Meet Ray Calicchio: A Personal Trainer Who Understands CMT
Many people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) are unsure how rehabilitation and exercise fit into their care plan. Dr. Florian Thomas, MD, PhD, Director of the CMT Center of Excellence at Hackensack University Medical Center and one of the nation’s top CMT neurologists, often encourages patients to embrace healthy living, balanced nutrition, and physical activity.
But when it comes to putting those recommendations into action, having a trainer who truly understands CMT can make all the difference. That’s where Ray Calicchio comes in.
Why Ray Is Different
Ray is a highly experienced personal trainer at Hackensack Meridian Fitness & Wellness who has worked for years with individuals living with neurological conditions—including Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and CMT. His deep understanding of muscle function, gait challenges, and balance issues means he can create training programs that are both safe and effective for people with peripheral neuropathies.
How Ray Works with CMT Clients
Ray’s approach is individualized, focusing on improving stability, flexibility, and strength while protecting vulnerable areas. A typical session may include:
Bodyweight exercises – squats, step-ups, push-ups
Targeted core and trunk work – to strengthen areas often unaffected by CMT but weakened by inactivity
Resistance-based training – using bands, suspension straps, dumbbells, or cable machines to build functional strength
Balance and coordination drills – to improve gait and reduce fall risk
Some of Dr. Thomas’ patients have worked with Ray for months, reporting increased confidence, better endurance, and noticeable improvements in daily activities.
The Bigger Picture: Rehab + Exercise
Dr. Thomas emphasizes that rehabilitation therapies—like physical therapy (PT) for balance and gait, and occupational therapy (OT) for hand function—lay the foundation. However, with insurance often limiting therapy visits, continuing what you learn through structured exercise is essential.
Ray bridges that gap, helping patients take skills from PT and turn them into sustainable, enjoyable routines they can maintain for years.
Get Started with Ray
Ray welcomes self-referrals from individuals with CMT. Whether you’re just beginning your rehab journey or looking to take your fitness to the next level, he can help design a program tailored to your needs and abilities.
Contact Information – Hackensack Meridian Fitness & Wellness
Hackensack Meridian Fitness & Wellness
Phone 201-843-4422 X 423
87 NJ-17 North
Maywood, NJ 07607
HackensackMeridianFitness.com
Florian P. Thomas, MD, PhD
Chair, Neuroscience Institute & Department of Neurology
Director, Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation Center of Excellence
Hackensack University Medical Center
650 From Road, #506
Paramus, NJ 07652
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