WORKOUT HARDER FITNESS
Our trainers
We believe in every client, and we want to help you succeed. Our everything in one design keeps your fitness routine interesting and produces visible results.
Wakime Hauser
Wakime – Founder | Coach | Author | Community Leader
Owner of Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Wakime Hauser is the driving force behind Workout Harder Fitness—a movement rooted in strength, structure, and soul. With over 25 years of experience as an educator, coach, and community leader, Wakime has dedicated his life to helping others transform from the inside out. His mission: to challenge the body, sharpen the mind, and awaken the spirit.
At Workout Harder Fitness, Wakime does more than lead workouts—he builds a lifestyle. From high-intensity group sessions to faith-based Worship Workouts and the reflective Discipline Diaries, every offering is designed to push limits, deepen purpose, and create lasting change.
A fierce advocate for discipline, healing, and personal growth, Wakime blends physical fitness with mental resilience and spiritual grounding. His leadership isn’t just felt in the gym—it reaches into the community through his nonprofit, Fitness Awareness for All Ages, which brings wellness education and access to underserved populations.
Through programs like Manhood Yoga, You Are What You Consume, and the Branches of Manhood leadership series, Wakime uplifts and empowers young men, creating safe spaces for growth, self-reflection, and generational healing.
He is also the author of Promise, a powerful self-development book rooted in truth and transformation, and the voice behind the Shades of a Man podcast—where poetry, purpose, and masculinity intersect in raw, meaningful conversations.
Wakime is, at his core, a man of impact. He believes in showing up, doing the hard work, and making every space—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—better than it was before.
His motto: Train harder. Live wiser. Love deeper.
Deb litwinko
Deb – Owner | Trainer | Nutrition Coach | Educator | Community Volunteer
Owner of Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Deb is the heart of Workout Harder Fitness—an experienced coach and educator who believes lasting change begins with the right mindset. Her approach is grounded in the belief that fitness isn’t just about physical transformation—it’s about developing the confidence, discipline, and tools to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life long term.
With both personal training credentials and lived experience, Deb brings a realistic, compassionate, and strategic approach to every client she works with. She understands firsthand the challenges of creating a healthier lifestyle, which is why she focuses on education, goal setting, and building a growth mindset that supports sustainable success.
Deb has an extensive background in teaching, advising, mentoring, team building, and leadership—all of which allow her to meet each client exactly where they are and guide them forward at a pace that feels both achievable and empowering.
At Workout Harder Fitness, Deb is known for her ability to push members beyond what they thought was possible—but always with kindness, clarity, and purpose. She creates personalized plans that are easy to understand, tailored to each individual’s goals, and supported by unique strategies to stay on track.
Most importantly, Deb leads by example. She’s worked hard to transform her own lifestyle and now shares her love for the gym to help others experience what she knows firsthand: that becoming a healthier, happier version of yourself can truly change your life.
Empowering Members Through Mindset, Movement & Motivation
“You’re stronger than you think—and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Amber Difronzo
Amber – Program Advisor | Trainer | CrossFit Level 1 Coach| Youth Fitness Specialist
Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Amber’s fitness journey started the way it does for many—through sports. A lifelong athlete, she found her passion early in basketball, becoming a Varsity All-Conference player in high school before going on to play NCAA Division III at Nichols College, where she hit the milestone of scoring her 1,000th career point. After hanging up her jersey, Amber transitioned into coaching, leading teams at various levels including AAU (boys and girls), high school JV, and serving as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.
Her love for the gym started during her playing years, when she began strength training to compete at a higher level. Over time, working out shifted from being just a tool for performance to a personal passion. She found herself chasing new goals in the gym, constantly looking to grow stronger—physically and mentally.
Ten years ago, Amber discovered CrossFit and hasn’t looked back. She now blends CrossFit, functional training, and traditional strength work into her coaching style. She holds a CrossFit Level 1 certification, is Brand X certified to coach youth, and is also certified in personal and group training.
At Workout Harder Fitness, Amber is known for her kind, approachable nature—and her ability to light up a room. She believes every workout should not only challenge you, but also leave you feeling better than when you walked in. Her coaching style is rooted in mental toughness, positivity, and genuine care for her clients.
Whether she’s coaching adults or kids, Amber’s mission is to help people discover their own strength, develop confidence, and build lasting habits—one workout at a time.
“Ability is what you’re capable of. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
Yuri Westry
Yuri – Trainer | Pilates II Coach | Trains Clients with Disabilities | Motivator
Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Yuri Westry has been a dedicated personal trainer at Workout Harder Fitness since 2018. He is a certified Personal Trainer, with additional certifications in Older Adult Fitness (2023) and Pilates Instruction (2025).
With a strong passion for helping others reach their goals, Yuri works with clients to improve strength, flexibility, mobility, endurance, and overall wellness. He believes that effective training goes beyond the basics—it requires creativity, compassion, and a personalized approach. His philosophy is rooted in thinking both inside and outside the box to deliver high-quality, impactful training.
A former student-athlete, Yuri understands the power of teamwork. He brings that mindset into his training, viewing the client-trainer relationship as a partnership working toward a common goal. He believes true progress happens when everyone is invested in the process—trainer and client alike.
Yuri is also deeply involved in the broader mission of Workout Harder Fitness: building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. The gym proudly partners with local organizations, including youth mentorship and nonprofit initiatives that support personal development beyond physical fitness.
Workout Harder Fitness offers a wide variety of programming to meet diverse needs, including strength training, cardio, HIIT, circuit training, and more. Yuri is especially proud of the gym’s free monthly Worship Workouts, which combine movement with uplifting music to create a spiritually enriching fitness experience. He also supports the gym’s free monthly yoga sessions and other wellness offerings that focus on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.
To Yuri, Workout Harder Fitness isn’t just a gym—it’s a place where people can truly belong. As he often says, echoing the spirit of community: “There’s no place like home.”
Lyzi Litwinko
Lyzi Litwinko – NASM Certified Personal Trainer |
Coach | Athlete | Motivator | Leader
Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Lyzi Litwinko is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and former Division I athlete who brings the same grit, focus, and discipline from the court to the gym floor. Known for her toughness, leadership, and relentless work ethic, Lyzi’s athletic journey began at Berlin High School, where she became an All-State basketball player and the school’s all-time leading scorer.
She went on to play Division I basketball at NJIT, earning America East All-Conference honors and a spot on the All-Rookie Team. Lyzi later completed her collegiate career at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), continuing to stand out for her dedication and drive.
With a deep-rooted passion for athletic development and performance, Lyzi transitioned naturally into personal and group training. She now channels her experience into helping clients of all levels unlock their full potential—whether they’re looking to build strength, improve performance, or train with more intention.
At Workout Harder Fitness, Lyzi is known not just for pushing people past their comfort zones, but for meeting them where they are and helping them rise higher—physically and mentally. Her sessions are grounded in smart programming, proper technique, and a contagious energy that makes you want to show up and work hard.
Her mission is simple: help you move better, get stronger, and feel more confident—one purposeful session at a time.
Eddie Soto
Eddie – AAAI/ISMA Certification | Group Fitness Instructor | Coach | Motivator
Workout Harder Fitness – Manchester, CT
Eddie is a passionate and dedicated group fitness instructor at Workout Harder Fitness in Manchester, Connecticut. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Eddie brings a dynamic and empowering approach to every class he leads. His training philosophy is centered on building both physical strength and personal confidence, all while cultivating a supportive, inclusive community where members of all backgrounds and fitness levels feel welcome and motivated.
Eddie’s broad background spans a variety of disciplines, including CrossFit, functional strength training, and martial arts—skills he integrates seamlessly into his high-energy, results-driven workouts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, Eddie’s classes challenge you to push your limits and celebrate your progress, one rep at a time.
Certified by AAAI/ISMA since 2023, Eddie continually pursues professional development to stay current with fitness trends and techniques, ensuring his clients benefit from safe, effective, and engaging training methods.
Outside the gym, Eddie serves as an Asset Management Supervisor for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, where he brings the same focus, discipline, and leadership he demonstrates in fitness. He holds an associate’s degree in Computer Electronics from Goodwin College, showcasing his strong technical and analytical skill set.
Eddie is committed not just to helping individuals meet their fitness goals, but also to fostering resilience, self-discipline, and a positive mindset through movement.
Alexx Dennis
Alexx – AAAI/ISMA Certification | Group Fitness Instructor | Coach | Educator
Alexx Dennis is a certified Personal Fitness Trainer through the American Aerobic Association International (AAAI) and the International Sports Medicine Association (ISMA). With a strong foundation in sports, education, and behavior support, Alexx brings a well-rounded and motivational approach to fitness coaching.
He holds a Master’s degree in Sports & Entertainment Management (Athletic Administration) from Southern Connecticut State University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Eastern Connecticut State University.
With over 10 years of experience working with both youth and adults in schools, athletic programs, and community spaces, Alexx is passionate about helping people move better, feel stronger, and reach their personal goals. His background as a varsity soccer coach, behavior technician, and program manager has shaped his ability to connect with clients from all walks of life.
Alexx takes a holistic approach to fitness, combining his expertise in strength training, athletic conditioning, and behavior-based coaching to design personalized, results-driven programs. His patient and supportive coaching style is ideal for anyone—whether you’re new to fitness or ready to take your training to the next level.
At the core of Alexx’s work is a simple belief: fitness should be empowering, accessible, and sustainable for everyone.
Workout Harder Fitness
Amber found fitness just as most others do, growing up playing sports. She always enjoyed competing and found her passion in basketball at a young age. Amber was a Varsity player (All-Conference athlete) in high school and moved on to play DIII basketball where she graduated from Nichols College scoring her 1000th point. Upon completing her basketball playing days she switched to the other side of the whistle and began coaching. Amber has head coached all different age groups for both boys and girls AAU basketball, high school at the JV level, and as an Assistant at the college level.
While playing basketball Amber began working out to begin getting stronger and to be able to compete better with the Women she was playing against. This is where the love for the gym began. She would find herself regularly working out at all time of the day, always trying to accomplish new goals. Two years ago she found CrossFit and has been training in this style alongside other fitness methods. She is a CrossFit level 1 trainer and is also Brand X certified to coach/train kids. Amber is also certified for Person Training for both individual and group sessions.
As you will see once you walk through the doors of WOH, Amber is a very kind, friendly, and passionate individual. Her main goal is to share her love for fitness with those she encounters and to make every workout one to make your day a little brighter. Being a strong believer in mental toughness she will push you to your limits, but not a second will be regretted once the workout is complete.
“Ability is what you are capable of, motivation determines what you do, attitude determines how well you do it!”
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Wakime earned a Master in education from Cambridge College. He received a BA in Communications with a minor in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University. He also is a Doctoral candidate at Northcentral University in educational leadership with a concentration sports management.
CERTIFICATIONS: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-CPT) and The American Aerobic Association International (AAAI -CPT), American Heart Association CPR/AED/First-Aid Certified. Keiser M3 Spin Instructor.
Wakime has over 2 years of experience as direct coach and fitness professional with an emphasis in group fitness, fitness program design, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning and sports specific training.
Before Wakime became a trainer he was a high school and Collegiate Athlete. During and after college Wakime worked as a counselor and ball handling instructor at various basketball camps and was the summer athletic director and a Boys & Girls Club. He then became a teacher, which lead him to being a coach and a High School Athletic director. Now he is currently a teacher and owner of WOH Fitness.
SPECIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Exceptional demonstrated knowledge, skill, and abilities in program design, particularly for in home and sports specific programs for individuals and groups.
• Consistent success in ensuring programs align with personal, team, and organizational goals.
• Focused on fostering client relationships and promoting individual well-being through attainable goal achievement, high expectations, and personal empowerment.
“You never fail unless you stop trying.” Albert Einstein
ABOUT BRANDON COMING SOON!
“Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali
Follow your plan and track your progress to achieve your fitness objectives.
