to inspire and empower members to push beyond their limits, embrace new challenges, and achieve lasting transformations.
Adrianna Orellano
Operations Staff member
Adrianna joined NJ HIIT in January 2025 as a valued member of our Facility Operations Team. Currently a student at William Paterson University, she is dedicated to her studies in Nursing, striving to make a difference in the healthcare field.
Outside of school and work, Adrianna enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones and staying active through fitness. A passionate reader and lifelong learner, she constantly sets new goals for herself, always seeking growth and self-improvement.
Her favorite cuisine? Colombian food—a reflection of her culture and love for flavorful, hearty meals. Whether she’s hitting the books, the gym, or enjoying time with family and friends, Adrianna brings dedication, passion, and a strong work ethic to everything she does, and always with a smile!
High-Quality Gym Equipment
At NJ HIIT Fitness, we take pride in offering state-of-the-art equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. Our facility features top brands like Rogue barbells, Concept2 Rowers, Skis, Bike Ergs, Assault AirBikes, and Runners, along with a Stairmaster, sleds, a turf area, boxing bags, TRX suspension trainers, GHDs, Battle Ropes, and premium treadmills. We also provide a wide selection of kettlebells, medicine balls, wall balls, dumbbells, and plyometric boxes for comprehensive functional workouts. Uniquely, we offer NJ Firefighter PPT-specific equipment, setting us apart as the region’s leading fitness facility. With our extensive range of top-tier equipment, NJ HIIT Fitness is dedicated to helping you become stronger, faster, and more agile.
Exceptional Features and Amenities
NJ HIIT Fitness features a sprawling 7,700 sq. ft. open-layout facility meticulously designed to elevate your training experience. Our dedicated lifting area and specialized turf section for sled pushes and agility drills provide versatile workout options. Enjoy the added benefit of training outdoors in fresh air, which brings variety and excitement to your routines. Our facility includes lockers and a comprehensive recovery room with Normatec Compression Boots, Hydro-bed Massage, an Ice Barrel, and massage guns to support your recovery and enhance your fitness journey. To monitor your progress, we use a cutting-edge InBody Body Composition machine, tracking muscle growth, body fat loss, and blood pressure every 30 days. Additionally, our advanced heart rate monitoring system MyZone keeps you engaged and ensures you stay on track with your workouts and progress.
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