We’re excited to announce that TJ Lavigne and Kate Fetsyak will be joining the Remedy team as part-time coaches!
Kate is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a background in healthcare and a passion for helping clients move better, feel stronger, and build sustainable healthy habits. She is a graduate of the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Kate has contagious energy, a great work ethic, and is a lifelong learner (and is getting married in June!).
TJ is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Daemen University, overseeing the programming and training for 17 NCAA teams. He holds numerous certifications in addition to a Master’s Degree in Sports Conditioning and Performance from Southern Utah University. TJ has a wealth of experience from a variety of training centers and styles, and has a reputation for being a strong leader.
I’m confident TJ and Kate will fit right into our tight-knit Remedy community. We look forward to you working with and getting to know them more. They will be shadowing sessions over the next few weeks before transitioning into the coaching role.
Also, feel free to grill them on their answers to 20 Questions (below) next time you’re at the gym!
See you soon,
Matt
TJ's 20 Questions:
1. If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life it would be
The band From Indian Lakes, specifically the Absent Sounds album - 35 incredible minutes of music
2. PB and J or Grilled Cheese?
I enjoy grilled cheese more but don’t have them as much as PB&J, and I’m ok with that
3. Favorite childhood memory
When my mom came home with a Nintendo 64 when I was 3 or 4 and my siblings and I played Super Mario 64
4. Biggest takeaway from college
Being able to form genuine relationships with people is way more important than being able to regurgitate information from textbooks
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world with an unlimited budget and guaranteed safety, where would you go?
Japan, or to live as a fly on the wall with one of the civilizations that has no contact with the outside world
6. Favorite outdoor activity
I love wood working outside and also playing disc golf
7. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten
This makes me realize I’m pretty boring when it comes to eating new things… I once accidentally ordered sashimi because I thought it was the same as sushi
Chipotle or Chick Fil A?
Chipotle, no contest
The Office or Game of Thrones?
The office, but early game of thrones is next level television
10. Favorite wing spot
Probably nine eleven tavern in south buffalo
11. If you could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Akira Toriyama, the man who created the Dragon Ball franchise
12. Favorite season in Buffalo and why?
I love a Buffalo summer when it feels like the city is alive and there’s always something to do. Plus more hours of sunshine and a higher temp goes a long way.
13. If you could pick a superpower what would it be? And why?
Teleportation because I would save an incredible amount of time and money
14. Go-to karaoke song
I dreamed a dream from Les Miserable
15. What’s your best scar/injury story?
Third degree burn on my foot from a coal landing in my boot on Halloween
16. Favorite Disney character
Kronk from Emperors New Groove
17. My desert island (only do one lift for the rest of your life) exercise is…
Clean & jerk
18. What do you want our members to know about you?
I think everyone deserves to be strong happy and healthy in their body. Your body is the “vehicle” that takes you to whatever brings you joy - I believe feeling good in your own skin is crucial to bringing the most fulfillment and satisfaction of what you love to do.
19. What’s the most underrated thing for fat loss?
Making the small adjustments with drinks like soda or coffee. No/zero sugar soda and black coffee can scratch the same itch without the sugar!
20. Favorite card game
Yu-Gi-Oh!!! Collectible card game my sister and I played growing up.
Kate's 20 Questions:
1. If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life it would be
Noah Kahan
2. PB and J or Grilled Cheese?
Grilled Cheese
3. Favorite childhood memory
My favorite childhood memory was making elaborate castles and structures with my younger brothers using legos that we bought from garage sales and thrift stores.
4. Biggest takeaway from college
I learned that things tend to work out the way they’re meant to. I spent a lot of time stressing about my future career, but I learned that it’s okay if my path changes—and that changing my goals doesn’t mean I failed.
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world with an unlimited budget and guaranteed safety, where would you go?
I would love to hike through all of Patagonia by myself. I have over 20 hikes flagged in my goggle maps that are on my bucket list.
6. Favorite outdoor activity
Hiking
7. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten
Kishka, which is a traditional food in Ukraine, where I grew up. It is buckwheat, pig liver, meat, and blood, all stuffed into a natural pig intestine casing.
8. Chipotle or Chick Fil A?
Chipotle
9. The Office or Game of Thrones?
The Office
10. Favorite wing spot
Duffs because I like very crispy wings.
11. If you could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Bill Nye
12. Favorite season in Buffalo and why?
Fall because of the weather and football season.
13. If you could pick a superpower what would it be? And why?
Super speed so that I can be more efficient. I always feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.
14. Go-to karaoke song
Since You’ve Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
15. What’s your best scar/injury story?
Last May, I lost a fight with my bathroom counter at 3 a.m. I got up to use the restroom, passed out, and hit my temple on the corner of the counter. The cut was deep enough to need eight stitches. Now I have a scar above my right eyebrow that I kind of love—it makes me look way tougher than I actually am.
16. Favorite Disney character
Megara from Hercules
17. My desert island (only do one lift for the rest of your life) exercise is…
Weighted lunges
18. What do you want our members to know about you?
My fitness journey began with cross country and track and field in high school and continued in college with the UB club track team. Throughout my education, I focused on learning how to optimize training—for both myself and my teammates—to achieve the best results. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from UB, where my studies centered on human anatomy, movement, and innovative ways to improve the human body.
I became a personal trainer to help people build confidence and develop sustainable fitness habits. I believe long-term progress comes from consistency in both training and nutrition. I also emphasize the importance of muscle growth—not just for strength and appearance, but for improving metabolism, supporting joint health, and enhancing overall quality of life. Building muscle helps clients stay strong, capable, and resilient as they age.
19. What’s the most underrated thing for fat loss?
Eating more dense bean soups. Beans are full of fiber and protein keeping you full for longer. Soups are also easier for your body to digest.
20. Favorite card game
Dutch blitz
Kate is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer with a background in healthcare and a passion for helping clients move better, feel stronger, and build sustainable healthy habits. She is a graduate of the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. Kate has contagious energy, a great work ethic, and is a lifelong learner (and is getting married in June!).
TJ is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Daemen University, overseeing the programming and training for 17 NCAA teams. He holds numerous certifications in addition to a Master’s Degree in Sports Conditioning and Performance from Southern Utah University. TJ has a wealth of experience from a variety of training centers and styles, and has a reputation for being a strong leader.
I’m confident TJ and Kate will fit right into our tight-knit Remedy community. We look forward to you working with and getting to know them more. They will be shadowing sessions over the next few weeks before transitioning into the coaching role.
Also, feel free to grill them on their answers to 20 Questions (below) next time you’re at the gym!
See you soon,
Matt
TJ's 20 Questions:
1. If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life it would be
The band From Indian Lakes, specifically the Absent Sounds album - 35 incredible minutes of music
2. PB and J or Grilled Cheese?
I enjoy grilled cheese more but don’t have them as much as PB&J, and I’m ok with that
3. Favorite childhood memory
When my mom came home with a Nintendo 64 when I was 3 or 4 and my siblings and I played Super Mario 64
4. Biggest takeaway from college
Being able to form genuine relationships with people is way more important than being able to regurgitate information from textbooks
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world with an unlimited budget and guaranteed safety, where would you go?
Japan, or to live as a fly on the wall with one of the civilizations that has no contact with the outside world
6. Favorite outdoor activity
I love wood working outside and also playing disc golf
7. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten
This makes me realize I’m pretty boring when it comes to eating new things… I once accidentally ordered sashimi because I thought it was the same as sushi
Chipotle or Chick Fil A?
Chipotle, no contest
The Office or Game of Thrones?
The office, but early game of thrones is next level television
10. Favorite wing spot
Probably nine eleven tavern in south buffalo
11. If you could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Akira Toriyama, the man who created the Dragon Ball franchise
12. Favorite season in Buffalo and why?
I love a Buffalo summer when it feels like the city is alive and there’s always something to do. Plus more hours of sunshine and a higher temp goes a long way.
13. If you could pick a superpower what would it be? And why?
Teleportation because I would save an incredible amount of time and money
14. Go-to karaoke song
I dreamed a dream from Les Miserable
15. What’s your best scar/injury story?
Third degree burn on my foot from a coal landing in my boot on Halloween
16. Favorite Disney character
Kronk from Emperors New Groove
17. My desert island (only do one lift for the rest of your life) exercise is…
Clean & jerk
18. What do you want our members to know about you?
I think everyone deserves to be strong happy and healthy in their body. Your body is the “vehicle” that takes you to whatever brings you joy - I believe feeling good in your own skin is crucial to bringing the most fulfillment and satisfaction of what you love to do.
19. What’s the most underrated thing for fat loss?
Making the small adjustments with drinks like soda or coffee. No/zero sugar soda and black coffee can scratch the same itch without the sugar!
20. Favorite card game
Yu-Gi-Oh!!! Collectible card game my sister and I played growing up.
Kate's 20 Questions:
1. If you could only listen to one musician for the rest of your life it would be
Noah Kahan
2. PB and J or Grilled Cheese?
Grilled Cheese
3. Favorite childhood memory
My favorite childhood memory was making elaborate castles and structures with my younger brothers using legos that we bought from garage sales and thrift stores.
4. Biggest takeaway from college
I learned that things tend to work out the way they’re meant to. I spent a lot of time stressing about my future career, but I learned that it’s okay if my path changes—and that changing my goals doesn’t mean I failed.
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world with an unlimited budget and guaranteed safety, where would you go?
I would love to hike through all of Patagonia by myself. I have over 20 hikes flagged in my goggle maps that are on my bucket list.
6. Favorite outdoor activity
Hiking
7. Weirdest food you’ve ever eaten
Kishka, which is a traditional food in Ukraine, where I grew up. It is buckwheat, pig liver, meat, and blood, all stuffed into a natural pig intestine casing.
8. Chipotle or Chick Fil A?
Chipotle
9. The Office or Game of Thrones?
The Office
10. Favorite wing spot
Duffs because I like very crispy wings.
11. If you could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
Bill Nye
12. Favorite season in Buffalo and why?
Fall because of the weather and football season.
13. If you could pick a superpower what would it be? And why?
Super speed so that I can be more efficient. I always feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.
14. Go-to karaoke song
Since You’ve Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
15. What’s your best scar/injury story?
Last May, I lost a fight with my bathroom counter at 3 a.m. I got up to use the restroom, passed out, and hit my temple on the corner of the counter. The cut was deep enough to need eight stitches. Now I have a scar above my right eyebrow that I kind of love—it makes me look way tougher than I actually am.
16. Favorite Disney character
Megara from Hercules
17. My desert island (only do one lift for the rest of your life) exercise is…
Weighted lunges
18. What do you want our members to know about you?
My fitness journey began with cross country and track and field in high school and continued in college with the UB club track team. Throughout my education, I focused on learning how to optimize training—for both myself and my teammates—to achieve the best results. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from UB, where my studies centered on human anatomy, movement, and innovative ways to improve the human body.
I became a personal trainer to help people build confidence and develop sustainable fitness habits. I believe long-term progress comes from consistency in both training and nutrition. I also emphasize the importance of muscle growth—not just for strength and appearance, but for improving metabolism, supporting joint health, and enhancing overall quality of life. Building muscle helps clients stay strong, capable, and resilient as they age.
19. What’s the most underrated thing for fat loss?
Eating more dense bean soups. Beans are full of fiber and protein keeping you full for longer. Soups are also easier for your body to digest.
20. Favorite card game
Dutch blitz
[email protected]
(716) 220-9907
(716) 220-9907
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