Our Team
Experienced Coaches. Personalized Support. Real Results.
At Iron Village Strength & Conditioning, our coaches are committed to helping every member train with purpose, build confidence, and achieve lasting results. Whether you’re a beginner, an athlete, or somewhere in between, you’ll have a team behind you every step of the way.
Doug Balzarini
Owner and Head Coach
Doug Balzarini has spent more than 20 years helping people build strength, improve performance, and reach their full potential. A Massachusetts native with a degree in Exercise Physiology, Doug has worked with everyone from beginners and active adults to professional athletes and world champion MMA fighters.
After relocating to San Diego, he spent five years with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) before joining the renowned Fitness Quest 10, where he coached clients of all ages and abilities. Throughout his career, Doug has served as a strength and conditioning coach, educator, business owner, and international presenter, sharing his expertise through conferences, publications, educational resources, and fitness media.
His experience also includes graduate studies in Biomechanics at San Diego State University, serving as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Alliance MMA fight team, and helping develop a state-of-the-art fitness facility in Saudi Arabia.
Today, Doug brings his passion for coaching, movement, and performance to Iron Village Strength & Conditioning, where he helps members build strength, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits.
Certifications/Training & Specialties
- NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- Functional Range Conditioning (FRCms, FRA, Kinstretch)
- USA Powerlifting Coach Certification
- Gym Jones Level I & II
- Performance Breathing Coach (XPT)
- CrossFit Level 1 & Gymnastics
- Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
- Training For Warriors
- TRX Suspension Training & RIP Training
- Kettlebell Athletics Level 1
- MMA Conditioning Coach
- MovNat Training
- CPR/AED Instructor
Justin Burl
Justin’s passion for strength and conditioning began at age 13 while training as a football and lacrosse athlete. He continued his football career at Endicott College, where he earned a degree in Exercise Science and completed strength and conditioning internships with both Boston College and Harvard University.
After graduation, Justin moved to Utah for what was intended to be a single winter. Six years later, including five years as a member of the Snowbird Ski Patrol, he returned to the East Coast to pursue strength and conditioning full-time.
With experience in the fitness industry since 2010, Justin has worked with a wide range of individuals—from youth athletes and first responders to busy professionals, parents, and active older adults. His coaching philosophy takes a comprehensive approach to health and performance, emphasizing strength, conditioning, mobility, and nutrition to help clients build sustainable results and improve overall quality of life.
Certifications/Training & Specialties
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Physical Preparation Specialist
Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist
Precision Nutrition 1
Bioforce Conditioning Coach
Functional Movement Screen Level 1
Neurotyping Specialist
Emergency Medical Technician
Outdoor Emergency Care Technician
AHA BLS Provider
Nicole Pizzi
Nicole has spent more than 15 years helping individuals improve their health, wellness, and quality of life. She holds a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Vermont and a Master of Public Health from San Diego State University.
Throughout her career, she has developed wellness programs, managed recreation and fitness facilities, coached group fitness classes, and served as a speaker on topics including work-life balance, nutrition, and overall well-being. She has presented at events across Massachusetts, including the Massachusetts Conference for Women.
As a Health Coach, Nicole takes a holistic approach to wellness, helping clients improve energy, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sustainable lifestyle habits that support long-term health and success.
Certifications/Training & Specialties
Health Coach, Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Nutrition and Food Sciences and Dietetics, BA
Public Health – Health Promotion, MPH
Schwinn Cycling
TRX Suspension Instructor Training
Indo Row
Metabolic Effect
Kettle Bell
Concept 2
Jon Dyer
A North Shore native, Jon began his career as a first responder in 2005, working as an EMT before becoming a Paramedic and career Firefighter. His commitment to serving others inspired him to invest in his own health and fitness, leading him to join Iron Village in 2015.
Through years of training, Jon developed a passion for functional strength, conditioning, and the mindset required to overcome challenges both inside and outside the gym. He has completed numerous endurance and fitness events, including road races, obstacle course races, Spartan Trifectas, Concept2 CRASH-B competitions, and seine boat rowing races.
After completing an extensive internship with the Iron Village coaching team, Jon joined the coaching staff to help others achieve their fitness goals while continuing to expand his knowledge and education in the field.
Certifications/Training & Specialties
MA Paramedic
Healthcare Provider CPR/AED
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Gym Jones Fundamentals Certification
Gym Jones Intermediate Certification
ACE CPT (Personal Trainer Certification)
Spartan Obstacle Specialist
Mike D'amico
Mike D’Amico is a strength coach, personal trainer, and competitive powerlifter with years of experience helping clients build strength, improve performance, and achieve their fitness goals. After transitioning from football to strength training, he discovered a passion for powerlifting and began competing in the USAPL in 2014.
Throughout his coaching career, Mike has worked with a diverse range of clients, helping them pursue goals such as fat loss, injury prevention, improved function, and increased strength. His experience at Beverly Athletic Club and years of hands-on coaching have reinforced one simple belief: people perform better, move better, and feel better when they get stronger.
Today, Mike is passionate about helping individuals redefine what strength means to them and build confidence through consistent progress—one personal record at a time.
Specialties
- Strength Training
- Powerlifting
- Fat Loss
- Injury Prevention
- Functional Fitness
- Performance Coaching
Nick Bettencourt
Mike D’Amico is a strength coach, personal trainer, and competitive powerlifter with years of experience helping clients build strength, improve performance, and achieve their fitness goals. After transitioning from football to strength training, he discovered a passion for powerlifting and began competing in the USAPL in 2014.
Throughout his coaching career, Mike has worked with a diverse range of clients, helping them pursue goals such as fat loss, injury prevention, improved function, and increased strength. His experience at Beverly Athletic Club and years of hands-on coaching have reinforced one simple belief: people perform better, move better, and feel better when they get stronger.
Today, Mike is passionate about helping individuals redefine what strength means to them and build confidence through consistent progress—one personal record at a time.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
- Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science
- Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) Level 1
- U.S. Soccer National “D” Coaching License
- First Aid / CPR / AED Certified
Josh Fischer
A lifelong athlete, Josh Fischer developed a passion for health and fitness through years of participation in soccer, wrestling, and strength training. After high school, that passion evolved into a career when he began working in a gym and training with a personal coach, sparking his interest in helping others improve their health, performance, and overall quality of life.
Josh earned a degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition from UMass Lowell, where he gained valuable experience as a personal trainer, strength coach, and intern with local fitness facilities. During this time, he also worked alongside athletic trainers supporting collegiate and professional athletes. He later earned his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.
Throughout his career, Josh has worked with a diverse range of clients, including youth, collegiate, and professional athletes, military personnel, first responders, and individuals looking to live healthier, more active lives. His coaching philosophy focuses on building strength, improving performance, and creating sustainable habits that help clients succeed both inside and outside the gym.
When he’s not coaching, you’ll likely find him surfing, snowboarding, or competing in Spartan races.
Certifications/Training & Specialties
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Minor in Nutrition
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Strength & Conditioning
- Athletic Performance
- Functional Fitness
- Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching
- Spartan Race & Endurance Training
Why Members Choose Iron Village Coaches
20 Years Experience
Personalized Coaching
Accountability & Support
Strength & Performance Expertise
READY TO GET STARTED?
Join a supportive community, train with purpose, and take the next step toward your fitness goals.