Goal Driven Habits coaches deliver evidence-based, post-rehab-focused training that helps clients move pain-free, regain confidence, and return to the activities they love. Located three blocks from Rittenhouse Square, we specialize in the bridge between physical therapy and lifelong, independent strength and mobility.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Clinical-minded approach: We build programs informed by movement screening, progressive loading, movement quality, and motor control; progressing you safely and effectively.

  • Specialization in post-rehab training: Our coaches focus on what comes after physical therapy: restoring function, reducing re-injury risk, and developing sustainable strength and movement habits.

  • Individualized programming: Every plan begins with a thorough intake and movement assessment to identify limitations, compensations, and realistic goals. We update continuously as you progress and develop.

  • Evidence-based techniques: We apply current best practices in strength training, mobility, load management, and pain-informed coaching to produce measurable, reliable results.

  • Focused coaching and cueing: We provide visual and verbal cueing to teach movement patterns, reinforce technique, and build you toward self-sufficiency.

  • Clear progression strategies: From isometrics and tempo work to hypertrophy and power phases, we structure your programs with safety and long-term function in mind.

Core Competencies

Our coaches collectively bring expertise across the following areas:

  • Movement assessment & corrective strategies: Comprehensive screens (FMS, passive and active joint ROMs) and targeted corrective exercises to address mobility, stability, and movement sequencing.

  • Post-rehab strength & conditioning: Gradual load progression, eccentric control, and multi-planar stability to restore capacity after injury or surgery.

  • Pain-informed coaching: We prioritize safety, respecting pain limits while expanding tolerance through graded exposure and sensible loading.

  • Functional strength & return-to-activity programs: Sport- and activity-specific conditioning (running, cycling, golf, tennis, general daily function) that prioritizes durability and performance. We want you to do life easier - its more than numbers on a bar,

  • Balance, fall-prevention & proprioception: Progressive single-leg work, reactive and positional stability drills to build confidence and reduce risk in older adults and those recovering from injury.

  • Mobility & thoracic/lumbar management: Targeted mobility strategies to improve movement quality, breathing mechanics, posture, and spinal resilience.

  • Load management & collaboration: We focus on building you steadily and safely, collaborating with ongoing rehabilitation or medical providers to prevent any backward slide.

How We Work With You

  1. Comprehensive intake & assessment: We start with medical/rehab history, goal setting, and a movement assessment to create a safe baseline.

  2. Individualized plan: Clear short- and long-term milestones that focus on restoring function, reducing pain, and building capacity for daily life and preferred activities.

  3. Ongoing coaching & feedback: Sessions emphasize technique, cueing, and progressive challenges. We teach you how and why exercises are selected so you can reproduce them independently.

  4. Regular re-assessment: Progress checkpoints ensure we adapt load, volume, and movement focus based on measurable improvements and client feedback.

  5. Collaboration with healthcare providers: When appropriate, we coordinate with physical therapists, physicians, and other providers to ensure continuity of care. We want your providers to know what you’re doing and stay informed on your progress.

  • A smiling man with crossed arms standing on a beach with trees, sand, and ocean in the background.

    Thaddeus Babiec MS, CSCS, MBPI

    FOUNDER

    Former National Team rower turned coach, Thaddeus aims to help everyone achieve their maximum potential. With over a decade of experience and specializing in post-rehab strength training, works with clients across the spectrum; everyone from national team athletes to grandparents wanting to stay healthy and strong for their grand children.

    Working with people coming out of physical therapy and still dealing with pain, he looks at the body as a whole, aiming to address the areas overlooked by traditional physical therapy and rehab to help bring individuals back to their full health. Thaddeus did his undergrad studies at BU where he received a BS in Health Science and minor in Human Physiology. He received his Masters in Kinesiology from Temple University.

  • A young man with short, curly brown hair, earrings in both ears, smiling, wearing a black shirt, with a blurred background.

    Zack Hixson

    DIRECTOR OF SEMI-PRIVATE TRAINING

    Zack is a graduate of Temple University with a BS in Kinesiology and a minor in Nutrition. His purpose towards training lies in helping people regain movement from their younger years, showing them new possibilities, and becoming more capable of what they love to do in this world. In his free time, he loves to train jiu jitsu, ride dirt bikes, ski, and has an infinite love of learning.

  • Frankie Rosario

    Frankie Rosario

    COACH

    Frankie is a strength and conditioning coach with a Masters degree in Exercise Science. He has worked with multiple collegiate sports teams, undertaking the development of strength programming across various teams and sports. Along with this, Frankie works as an Exercise Physiologist at an outpatient PT clinic working with a wide variety of populations with a multitude of different ailments. His experience allows him to develop personalized programs that focus on your specific goals!

  • Adam Fagan

    COACH

    Adam has worked in the health and fitness field since 2016, training a wide variety of clients. He has trained youth, high school and Division 1 athletes to improve their performance, as well as adults and senior citizens to achieve various goals such as building strength and muscle, losing weight or just improving overall health. Regardless of who he works with, his goal is to show them how fitness can make a lasting impact on their physical and mental health. 

Testimonials

  • Deana T.

    I've been working out with Thaddeus of Goal Driven Habits 3 times a week since November 2020, doing strength training and trying to combat osteoporosis and hip pain. I never worked out with a trainer before and I'm (ugh) surprisingly motivated to keep it up. Thaddeus creates a new workout plan for me every month. I can tell he's checking my form and listening - not just when I talk but when I mutter to myself about my hip or my elbow etc. Then I notice the next set of exercises are specifically designed to address those areas. He also gave me a set of stretches for my sciatica. When I started I couldn't even move a 26 lb kettlebell across the floor...zero strength. Now I can do squats with it and I'm working my way up to a 40 lb one! A lot of the exercises are body weight exercises, so l don't need a ton of equipment. When I went on vacation it was easy to keep doing his program over Zoom. I highly recommend - do this for yourself!

  • SueAnn S.

    Thaddeus is the best personal trainer l've worked with both in achieving goals and the desire to work out more. His big brain is able to create workarounds and keep it interesting. No work out is ever the same, while strength and flexibility are consistently increasing. After back surgery and two total knee replacements, working out with Thaddeus has resulted in being in the best shape of my adult life. Bonus: it's been entertaining!

  • Ellie C.

    Thad is a great trainer! Thorough, knowledgeable, and extremely adaptable as it relates to creating challenging workouts remote from wherever 1am (with varying degrees of workout equipment). As a former college athlete I have worked with countless trainers, lift coaches, etc, and what sets Thad apart is his brain, sense of humor and ability to craft challenging, fun workouts that build strength so I'm a better long-distance runner and lacrosse coach.

  • J. P.

    Highly professional trainer! I've had an excellent experience. Committed to helping you achieve your goals. Patient, friendly, articulate and thoughtful in putting together a program that challenges you, helps you build strength, confidence, skill and momentum toward reaching your goals.

  • Melinda E.

    I have been working out with Thad for about 4 years now. Never been in better shape. We started training when I was going through a transitional time in my life and getting strong meant being strong. The work takes time but the results speak for themselves. I have worked out with some amazing trainers and Thad is among the best. He is Equinox trained and an athlete that engages in high level training. I have witnessed him transform clients of all levels and ages. | highly recommend working with him - you will not be disappointed. The results last and even when times are tight and I do not have as much time to train I am still able to maintain results.

  • Elissa S.

    I cannot recommend training with Thaddeus enough! He is amazing to work with and is really for ANYONE looking for a trainer who can deliver results and do it in a way that helps you not only look good but feel good doing it. No matter your age, fitness level, goals, etc he is able to tailor a plan that works for your specific needs and will have your body and mind doing things you never thought possible. From my first meeting with Thaddeus, he has always listened to my thoughts, concerns, and goals and worked with me to reframe what lifting weights and strength training really mean. He is unbelievably knowledgable about how each muscle/muscle group is working and transitioning through each workout and helps you understand the importance of each and how to feel when things are right or off. He also makes you think more holistically about your workout and the importance of breathing, sleep, and nutrition to make sure that you can progress and succeed not just during your sessions. He is always available to answer questions and I know he always has my best interest in mind. Be prepared for a kick-ass workout, but always one with lots of laughs. After a year and a half of training with him, I am still amazed at what I can now do that I never thought possible and even more excited to see the consistent improvements. As long as you are willing to put in the work, Thaddeus is there to help you reach the finish line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does this process look like for someone new?

First step is an initial call or in person meeting. We want you to feel comfortable working with us. Next will be a complimentary physical assessment where we will get a good snapshot of your current capabilities and limitations. This allows us to find a good starting point for each individual client and it allows you to get a feel for how we coach. If you feel like the fit between us and your needs is there, then all that’s left is to sign up for sessions and get on the calendar.

Q: I’m older and have certain limitations I have to be mindful of; will your coaches understand how to work with someone like me?

Yes! Our team specializes with individuals coming out of a rehab setting; this means that we are always working within someone’s limitations to help them regain full function. Within our client population we have worked with individuals just looking to get in shape to those coming off of joint replacement surgeries.

In the event we work with someone who has a limitation we are not familiar with, we will collaborate with your PT or physician to make sure we are delivering the best care possible.

Q: What is the demographic you work with the most?

We work with people of all ages. Yes, that sounds very cookie cutter but it’s true. Our current clients range in age from 28 to 84 years old. All of our coaches have experience working with younger demographics as well, athletes and non-athletes alike. Because of this range in age and ability, we are uniquely capable of adapting our training approach to the individual in front of us.

Q: What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, Cash, and Check. If you have a specific question about payment, let us know when we speak. A full pricing sheet is available on the website here.

Q: How long do you recommend I train with you for?

Our goal is to make all of our clients self-sufficient. This means that you are capable of following a program, self-checking your form, and understanding your body’s limitations and signals so that you can train on your own. We educate and teach, explaining why we do what we do so that you understand and can apply it on your own when you want.

How long this takes will vary from person to person, depending on goals and where you are beginning. Consistency matters; a client who trains twice a week consistently will become fully capable of following a program and working out on their own far sooner than someone training once a week or infrequently.