Meet the Level Up Gym team

At Level Up Gym in Stratford, CT, we are dedicated to creating a fitness community where everyone can thrive. Our gym combines expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness goals. Discover a place where your fitness journey is guided by passion and professionalism.

Free Intro

Mission and Vision

The mission of Level Up Gym is clear: to lower obesity and chronic illness rates while increasing the quality of life for children and adults through fitness, boxing, and nutrition.
What sets us apart is our culture, community, and accountability. At Level Up, we don’t just focus on short-term goals; we help our members understand that health is infinite. It’s not something you stop working on once you reach a milestone-it’s a lifestyle.
We embody the “Level Up” mindset: striving to get 1% better every day and embracing growth as a lifelong journey.

A Community of Resilience and Support

Our gym isn’t just a place to work out-it’s a community. We host monthly events to bring people together, encourage our members to support each other’s businesses, and make it a point to know every member by name. We also offer a community page where members and coaches can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate wins together.

Through our dedication to building relationships and fostering accountability, Level Up Gym has become a home for over hundreds of members. Our offerings go beyond fitness and boxing classes; we provide personal training, nutrition guidance, and a supportive environment that helps members achieve their goals and maintain them for life.

Overcoming Challenges and Giving Back

Our journey hasn’t been without obstacles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to close our doors for several months. But rather than letting it defeat us, we used it as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the community.

Giving back has always been a cornerstone of Level Up Gym. From hosting wellness expos and Black business expos to sponsoring memberships for youth and low-income families, we aim to make health and fitness accessible to everyone. We also founded Level Up Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth through fitness and mentorship.

 

Our Founder

The Founder’s Story: Malcolm Wilson and Level Up Gym

I’m standing by the hospital bed, looking at my grandmother in critical condition. At nine years old, tears streamed down my face as I asked God why something so terrible would happen to such an amazing person. Then a few days later cancer claimed another victim. Both of my grandparents passed away before the age of 60. As I reflected on their lives, I realized they were smokers, their diets were poor, and they didn’t exercise.
In life, we can learn what to do from the actions of others-or we can learn what not to do. Many of us have incredible family members with bad habits, and we often adopt those same habits without realizing it.

That moment by the hospital bed became a turning point for me. I learned that we have the power to change our environment by learning from the successes and failures of others. This lesson shaped my life and my mission. I’m Malcolm Wilson, owner of Level Up Gym. I’ve used this lesson to change my own life, set a better example for my kids, and help thousands of others do the same.

 

 

The Beginning of Level Up Gym

In 2016, I set out to create a space where fitness and boxing could transform lives-not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Like many others, I struggled to stay consistent with my workouts after my days as a high school and college athlete ended. Without the structure of a team or a coach, I found it hard to stay motivated. But I knew I wasn’t alone in this challenge, and I wanted to build a community where people could find the support and accountability they needed to thrive.

I started with online training and nutrition plans, but my vision quickly outgrew the digital space. In 2017, my mother offered me her unused basement-a 500-square-foot area-to start training clients in person. It was a humble beginning, but it planted the seed for what Level Up Gym would become.

Within a year, we moved to a 3,000-square-foot space on the second floor of 115 Bruce Ave in Stratford, CT. A few years later, we expanded again, taking over the first floor as well. Today, Level Up Gym spans over 7,000 square feet, making it one of the largest private fitness and boxing gyms in Connecticut.

The Future of Level Up Gym

As I look ahead, the future of Level Up Gym is bright. Our goal is to expand to more locations, bringing fitness and boxing to communities that need us most. I’m proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for what’s to come.

From a basement gym to a 7,000-square-foot fitness haven, Level Up Gym is proof that change is possible. By learning from the past, setting better examples, and supporting one another, we can all level up-together.

Our Team

Iliana Cartagena

Operations Manager
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Iliana Wilson is the co-owner and administrator of Level Up Gym, which she built alongside her husband, Malcolm, with a vision of creating a supportive, inclusive environment in 2016. With a strong background in administration and a passion for empowering others, Iliana manages the gym’s daily operations, including finances, scheduling, and business strategy. She ensures the gym runs smoothly and efficiently while fostering a space where individuals can thrive and adopt healthier lifestyles. Iliana is committed to the gym’s success, supporting its growth and mission of creating positive, lasting change in the community.

Steve Cartagena

Marketing Director
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Steve discovered his passion for digital marketing in college, where he met Malcolm and saw an opportunity to help build Level Up Gym into a thriving fitness community. Since its start in 2016, Steve has been instrumental in shaping the gym’s identity, designing its logo, creating the website, and managing ads. His innovative marketing approach focuses on creating engaging campaigns and fostering community connections. Dedicated to growing the gym’s reach, Steve stays connected with the community through events and creating content that inspires and unites members.

Ralph Louigene

Coach
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Driven by the loss of my parents to preventable diseases, I entered the fitness industry to inspire change and set a healthier example for my family. With 7 years of experience, I am a Level Up Certified Coach and co-owner of a gym, specializing in weight loss and strength training. I believe in making small, consistent progress-aiming for 1% better every day. Outside the gym, I enjoy exploring martial arts, analyzing personality traits, and watching anime. My passion is helping others unlock their full potential, empowering them to take control of their health and achieve their goals.

Luke Fitzpatrick

Coach
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I have a deep passion for martial arts and self-improvement, which I believe go hand in hand. I’ve been a cardio kickboxing coach for three years and have trained in martial arts for most of my life. I specialize in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and MMA, hold a blue belt in BJJ, a brown belt in taekwondo, and was a collegiate wrestler. My coaching philosophy is simple: small improvements lead to big changes. If you improve 1% every day, you’ll be 365% better in a year. I love hiking, competing, and helping others reach their fitness goals. Start slow, build up, and keep growing!

Nalani Mungin

Coach
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Hi, I’m Nalani! My passion for fitness began with a lifelong involvement in athletics and a deep appreciation for the importance of movement and healthy habits. As your personal trainer, I’ll push and support you on your journey while fostering a safe space for growth inside and outside the gym. Currently pursuing a master’s in Sports Psychology, I’m passionate about the mind-body connection and the mental health benefits of exercise. Whether your goals are strength, conditioning, boxing, or improving daily life, I’m here to help you achieve them and go beyond what you thought possible. Let’s succeed together!

Unique Features and Facilities

Unique Features and Facilities

Level Up Gym offers an unparalleled training experience with over 7,000 square feet of dynamic space spread across two floors. The first floor is dedicated to fitness, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, functional training areas, and an InBody composition machine to track your progress. Upstairs, immerse yourself in our dedicated boxing area, perfect for honing your skills or adding variety to your workouts. We take your fitness journey further with a relaxing sauna to support recovery and rejuvenation. Our open, spacious layout maximizes your training potential, while our commitment to innovation ensures a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. At Level Up Gym, it’s more than a workout – it’s an experience!

gym equipement

Top-Notch Fitness Equipment

At Level Up Gym, we take pride in offering state-of-the-art equipment to help you crush your fitness goals. Our facility is designed to elevate your experience, whether you’re stepping into our boxing area-featuring heavy bags, speed bags, and a professional boxing ring-or tackling a functional fitness workout with our wide selection of kettlebells, medicine balls, and plyometric boxes. We’re proud to be the only fitness facility in the area with such an extensive range of premium equipment, giving you everything you need to become stronger, faster, and more agile. At Level Up Gym, we don’t just help you work out-we help you level up.

Book Your Free Intro Session Today

Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with a free intro session at Level Up Gym in Stratford, CT! Our team will provide a personalized tour of our facilities, introduce you to our services, and help you start your fitness journey. Schedule your session now and experience firsthand how Level Up Gym can support your goals.

Free Intro