Global Trainers Focus Group By Phil Kaplan and Kelli Calabrese Monday, April 12, 2010
Questions: 1. What would you most like to see change to lessen some of the hurdles personal trainers face in developing a lucrative and lifetime career? 2. What have your immediate frustrations been in building your own business that are resultant from the low barrier of entry, the absence of a consistent standard, or the public perception of personal trainers? 3. If you could speak to an audience of educations, medical professionals, and aspiring personal trainers about what you do for a living, what would you want to say?
Prince Deese Greensboro, NC Prince Deese born and reared in Greensboro, N.C., graduated from Elon Univ., successful experience in college sports, a championship title in body building, and a consuming interest in the way physical fitness affects personal lifestyles and achievements, I have dedicated my life to helping others develop healthy and productive bodies. My knowledge and experience has, over many years, been nurtured and expanded by working with multiple professional sports persons, participants in notable beauty contests, referrals from the medical field in the area of special needs and/or handicapping conditions, and patrons from all age groups, both sexes, and from varying cultural backgrounds. My professional rewards continue to be immeasurable as faith in God, my love of life, and my interest in physical fitness come together to give me the opportunity to help others capture an increased capacity to control life and enjoy good health.
Narnia Prokosch Victoria, BC Canada Narina Prokosch is the owner and inspiration behind Victoria Wellness Professionals, a personal training studio. Narina has been active all her life. Growing up she spent all of her teenage and early adult years training and showing horses. She then took an interest in weight lifting and has been pursuing that interest for over 30 years. Along with her certifications in personal training, Narina is a Registered Nurse with over 10 years experience as an Operating Room Nurse. With the opening of her private fitness studio, Narina and her staff are able to provide their clients with professional assistance to guide them on their road to physical and mental fitness.
Bob Kaleal Chesterland, OH Bob Kaleal currently has two masters degrees in sport medicineone in exercise physiology, the other in sports management. Previous to that he was a nationally certified massage therapist with a specialty in neuromuscular therapy. Previous to that a licensed emergency medical technician. He has a huge passion for wellness from an internal as well as external respect. He believes you need to release or work on the internal stress that an individual has. Secondly, through hard work and dedication the physical will take care of itself. He believes in a fun energetic approach towards health and wellness and strive to help others realize the same.
Valerie Pawlowski Peapack, NJ Valerie Pawlowski, NJ s leading fitness expert with16 years of professional experience is Co Owner of Punch Kettle bell Gym Far Hills, NJ, Owner of The Body Barn, Where Fitness is Cultivated and NJ Adventure Boot Camp The Ultimate Out of Gym Experience. Valerie fulfilled her dream of working in television production in 1986 after receiving her B.A. in Communications from William Paterson University. A strong desire to do more to enrich the lives of others led to a pivotal career change. Pursuing her passion for fitness, Valerie became a professional Personal Trainer in 1994. Certifications include ACSM, ACE, AFAA, Personal Trainer and AOS and WKC Certified Kettle bell Instructor. Additionally Valerie is a certified Medical Exercise Specialist, Nutrition Manager and Triathlon Coach. Valerie s most recent accomplishment first place in the World Kettle bell Long Cycle Championship.
Lisa M. Wolfe Howell, MI Lisa M. Wolfe has been focused on fitness for the past twenty years. She holds a degree in Exercise Science and is an ACE certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. She is the author of six fitness books, two instructor courses and fitness articles for various magazines.
Aaron Lerner Kansas City, MO Aaron Lerner is a Performance Enhancement Specialist, as certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, but is a teacher by nature. With a lifelong passion for sport, fitness, art and science, Lerner utilized the journalism degree he earned from the University of Kansas in 2002 to begin a career in coaching, writing, teaching and working privately with clients, which is what he has done ever since. Lerner's current client base consists of a diverse group of people whose backgrounds vary from professional athlete to Holocaust survivor. As a self-proclaimed "lifelong student," and builder of deep, long-lasting relationships, Lerner claims to learn as much from each one of his clients on a daily basis as they do from him.
Cheri Tatem Boulder, CO Cheri Tatem has been working full-time as a certified personal trainer/exercise therapist for over 20 years. She s the owner of Strength Insight located in Boulder, Colorado for the last 12 years. She works long term specifically with people who are challenged by chronic conditions and disease.
Patti Mantia Massachusetts Patti Mantia, Ed.D. is the Department Chair and Professor of Health, Fitness, and Nutrition at Holyoke Community College. She owns her own fitness education and training business The Fitness Firm and works as a Master Certification Specialist for AFAA. Patti is an internationally recognized author and presenter in the fitness field.