JOSH SINGER
Gym Owner & Head Coach
Josh grew up right here in Gaithersburg and went to high school in Rockville, so he knows firsthand what local professionals are up against when it comes to staying fit and healthy for the long haul. Early on, he saw how people were fed up with weight-loss gimmicks, cookie-cutter group workouts, and trying to figure it all out alone at big-box gyms and he knew there had to be a better way.
That drive to offer something better led Josh to open OPEX Shady Grove: a place that bridges the gap between personalized coaching and the accountability of a small-group community. He believes that when people have an individualized plan for fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle — plus a supportive environment to match — they get real, sustainable results that stick.
Josh brings years of coaching and leadership experience, a passion for transformation, and a deep commitment to helping his neighbors live healthier, happier, and more vibrant lives. When he’s not coaching, you’ll find him connecting with members, mentoring the coaching team, or spending time with his fiancé Stephanie & doing things like traveling, hiking, kayaking, or exploring local restaurants — always keeping community at the heart of everything he does.
NICK DRAGO
Programming & Floor Coach
Nick comes to us from Miami, Florida, where he spent most of his childhood playing organized sports, especially basketball and soccer. He discovered functional fitness while still in high school — starting his first job as a CrossFit Kids coach — and has been passionate about helping people move well ever since.
He earned his B.S. in Applied Exercise Physiology & Kinesiology from the University of Florida and went on to operate functional fitness facilities in both Gainesville and Miami. Over the years, Nick has worked with clients ranging from 4 to 75 years old, from beginners to former collegiate athletes.
While he started out coaching in group settings, Nick found his real passion in personalized fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching — leading him to the OPEX model. He believes that understanding each person’s unique goals is the key to building a sustainable and enjoyable health journey.
Nick has nearly 10 years of coaching experience and holds multiple fitness & nutrition certifications. When he’s not coaching, you’ll likely find him exploring new training methods or enjoying the sunshine with his dog, Pepper.
ERICA COWLEY
Programming & Floor Coach
Erica brings warmth, structure, and a deep commitment to helping people become their best selves both inside and outside the gym. A DMV native with a decade of experience in property management and team leadership, Erica knows how to create systems that work and communities that thrive.
Her own health journey started with emotional eating and the demands of a busy career. Determined to make a change, she rebuilt her relationship with food, prioritized work-life balance, and discovered a genuine love for fitness and wellness. From personal training to group training, Erica has explored every angle to find what truly helps people succeed. What she’s found is that personalized coaching makes all the difference.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find Erica cheering on the Commanders or spending time with her pre-teen son, Russell. She’s excited to bring her real-world experience, empathetic approach, and steady leadership to every session — and to support you in achieving results that last.
ROCKY RO
Floor Coach
Rocky believes in the power of connection and growth. With a background in coaching swimming and snowboarding for all ages, he’s spent years helping people move better, feel safer in their bodies, and build real confidence. Rocky brings the same dedication to his coaching at OPEX Shady Grove, blending his passion for exercise, safety, and personal development to create a supportive and fun environment for every client.
He graduated from University of MD with a B.S. in Criminology, holds his Personal Training Certification through ISSA, is CPR/First Aid certified, and has a strong track record of adapting his teaching style to meet people where they are. Whether he’s training a beginner or helping a seasoned athlete fine-tune their skills, Rocky shows up ready to share knowledge, build trust, and make the journey as fulfilling as the results.
When he’s not coaching, you’ll find Rocky outdoors on the slopes, in the water, or exploring new hobbies like Jiu Jitsu. He’s excited to help you discover what you’re capable of and keep you progressing for years to come.
