"I've known Brad Vaccaro for over 10 years going back to when I was a starting left tackle in the NFL. In the spring of 2002 I was without a team and Brad helped me train for a workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which I ended up signing with them and would go on to help them win Super Bowl XXXVII. Now as the owner of the Sports Conditioning Institute, he and his staff continues to train and educate athletes of all ages and ability; more importantly, they bring a wealth of knowledge to not only help athletes get better, faster, stronger, and healthier, but to avoid injury. The S.C.I. and Ultimate Football staff have helped me grow my Roman Soldier's Showcase event by running the warm-up and speed development portion. I thank Brad for his continued great work.."
Roman Oben - 12yr NFL Veteran Offensive Tackle
NY Giants broadcaster for MSG Networks & My9
Lindsey has been training with Brad (SCI) since the summer of her freshman year. Lindsay wanted to do some training over the summer to stay fit and healthy. She met Brad and had a free training session; she was very pleased and wanted to continue working with him.
Brad has been a great trainer and friend to Lindsey. She has stayed healthy her four years of running and began to lower her times (cross country, winter track and spring track). She continued to train with him all year long. He was more than a trainer, he was a good listener. Running is more than being physically fit it is a very mental sport too.
SCI was the right training program for Lindsey. She is now running for a Division 1 program and will be back this summer to train with Brad again.
Dana Lucas
My Daughter has had phenomenal results at SCI. In April 2013 she tore her ACL and was determined to get back on the soccer field. Our physical therapist recommended SCI when my daughter was ready to progress from physical therapy to a more intense program. SCI exceeded are expectations. Brad and Kyle helped my daughter gain back her strength and agility and they also helped her work on her speed and running form. They gave her confidence and a wealth of knowledge about injury prevention. She was back on the soccer field by the end of November and she is strong than ever! It is a year later and my daughter still trains at SCI. She would not be where she is today without them.
Nancy Vinciguerra
My son has been training at SCI for about six months. I cannot say enough about Brad Vaccaro and the entire staff. We feel lucky to have found them. Anyone can tell you what you need to do to improve but at SCI they actually teach you how to get better. This is one of the only facilities in NJ to offer indoor, year round high jump, long jump and throwing clinics. The trainers are all very accomplished in their respective fields so you are being taught by someone who has "walked the walk" and understands the specific needs of you sport or event. With a focus on preventing injury SCI has helped my son get bigger, faster and stronger. His technique and confidence have improved and he looks forward to every workout. He has also received great nutritional and motivational advice here. This is a special place where they really know what they are doing.
Karen Chan
Our son started training with Brad and Kyle at the end of his sophomore year (June 2013)in order to improve his speed and stamina while running Cross Country and during the Track and Field Season as a long distance runner. Our son is now a senior, Captain of his XC and Track & Field teams, and being recruited by several Division I Colleges. Our son was a member of the 4 x 800 Relay Team that broke several school records last year and participated in Nationals in North Carolina this past spring. Sports Conditioning Institute is definitely the most knowledgeable, safe and effective training available for athletes. We recommend training at SCI to anyone who is seeking guidance and experience.
Steve Dritschel
Our son went to Brad and staff to encourage better footwork and overall fitness for lacrosse. After working with him for one session, Brad found that our son clearly had something wrong with his hip and he was not able to perform these tasks properly due to some type of injury unforeseen. After he referred us to Dr. Pope and to a great physical therapist, Danielle Irish, our son ended up having surgery on a torn Labrum that had pulled off his hip bone sometime before.
Not only had Brad picked up on our son's injury, but has continued to work with him and the doctor and therapist to work on his flexibility to prevent the same type injury on any of the rest of his joints. He has taught our son to use weights properly and retrained his bad habits learned from previous coaches and exercise partners. We are thoroughly satisfied with the staff's professionalism and understanding.
Bevin Bolger
Hands down the most knowledgable, safe, fun, and effective strength and coordination training for athletes. Simply cannot do without once you've tried it.
Ian Clarke
Old Tappan High School
Placed 2nd at the Bergen County XC Championship
Brad became my fitness trainer thirteen years ago. I had just completed a round of physical therapy for ongoing back problems. What I liked about Brad's technique was that he was very attentive to my specific needs and abilities. Brad is genuinely interested in his clients and wants to assure that they are doing what they need to do and are doing it correctly.
I was, and continue to be, appreciative of the excellent training that I received. So much so that I followed Brad, first to Ridgewood, then to Wyckoff and now to Oakland. During that time I have also trained with Matt Conway and am now training with Charlie Toole. Both are excellent trainers who Brad has carefully selected because their methods and beliefs reflect his own high standards.
Over the past year I have developed some additional physical challenges. Charlie has worked carefully with me to develop exercises and routines that accommodate my limitations and, at the same time, help me progress in strength and fitness.
I am comfortable recommending training at SCI to anyone who is seeking guidance and a good experience.
Jeanne Michaud - Wayne NJ
The Sports-Conditioning Institute has had a measurable positive effect on the Track athletes on my team. The strength training program helped my premier 800m runner avoid injury in his spring season. The specific hurdle training helped my intermediate hurdler win League, County Group, and State Sectional titles. Both of these athletes are now competing at the Division I Collegiate level. I would definitely recommend the Sports Conditioning Institute to any Track and Field athlete.
Former track coach Bruce Benny
Ridgefield Park - 20 years
Emerson - 10 years
Bergen County Coach of the Year
Dear Brad,
I want to thank you for the fine work you have done in training the track athletes of Holy Angels who have gone to your training center. Your dedication and hard work have helped our athletes improve their performance. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely Yours,
Coach Howard Schuman
Saddle Brook H.S. - 35 years
The Academy of Holy Angels - 10 years
Columbia University - 2 years
N.J. Coaches Hall of Fame Inductee - 2000
The Sports Conditioning Institute offers a safe yet challenging environment for athletes of every age or skill level to train and get better. In my months there I developed a relationship with several of the trainers and still consider them my friends. It is hard work and extremely difficult but the results are worth all the strain. In just a few months I gained 10 pounds while dropping 5% body fat. The training I received greatly helped my strength and endurance and prepared me for this years football season. I would encourage anyone who is considering any gym or training facility to choose SCI.
Jeffrey Borst
Ramapo HS/North Greenville University football
Brad,
Please convey my thanks and gratitude to everyone. I don't even have the words right now, but thank them for me from the bottom of my heart for having the TRUST and CONFIDENCE in me to advance to the U! It has been an honor to have been trained by this staff, specifically Matt. He helped and pushed me to reach higher, jump further, run faster, and everything else it took to get me to the U -100.
Brad, finally I would like to thank you for all the overwhelming kindness. Besides you rooting me and the other athletes on all day, I think the best compliment I got was at the end when I was saying goodbye to Coach Schuman and he shook my hand and called me the COMBINE KING OF FEAR. He's right Brad, NO FEAR! The butterflies and jitters all went out the window when it was time to bring the noise in the seven on sevens!
Most of all I want to thank them for all their inspiration and unlimited knowledge on how to get 150% out of me. You gave me and my father the kind of welcome and kindness we haven't felt in a long time! You have been a very important influence in our lives!
Mike Hess (Played at Jonathan Dayton HS)
Brad,
I just wanted to share with you how much we enjoyed working with your staff this past weekend. Collectively, I strongly believe that we put on one if the best run high-school football combines in the United States. I received multiple compliments from parents, student athletes and coaches from the combine. After meeting with our staff here at Warren, we all agreed that we would like to discuss some opportunities in the future.
Marques Clayton (Head Coach at Warren Central HS in Ohio)
Mr. Brad Vaccaro,
I want to first thank Brad Vaccaro for the opportunity to come and work with Sports Conditioning Institute. When I first talked to you on the phone I got the feeling of trust. When I got off the phone I told my son Andrew that he needed to go to New Jersey and train with you. Of course being from Wyoming we had no idea what we were in for, but I knew that Andrew needed to do something to get faster. People in Wyoming thought and maybe still do that I was crazy for taking my son Andrew and going out to New Jersey and training for a combine. After getting there, and training only one day Andrew and I realized that training with Brad was going to be the best money we had spent. That is why we came back for a full week of training before the first combine. Andrew learned so many things that it was hard to keep it all in his head, so I was keeping notes and video taping for him while he trained. All of the things you do in a combine, the 40, broad, vertical, bench and shuttle were timed and measured before we started and then Brad started training with Andrew and he broke everything down to the smallest of details. Everything went up, his 40 was a 5.2, and it went to a 4.56, his broad mid was 8's to a 9'6', vertical was 25 it went to a 31' 1/2', bench he got 150 lbs up 15 or 16 times it went to 22, and of course the shuttle it was in the high 4's and at the West Coast 1 he had the best time FOR THE WEEKEND with a 4.18. Plain and simple if you are going to a combine and you are serious about it you need training. S.C.I. has the right people to get it done. Andrew will be going to Nike combines in 2008, but before he does he wants' to go back for more training at S.C.I.. So he will be going to New Jersey to get the best training instruction he can get so that when he gets to the Nike combine he will be 100% ready. And believe me he will be 100% ready.
Allen and Andrew Meredith (aka Hollywood)
Of Green River Wyoming
Brad,
I know you and your colleagues have been very busy over the past 30 days but I did not want too much time pass without expressing my appreciation for your support of my son, Rocco. He learned a great deal in a short period of time with you and I can see that he's embraced your philosophy when working out. The Ultimate 100 in Livingstone was a wonderful experience and he looks forward to next year.
Best Regards,
Tony Signore (son Rocco, Long Island HS football player)
SCI has been like a second set of coaches. They have been able to provide additional training in skill events, develop strength and flexibility, as well as help athletes who are hurt return to form quicker than they would with just our own trainers. Our coaching staff has learned to treat SCI as an extension of are own program.
Pat O'Hagan (Coaches XC and track at Waldwick HS)
Last winter I came to Brad in hope to better my technique and hurdle form for the 400 meter-Intermediate Hurdles. As an inexperienced hurdler Brad re-taught me the basics of hurdling, correct running form, how to come out of the blocks, and injury-prevention lifting. After a couple months of training I saw significant improvements in the beginning of the spring season(more than two second decrease in time compared to my first race the previous year). I continued training with Brad over the spring season, improving the consistency of my steps between hurdles which I struggled with the most. Soon I was able to hurdle consistently with my correct leg over the first eight hurdles of the race. Compared to my radical times the previous year, I was able to hit the same time or better every race (dropping an average two seconds from the last year). Brad ultimately made it possible for me to medal in the State Meet of Champions and because of my success in that season I was able to attend the college of my choice. The working environment at S.C.I. made it possible for me to reach my full potential and the trainers here treat everyone with attention and respect, as they would with a professional athlete. Any committed Track and Field athlete should consider training here if they want to improve in their event and desire to move on to the next level. I look forward to training here and continuing the friendships here at S.C.I.
Erik Moutenot
400IH Personal Record (53.99) Mahwah HS 800m record (1:56.49)
Running Track at TCNJ
Thank you for all you are doing to keep Brian competitive. This has been a great experience for him and we are all looking forward to the upcoming season. You have been an excellent trainer and Brian feels he is getting stronger. Thank you also for the college advice you have been giving him.
Amy Psota (Son Brian jumps for Ramsey HS)
Hi Brad,
I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for working with Heather. She really enjoyed training with you. I wish I was able to have her come more often. Heather has been doing well this track season, she even broke her school record in the 600 meters. She mentioned you today, so I thought I'd let you know how much we appreciate all you have done. Hope your holidays were great and you have a great 2011!
Laurie Larsen (Daughter Heather runs for Kinnelon HS)
Hey Brad, I just wanted to let you know that I made our teams 4x800 relay, and yesterday ran a 2:11 split when we ran 8:29 in our first meet of the year. I just wanted to thank you because as I won the time trial and then ran yesterday I thought of the things you taught me. I think I am now becoming confident in myself and I just wanted to thank you for what you have taught me.
Andrew Clinton (Runs XC and Track at Ramsey HS)
After much searching for a track and field training program, we decided to bring our daughter to train with Brad at SCI. The facility is one of very few in the area that trains athletes for a specific track and field event. Although the commute to the gym was a relative long one, the hour ride was worth the time. My daughter was trained by a very supportive and highly competent staff. She felt very comfortable with her trainer and was able to ask him about various concerns she had. Brad was always willing to help in between sessions via phone or email if there was a question or concern about her performance at meets. During her private sessions, she worked on not only strength and conditioning but technique for her jump. I credit Brad with keeping my daughter strong and injury-free during her track and field season as well as her being the top long jumper at her school.
Kathy Winters (daughter Annie is a long jumper at Somerville High School)
Brad, just wanted to let you know this weekend she played in a 3v3 challenge tourney and they won the championship. I noticed her speed had increased remarkably and she had no problems running down anyone her age on the field. When I asked her about how her speed felt she said, "I just remembered what Brad had said at camp and I felt like I was flying. RUNNING WAS SO MUCH EASIER"
Thanks for all your help.
Robin Dye (Daughter Leanne played soccer in Jacksonville, FL)
I have been working with Brad for about 5 years now, since I was a freshman in high school. Brad started working with me during cross country season, giving me strength exercises and showing me the proper way to lift. When winter and spring came around I worked with Brad still continuing to lift and build strength, and he also helped me to improve my running technique. Because SCI is so fortunate to have the track, it was easy to get running drills in and learn the proper mechanics of running. Thanks to Brad and the other staff at SCI who helped me improve my ways of running I dropped 2 minutes from my best cross country times, and shaved 7 seconds off my 400m time since freshman year. The SCI staff is extremely motivational and helpful, training there was exceptionally beneficial as well as fun.
Kate Johnston
Indian Hills HS 400 record (57.87). Currently runs track for TCNJ.
Hey Brad,
I just wanted to say thanks for everything that you have done and all of the time that you put in to make me a better athlete. I really appreciate it and I've began to realize once I got to UConn how much all of the OT coaches prepared me and set me up for success, and you were a big part of that. So I really just wanted to say thank you. Maybe you will be able to see one of my races at Van Cortlandt!!!!
Love,
Taylor L.
UConn Track
BRAD!!!
I wanted to say thanks for all that you have done for me the past 2 years. I really appreciate all of the coaching you have given me especially since I didn't get much at high school. I honestly never thought I would improve as much as I did from my sophmore year to my senior year and make the all county team, and I was able to prove all my coaches wrong and that I was good enough to run. Thanks for coming to all those track meets. Also, thanks for throwing javelin and hurdling down at the field with me. Most of all thanks for all of the advice!! Because of all of the training with you I know I will be successful (and very knowledgeable!!) in college. And I promise you I will keep training on my own. I'm not letting it go to waste I'm determined!!
Maura Burke
Ramapo College Track
I've been training at Sports Conditioning Institute for four years, and I cannot emphasize enough how knowledgeable, motivational, and dedicated Brad and the rest of the staff are to helping clients reach their fitness and/or sports specific goals. As a physical therapist, I'm impressed with all the trainers knowledge on correct posture during lifting, creativeness with balance and stability exercises, and ability to progress and push clients to increase strength and endurance with a safe and functional method. I've witnessed numerous trainers who put clients into positions that can put added stress on joints, or give exercises that provide no carry over to a specific sport or goal and only leave the client at risk for injury.
I've had the opportunity to train with Charlie Toole and participate in his Bootcamp classes and they've helped me lose body fat, increase muscle mass, and improve my endurance. I love the challenge of the classes, and how they incorporate strengthening, balance, and cardio into one class with functional and creative exercises that I've never experienced at any other gym. With the help of the trainers to improve my strength and running mechanics, I've begun participating in local 5ks with a personal record of 21:52 with no prior racing experience. Not only does the staff provide excellent training sessions, but they have the ability to realize potential in clients and have the compassion to push their athletes/clients to reach goals they may have never thought they could attain. I wouldn't be where I am today without these guys! Even though I have a background in the health field, I continuously learn from the staff about how to challenge clients and myself with new exercises and techniques to improve overall fitness capabilities and lifestyle. Thanks guys!!!!!
Danielle Irish - DPT (Ramsey NJ)
Thanks for all you've done, Brad. Aside from teaching him to jump you've played a big part in teaching him to BELIEVE! Before you can, you have to think you can. And he finally does!
ESPN anchor Jay Crawford
Son Corey was NJ state champ in long jump and owns 2nd longest jump in state history
Brad became my fitness trainer 3 months ago. I recently suffered a brain infection that left me very unsteady on my feet. I am now stronger than ever and have very good balance. Brad and his staff are genuinely interested in my physical development and are just good people. I am, and continue to be, appreciative of the excellent training that I receive. During my time at SCI I have also trained with Matt Conway and Matt Hahn. All are excellent trainers. I am very comfortable recommending training at SCI to anyone who is seeking excellent training, guidance, and a good experience.
Scott Kalico
I have been training at SCI for five years. My goal has always been to stay in shape, maintain my overall body strength, and remain strong for my every day tasks (driving a car, shopping, housework, gardening, and dancing.) The staff at SCI is extremely knowledgeable in every way. They are creative and the training is never boring, as they always seem to come up with a new, challenging way to approach my fitness. What I like best is the open line of communication I have with the trainers. We can discuss anything and they are helpful and quick to offer advice. I consider them good friends.
Jeanette Hoffman
Love it! The best place to get strong and become a better athlete.
Lindsay Lucas
Ran Cross Country at Paramus H.S. and Sacred Heart University
From the time she was a little girl, Amy was a motivated athlete who participated in multiple sports. When entering high school she focused on her favorite sport, softball. During her freshman season, she suffered an ankle injury that put her on the sideline and once healed, required months of rehabilitation. She came to SCI with the short goal of regaining lost strength and agility. Right from the beginning we knew that we had made a good choice by putting her in Brad's competent hands. He took the time required to assess her status and develop an individually tailored program that allowed Amy to reach those initial goals. Afterward, Brad worked with Amy to identify longer term training goals specific to the positions she played and to improve overall performance in the sport of softball. Our confidence in the program grew even greater once we saw the personal interest that had been taken in our daughter. We observed the no nonsense approach that Brad utilized to motivate her during the training process. By the fall of her senior year, Amy's skill set was peaking allowing her to successfully demonstrate her abilities to recruiters while participating in college showcases as the primary pitcher on a competitive travel club softball team.
I can't say enough about the professionalism and individualized attention that was provided at SCI. We appreciated the balance between encouragement and discipline that was provided to Amy during the entire training process. Being able to perform at this higher skill level was a testament to the professionalism of the trainer, the credibility of the program and the commitment of the participant. We could not have chosen a better place for Amy to develop as an athlete.
Jolie and Al Tartini (Ramsey Softball Player)
Dear Coaches Brad, David, Kyle and Adam,
Thanks for your coaching, it really paid off at the National Masters Heptathlon Championship! Without my training at SCI, I would not have finished second place out of six participants in my M60-64 age group. This is my first medal at a National Masters Championship. I will definitely continue my training at SCI. Thanks to all my coaches for your training and positive encouragement.
Thanks,
Fred Monesmith
I want to thank you for everything you did for me. You helped me develop in to the man I am now. I can't thank you enough, from the bottom of my heart.
Pasquale Destro
1st team all county track, St. Joe's HS 1994
Owner of Jacqueline Pasquale Spa