Candie Zar

A woman with wavy, light brown hair taking a selfie while holding a green juice in a glass bottle, standing indoors near a black wall with pink orchids and reflective windows showing trees outside. 
Founder, Head Instructor

I’m 41 years old, married, and a mother of five. From the time I could walk, I was fascinated by fitness. From the time I could read, I was obsessed with nutrition. Those two passions have shaped almost every decision I’ve made.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and my master’s degree in Special Education because I genuinely wanted to work with children; and follow in my mother’s footsteps. I still use that education every single day—not only raising my own kids, but also in the way I teach. The way I model, motivate people, create structure, and help women believe in themselves all comes from my background as an educator.

My original dream was to have a part-time career that would allow me to be present for my family. So I combined my teaching background with my love for fitness and became a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

Little by little, class by class, relationship by relationship, that passion grew into SWEATWITHCANDIE.

To this day, I’m still the main instructor, and teaching is my absolute happy place. I love taking the music I’ve carefully chosen, pairing it with workouts I truly believe in, and watching it all come to life in the room. There’s something incredibly special about seeing dozens of women moving together, growing stronger together, and leaving feeling better than when they walked in.

Before SWEATWITHCANDIE I attended many different gyms and studios, constantly studying what actually works for the female body—not just what is trendy. I’ve always been interested in what is effective, sustainable, safe, and delivers real results. Every class I’ve created is designed to build strength, improve bone health, increase confidence, and help women feel their best, all while making the workout enjoyable enough that you’ll want to come back.

As proud as I am of what SWEATWITHCANDIE has become, I’m actually even prouder of the results my members achieve. Seeing women become stronger, healthier, more confident, and happier is what means the most to me.

And although my name is on the brand & all the obstacles I needed to climb to get here, I’ve never felt like I built it alone.

SWEATWITHCANDIE was built brick by brick by every person who believed in the vision, showed up, trusted the process, brought a friend, pushed through a hard workout, and became part of this incredible community.

I’m simply grateful to be the one leading the room.

Gaby Nassimiha

Close-up of a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing diamond jewelry and a light-colored top.
Close-up of a smiling woman with long dark hair, wearing diamond jewelry and a light-colored top. 
Instructor

Gaby Nassimiha has been a group fitness instructor at SWEATWITHCANDIE for nearly six years. At 24 years old, she is also a certified personal trainer and graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Nutrition at Adelphi University after earning her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from New York University. She is currently working toward becoming a Registered Dietitian, with plans to specialize in women’s fertility, hormonal disorders, PCOS, endometriosis, and reproductive wellness.

Gaby believes fitness is about far more than burning calories; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. Her classes combine strength training, cardio, mobility, and balance to help you become stronger both physically and mentally. Whether you’re lifting your first dumbbell or pushing toward your next personal best, her goal is for every woman to leave class feeling more empowered, capable, and confident than when they walked in.

Known for her encouraging coaching style, Gaby creates a welcoming environment for everyone; from complete beginners to experienced exercisers looking for a fresh challenge. She is passionate about helping clients evolve not only in their fitness, but also in their mindset, proving that true strength extends far beyond the workout itself.

Her mission is simple: to help you build a stronger body, a stronger mind, and the confidence to carry that strength into every aspect of your life.

Shaina Makhany

A woman with black hair, smiling and wearing a white sleeveless top, sitting in an indoor setting.
A woman with black hair, smiling and wearing a white sleeveless top, sitting in an indoor setting. 
Gymnastics Instructor

Shaina has been doing gymnastics for over 13 years and has been coaching children for the past 9 years. She started Gymnastics with Shaina in June 2020, combining her passion for gymnastics and working with children to create a welcoming program for children of all ages. Through a motivating and encouraging environment, she helps children build confidence, develop new skills, and foster a love for movement. She also teaches Mommy & Me classes that encourage early motor, social, and language development through play. Her goal is for every child to leave class feeling stronger, more confident, and excited to come back.

Yona Arounian

A smiling woman with long, curly dark hair sitting in a car, with green trees visible through the window.
A smiling woman with long, curly dark hair sitting in a car, with green trees visible through the window. 
Instructor

Yona Arounian started working at SWC 4 years ago. As one of SWCs most loyal and dedicated members she took her love for lifting weights and brought it into every class with a focussed and intentional determination. She teaches heavy sprint workouts, as well as her famous Sculpt & Tone workout with lights weights & a Pilates block which stresses the smaller muscle groups. YONAs afro style music, fierce presence, and poised power brings everything to another level of workout.

Diana Hakimi

Close-up photo of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing gold hoop earrings, inside a vehicle.
Close-up photo of a smiling woman with long blonde hair, wearing gold hoop earrings, inside a vehicle. 
Instructor

Diana is a mom of four who believes that growth begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone. She vouches that real change doesn’t come from staying comfortable; It comes from showing up consistently. Fitness isn’t something she ever squeezed into her schedule; it’s part of who she is. Through the many years Diana has been part of SWC and the workout world she has learned and proved that getting older doesn’t mean getting weaker. It means finding new ways to become stronger.

Diana’s classes are upbeat and music driven. Using light weights, a Pilates ball, and resistance bands; the small stabilizing muscles that help create a long, toned physique, improve posture, and strengthen your core are targeted. Every class is designed to leave you feeling proud of what your body can actually handle.