Heroes Spotlight: LiveFitArmy

One Percent Better

Dre Neita, also known as Coach Dre, has always had a passion for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Growing up in Jamaica, he spent his childhood playing sports and doing activities that were popular on the island. There, he learned important life lessons such as respecting others, helping his community, and encouraging people when they don’t believe in themselves. 

At 13 years old, Neita moved to Boston, where he was immersed in a sports culture shaped by decades of excellence and championships. 

Many years later, he would have surgery on a hernia that was inherited from birth. The procedure would change the trajectory of his life. 

During his recovery, Neita was unable to exercise the way he was used to or enjoy his favorite activities. But rather than becoming discouraged, he chose to grow stronger from that experience. His first step was writing down his core values on a piece of paper. After reflecting on his life, he created a brand that represented himself and his deepest desires to help people live a healthier lifestyle. That brand today is called  LiveFitArmy.

“When you go through a setback in life, it [can] amplify you,” Neita said. “I remember I was like ‘This community and brand I want to form is not only going to hold me accountable, but it’s also going to inspire other people to take charge of their health.’”

Neita is an Elite Certified Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He’s committed to helping clients reach their full potential through expert, inclusive fitness coaching. He offers a variety of training options to suit every lifestyle and ability, including: personal training, group classes, outdoor bootcamps, virtual training, and adaptive fitness. 

Neita also leads a run club composed of dedicated athletes, including marathoners who’ve conquered major races like Boston, New York, London, Berlin, and Chicago. 

“Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, you’ll find community, motivation, and expert guidance [with LiveFitArmy],” Neita said.

Neita described LiveFitArmy as a diverse community that welcomes everybody and uplifts everyone. 

“I want them to take charge of their health. I want them to know that once you’re better for yourself, you can be better for others.”

From this vision comes his personal, lived mantra: "one percent better.”

“I want them to follow our mantra, which is one percent better,” Neita said. “We can’t give 100 percent every day because we are human. You might not give 100 percent today, but you know what; you showed up, and that in itself [is] what success is. I want people to take that and put it in whatever aspects of what their goals are. I’m a living testament of that.”

Neita also sees the value of cardio workouts in his exercise programs for his clients and created a run club to promote cardiovascular health and fitness. 

“Whether it’s going out for a one mile or 26-mile [run], you’re going to move and challenge yourself in ways that are going to be beneficial to your health,” Neita said. 

And the group is no stranger to running marathons together. They’ve raced everything from 5Ks to major marathons, with several members actively pursuing the Abbott World Marathon Majors 6-Star Medal. Most recently, the team completed the Boston Marathon and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, proudly running as Mercy Home Heroes for the past three years. 

James Knauer, a military veteran, and LiveFitArmy running club captain, has had lots of experience running in several types of marathons. 

Three years ago, he discovered Mercy Home online and was drawn to our mission of helping children in need. 

“When I was looking for a charity [for the LiveFitArmy Running Team to support], my mission was to be able to support children,” he said. “It really resonated with me when finding Mercy Home, and how they support young people, how they're there for them and let them thrive.”

Since 2022, the group has grown from seven members to about 15 members running the marathon for Mercy Home. 

Four years ago, Nicole Echemendia joined LiveFitArmy and went from being a client to a wellness coach. She specializes in one-on-one and group coaching and hosts different workshops on health and wellness. 

“We are more than just a fitness team. We are a true family,” Echemendia said. “It’s all about showing up and being one percent better.”

This will be Echemendia’s first time running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and she can’t wait to push pash the challenge of running 26.2-miles while supporting her teammates. 

Nicole Casimir, another member of LiveFitArmy, won’t let her age stop her from running in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. At 64 years old, she has already completed the Boston Marathon and is ready to take on Chicago in October. 

Before joining LiveFitArmy, she doubted herself. But Coach Dre and her teammates have uplifted and supported her in her fitness journey. 

“For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m a part of something,” Casimir said. “This group gave me back my confidence. They are like a dependable friend. Coach Dre is saving lives with what he’s doing.”

While the LiveFitArmy running team prepares for the marathon in October, they are actively fundraising for Mercy Home. The team hosts fitness challenges and 5K runs in the neighborhoods of Boston to raise money and awareness. 

With the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on the horizon,  LiveFitArmy members are excited to support each other and Mercy Home’s mission. And they will be joined by hundreds of Heroes from across the world, who are eager to go the distance for our children. 

“I’m especially grateful for our new runners running their first marathon,” Knauer said. “I look forward to being there to support them, cheering people on during the marathon, and seeing the spark, the joy in their faces, their eyes when they accomplish the [race].”