Melissa Paris’s passion for health and fitness began at a very young age with a competitive attitude and a thirst for anything that challenged her physically. Melissa’s fascination with the vital connection between emotional health and the physical body led her to obtain a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Montclair State University.

She continued her work in clinical nutrition at Morristown Memorial hospital as a dietetic aide, counseling patients on their diets and meal plans. During her time there, Melissa discovered that the biggest factors to achieving healthy results are the combination of essential nutrition and meal planning. For most of Melissa’s life her mom struggled with breast cancer, diabetes, and other health complications. And after losing her mom, June, in 2008 to liver cancer Melissa made it her mission to dedicate her life to inspiring people to be fit in mind, body and spirit.

She earned certifications in personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, pre and postnatal, CES, integrated flexibility training, and the TRX system.

Melissa’s background in anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry and medical nutrition provides her with the tools to help anyone at any age master their fitness and wellness goals. To achieve this, she utilizes a range of workout techniques, which include weights, plyometrics, resistance bands, body weight, and foam rollers.

Melissa has competed in many of the bikini division of the National Physique Committee. In order to achieve her optimal physical goals for the competition, she went against the grain of traditional dieting ie: whey protein powders, fat burners, carb-cutting etc. She incorporated techniques from her unique and healthy lifestyle: an all-natural, organic approach to the nutrition regimen.

Melissa challenges herself and others that there is another way, a healthier way, to reach their maximum potential. Melissa has trained at the exclusive Reebok Sports Club in Manhattan as well as the CORE club and can be seen teaching her classes all over NYC and the Hamptons. She is an ambassador for lululemon and can also be seen on the workout DVD for the balance shoe, Aetrex and a series of videos for SHAPE Magazine. Her list of clientele includes some of the most elite entrepreneurs and CEOs in New York City. She works with each client on an individual basis, focusing on achieving long-term results through challenging and varied workouts, as well as focusing on the positive, self-empowerment, and enjoyment aspects of the process.