732 Vestal Parkway E
Vestal, New York 13850
(607) 624-5651
732 Vestal Parkway E, Vestal, New York 13850
(607) 624-5651
About Us
Everything you’ll need to transform, under one roof.
Who Are We
Philosophically Built is more than a gym — it’s a transformation center.
We combine elite coaching, proven systems, and a powerful culture to help people break through plateaus and become who they were meant to be.
We believe true fitness goes beyond the physical — and when you build strength from the inside out, you transform your entire life.
TRANSFORMATION EXPERTS
Meet Our Transformation Experts
Our A-Team of trainers can fit any training style or preference, as each trainer has their own unique style & skillset. Meet our team below!
Blake Hickey
Founder
Blake Hickey is the founder of Philosophically Built — a transformation-focused training center built on the belief that true strength starts from within. A dedicated husband, father, coach, and leader, Blake has made it his mission to help others become the strongest version of themselves — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
After discovering how fitness changed his own life, Blake committed to creating a space where others could experience the same transformation. Philosophically Built isn’t just about workouts — it’s about discipline, mindset, and building a life that reflects purpose and resilience.
With a background in strength training, fat loss, nutrition, and personal development, Blake has helped hundreds of people break through plateaus, rebuild confidence, and live fully capable, high-performing lives.
Whether you're just starting or looking for your next level, Blake’s message is clear: You’re not here to stay the same. You're here to get built — for life.
Hunter Beck
Head Coach
I came to Blake in 2020—young, overweight, and already three knee surgeries in. I didn’t know much, but I knew I wanted to move better, get stronger, and stop living in pain. That decision changed everything. I got stronger, leaner, more confident—and I found a passion for coaching others through the same kind of transformation.
For the past five years, I’ve been helping people train smarter, overcome setbacks, and build strength that actually lasts. From youth athletes to busy parents to older clients with mobility limitations, I meet people where they’re at and show them how to move forward.
My approach is simple: work up to it, not through it. There’s always a way to keep progressing—without breaking yourself down in the process.
Donna Cook
Coach
With over 5 years of experience as both a dedicated client and now a coach at Philosophically Built, I bring a deep understanding of the program—and the powerful community behind it. My fitness journey started early, fueled by a love for movement through aerobics, Zumba, and long walks.
When my local Zumba gym closed, I discovered Philosophically Built and immediately connected with its mission and supportive environment.
Since then, Philosophically Built has changed my life for the better—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I’m AED and CPR certified, and passionate about helping others find the same strength, confidence, and joy in their fitness journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or leveling up your training, I’m here to support and challenge you every step of the way.
Rick Rosario
Coach
I joined Philosophically Built in 2022 as a client, driven to improve my overall health, build strength, lose weight, and take a more intentional approach to fitness and nutrition. What started as a personal goal quickly grew into a passion, fueled by challenging workouts, improved endurance, and a mindset focused on lifelong health.
Training alongside our founder Blake in his intensive, results-driven sessions showed me what’s possible when you commit to the process. In early 2025, I took the next step in my journey by becoming a coach—focused on helping others build strength, mobility, and habits that support lasting change.
Outside the gym, I balance a full-time career in business and proudly serve as the "Crowdfather" to two amazing daughters. I know firsthand what it means to juggle life’s responsibilities while still making health a priority. My mission is to help others do the same—so they can move well, live well, and enjoy life for many years to come.
Shannon Roma DeAngelo
Coach
Shannon Roma DeAngelo is a Certified FirstLine Therapist through Metagenics and is currently enrolled at the prestigious Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), on track to becoming a Board Certified Health Coach. Her path into wellness began on the other side of the gym floor—as a client at Philosophically Built Gym. What started as a personal fitness journey quickly evolved into a calling. Inspired by the gym’s powerful blend of fitness, nutrition, and accountability, Shannon stayed on, putting her training and experience to use by becoming the community’s go-to Accountability Coach.
She credits the gym with changing her life, and now she’s driven to pay it forward: “This gym changed my life for the better, and that’s what I want for all of my clients.” Shannon’s mission is clear—empower others to reclaim their health with the same compassionate, whole-person approach that transformed her own.
Ryan
Coach
A Marine Corps veteran with a background in weapons instruction, hand-to-hand combat, and marksmanship, Ryan brings a powerful blend of discipline, precision, and passion to his role as a fitness instructor at Philosophically Built.
Ryan began his journey with PB in the spring of 2023, entering the gym at 155 lbs with a clear goal: to build strength and muscle. Through relentless dedication and intelligent training, he gained 20 pounds of muscle in just six weeks—a transformation that not only changed his physique but also deepened his belief in the power of the mind-body connection.
Today, Ryan splits his time between instructing at Philosophically Built and serving the Union-Endicott School District, where he continues to lead and inspire others with the same integrity and commitment he carried during his time in the military.
Fueled by a passion for strength endurance, optimal performance, and cutting-edge health and fitness research, Ryan takes a holistic approach to training. He believes that true fitness is forged through both physical and mental resilience, and he is committed to helping others unlock their potential—one rep, one breath, one breakthrough at a time.
Hi! We're Philosophically Built, a transformation gym located in Vestal, New York.
We help people in Vestal, Binghamton, Endicott, and surrounding areas take control of their health and build unshakable strength — inside and out.
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Important Info
Staffed hours
Monday - Friday
6 AM - 6 PM
Saturday
6 AM - 12 PM
Sunday
Closed
