ABOUT US

Our mission

SOMA MVMT is a small group fitness studio in Maplewood, New Jersey built for people who want more than another crowded gym, random workout, or intimidating fitness environment.


Our approach is simple: train with purpose, move better, get stronger, and feel supported every step of the way.


At SOMA MVMT, fitness is not about chasing perfection. It is about building a body that feels capable, confident, and resilient. Whether you are returning to exercise, trying to stay consistent, looking for better coaching, or ready to push yourself in a more focused environment, our small group training model gives you the structure and accountability you need without getting lost in the crowd.


Unlike large gyms where you are left to figure everything out on your own, SOMA MVMT provides coached workouts in a supportive group setting. Every session is designed to help you improve strength, conditioning, mobility, and overall fitness with guidance from experienced coaches who actually know your name, your goals, and your progress.

SOMA MVMT FACILITY RULES & CLASS ETIQUETTE

FACILITY RULES


All visitors must remain off the training floor while class is in progress.


Due to limited space and to help maintain a clean and organized environment, there is no overnight storage permitted inside the facility.


Equipment should never be dropped onto the mats under any circumstances.


SOMA MVMT is a barefoot facility. For cleanliness and sanitation purposes, all shoes must be removed in the mudroom before entering the training space. Our mats are cleaned and disinfected multiple times daily after every class to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.


To help avoid spills and keep the training floor clear, all water bottles, drinks, bags, and personal belongings should be stored in the cubbies provided.

CLASS ETIQUETTE

BE PRESENT


Please silence your phone and keep distractions to a minimum during class. Your time here is an investment in yourself, and staying focused helps create a better experience for both you and the people training around you.


HONOR YOUR COMMITMENT


Arrive a few minutes early and plan to stay for the full class whenever possible. If you need to leave early, please let the coach know before class begins.


RESPECT


Respect your coaches and fellow members. When instruction is being given, pause side conversations and stay attentive. If you need to modify or substitute an exercise for any reason, communicate with your coach so we can help you train safely and effectively.


CONNECT


Leave the coaching and technical cueing to the coaches, but do not hesitate to encourage the people around you. Introduce yourself, support one another, and help create a welcoming atmosphere. A positive word or simple encouragement can make a huge difference, especially for someone just getting started.


Coach Chas

Physical culture has always been a deep-rooted passion of mine. I started strength training at 15, got serious by 20, and turned professional at 22—putting me over a decade into the fitness industry. Along the way, I’ve trained, coached, and earned certifications across nearly every major fitness modality: kettlebells, Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, steel mace, club bells, yoga, and sport-specific athletic development.

I'm also a lifelong martial artist, with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as my main discipline—both as a competitor and a coach. Years of competing on the mats pushed me to rethink how I approached fitness. Most conventional training styles were too high-impact on my joints, especially when layered on top of a sport designed to torque and stress the body. So I went back to the drawing board.

Through experience, experimentation, and necessity, I created a system that gets people strong, conditioned, and resilient—while dramatically minimizing the risk of injury. It’s a method built to sustain performance and longevity, especially for those who don’t want to spend their whole life inside a gym.

Unlike many coaches, I don’t come from a place of body image obsession, gym addiction, or restrictive food beliefs. I’m simply someone who found what works—and built a sustainable, well-balanced approach to health and performance. I train 2–3 times a week in the gym, walk often, compete in Jiu Jitsu, and climb rocks for fun. The goal isn't to chase perfection—it’s to feel good, move well, and keep doing what I love for decades to come.