Meet our personal trainers

George Bender

EDUCATION:

• Master’s in Education, Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Pittsburgh
• B.A. in Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
• Post graduate work at Duquesne University in Philosophy
• Post graduate work at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in Theology

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ACE Certified Personal Trainer since August of 2006
• Studying yoga at Yoga on Centre
• Personal Trainer in the AARP collaborative program with ACE.

AREAS OF GREATEST INTEREST:

• I am especially interested in Mind/Body exercises like Yoga and Pilates.
• Working with the senior population to increase fitness, function and quality of life.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Yoga, Pilates, resistance training, core strengthening and stabilization, cross training and outdoor exercising.
• I love to hike and backpack
• I enjoy classical music, history, philosophy and science.
• I enjoy and believe in life long learning.
• I also have a wonderful wife and daughter.

PHILOSOPHY:

I believe that health and fitness is an integral part of a life well lived. I want to share my passion with others. For me, fitness and exercise is also fun and brings joy and vitality. There are some great Personal Trainers at the JCC. Try one and I hope you will have fun, feel more alive and become energized, all while sweating and becoming more fit.

Beth Bradley

EDUCATION:

• CCAC (South Campus), Associates in Applied Science Medical Technology, specialized in Human Biochemistry

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ACE Personal Trainer
• NABF Personal Trainer
• NABF Nutrition Technician
• BTS Group Power

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Muscular endurance and toning
• Abdominal core strength
• Weight loss and nutrition

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Weight training and fitness
• A great road trip
• A nice beach
• Collect rocks

PHILOSOPHY:

One must be smarter than the equipment they are working with… especially if they are dumbbells.

Monica Caine

EDUCATION:

• Currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from The Ohio State University.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• B.S in Exercise Physiology

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Creating safe, effective, and efficient exercise programs for clients that have health concerns such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, cardiac/neural ailments, and orthopedic issues
• Preparing well-rounded exercise programs for novice exercisers by combining strength training, cardiovascular conditioning and flexibility training into their workouts
• Adding more versatility to clients’ exercise regimens and challenging them to reach even higher levels of fitness (while still having fun)
• Applying my expertise and knowledge in physical fitness and muscular physiology to help clients reach their personal health goals

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• I exercise daily and am an avid runner.
• I have participated in cross-county, track and swimming.
• I completed my first half marathon last year in Cleveland and I am currently training for the Pittsburgh half marathon.
• I also enjoy college football.
• I am a die-hard Buckeye fan!
• Other interests of mine include: reading, traveling and designing jewelry.

PHILOSOPHY:

Exercise should be an integral part of your everyday life that you enjoy and look forward to on a daily basis. It allows you to do something for your body and mind that will enhance your everyday life and make you feel good about yourself.

Holly Carter

EDUCATION:

• University of Pittsburgh, BS in Psychology
• 4 years research in Behavioral Physiology

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ISSA Certification
• NESTA Certification

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

Weight loss and functional training for general fitness

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Hiking
• Weightlifting
• Biking

PHILOSOPHY:

Keep everything balance – balanced meals, balanced workouts, rest, play, and work.

Menachem Brodie

EDUCATION:

• University of Pittsburgh
• Exercise Science, B.S.
• Minor in Coaching

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• National Strength & Conditioning Association- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
• USA Cycling Level 2 coach
• USA Cycling Official
• PA Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (National Registry Certification pending)
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor
• American Red Cross CPR & First Aid Instructor
• Professional Affiliations
• National Strength & Conditioning Association
• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Athletic Trainer Association
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
• USA Triathlon
• IDEA Health & Fitness Association

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Strength & Conditioning for sports, and day-to-day life.
• Training for Endurance Sport Events and Activities
• Training for Power Sports, and Power-Based sports
• Power Lifting
• Sport-Specific Training
• Weight loss
• Weight gain (Muscle Mass, Muscle Tone)
• Post-Therapy/ Post- Rehab Exercise

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Cycling, yoga, running, weight training, basketball
• Reading/finding good books
• Finding new healthy recipes
• Good coffee!

PHILOSOPHY:

My job is to keep you healthy, working better, and to help you get the most out of your fitness, and time with you loved ones.

Starting with a full body approach to help prepare the body for higher, more intense exercise demands, we will work from the ground up, addressing any muscular weaknesses or imbalances before moving on to more advanced exercises. The result: A solid foundation, for a healthier, stronger, fitter you. Leaving you able to take on day to day activities, and reducing your risk of injury.

Jordan Gates

EDUCATION:

• Indiana University of Pennsylvania, B.S. Exercise Physiology with a concentration in Athletic Training/Biology
• University of Pittsburgh M.S.S.M. Masters in Sports Medicine

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Instructor
• Board Certified Athletic Trainer

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• My expertise is in injury prevention and recovery. I have also been a part of a number of research studies at the University of Pittsburgh looking at exercise and rehabilitation. I have been personal raining for four years.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• I enjoy anything that involves fitness. I also enjoy fishing and the outdoors.

PHILOSOPHY:

Exercise is for everyone it's a universal ground where anyone can achieve a better quality of life.

Joe DeAntonis

One of only four certified specialists in Pennsylvania for Muscle Activation Techniques, a unique and practical approach to evaluating and treating neuromuscular imbalances that may contribute to pain or injury. A personal trainer since 1994. Is an educator in exercise mechanics.

Mark Haffner

EDUCATION:

• University of Maryland Bachelor Degree of General Studies
• Career Training Academy Massage Therapist
• NLP Life Coach of California
• Certified BLP Life Coach

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• AFAA Personal Trainer, 12 years
• NLP Life Coach- International Coach Federation
• USPTR Tennis Professional, 12 years
• In Line Skating Instructor
• Certified Senior Group Fitness Instructor

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

Work with people of all ages from functional athletes, to people with ailments

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

My family, sports, traveling and exercise

PHILOSOPHY:

Never give up. It’s never too late to start and have fun.

WEB SITE:

http://www.onyourmarktennis.com/index2.html

Joe Ventress

EDUCATION:

• University of Louisiana at Lafayette, B.A. Exercise Science

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• CPR and First Aid
• Former U.S. Olympic Committee Certified D Level Judo Coach

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Body conditioning for improved sports performance
• Improving functional strength and balance
• Producing fun, innovative work-outs

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Avid reader and listener of audiobooks

PHILOSOPHY:

Everyone should leave a workout sweaty and happy.

Jamie Harris

EDUCATION:

• College

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ISSA Certification

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Strength training and power-lifting

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Musician

PHILOSOPHY:

Train hard, train smart.

George A. James

EDUCATION:

• CCAC: Education
• Slippery Rock: Exercise Science

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• United States Olympic Training Center
• Weightlifting Coaching
• Kettlebell Athletics
• Kettlebell Instructor

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Core Conditioning
• Weight Lifting
• Kettle Bell

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Competing in all around weight lifting and power lifting

Fishing, nutrition, reading on various subjects, & igniting positive energy

Heather H. Jennings

EDUCATION:

• Current student in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program at University of Pittsburgh.
• B.S. in Kinesiology from Penn State University, main campus (University Park).

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ACE certified Personal Trainer
• Currently obtaining Level 1 P.I.C.P. (Poliquin Certification International Program).  Levels 1 to 3 are designed for strength coaches who work with developing athletes going from regional level to national level. Each one of these levels has a theory, technical and practical component.
• Active Release Technique (ART) Upper Extremity Certified
• CPR certified
• Fitness Instructor for kickboxing, hi/lo, step, aquacise, full body toning, and pilates.

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Sports rehabilitation and injury prevention
• Strength and conditioning for all sports
• Individualized weight loss and fitness programs.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• lifting
• sports
• reading

MY PHILOSOPHY:

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."
Beverly Sills

Great works are performed, not by strength but by perseverance. — Samuel Johnson

Nicholas Cenname

EDUCATION:

• B.A. Duquesne University (History)

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Training
• American Heart Association (CPR)

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Youth athletic training
• Sport specific training

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Participating in athletics
• Coaching basketball
• Reading
• Bowling
• Playing cards

PHILOSOPHY:

Developing consistent exercise habits is the primary goal.
Producing strength gains is the secondary goal.

Kevin Hutchinson

EDUCATION:

• B.S. Sports Management / Exercise Physiology

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• Powerline Personal Training Certification
• CPR/AED
• Professional Liability Insurance

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Individuals with High Risk Factors, special populations
• Working with seniors/general health

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Enjoy participating in competitive events, travel, theater, and reading. Spending time with family.

PHILOSOPHY:

To improve a client’s function with strength training, cardiovascular exercise, balance and range of motion.

George Logan

EDUCATION:

• University of Pittsburgh
• American Council on Exercise
• National Federation of Professional Trainers
• International Sports Science Association

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• ACE weight management consultant
• NFPT Personal Trainer
• ISSA Certification

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Core strength and stability
• Sports strength and conditioning
• Improve balance, coordination, and differentiation
• Improve stamina, agility and quickness
• Flexibility and stretching
• Youth fitness and sports conditioning
• Plyometrics

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Cooking
• Fishing
• Working out
• Home improvement

PHILOSOPHY:

My philosophy is to take care of my mind, body and soul, so I can stay fit, and to enjoy my family and life.

Marsha Mullen

EDUCATION:

• M.S. in Sports Medicine/ Exercise Physiology
• BSE in Physical Education with Minor Athletic Training

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• NATA, National Athletic Training Association
• BLS, Basic Life Support
• Spinning
• BTS, Body Training Systems, Group Power certification

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Athletic Training- Prevention, maintenance and rehab of injuries
• Cardiac Rehab Specialist

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Cycling and gardening
• Enjoying time with my son and husband
• Learning about new health and fitness topics

PHILOSOPHY:

Exercise is like taking a pill but you don’t have to swallow it—it helps you feel better!

Matt Proskin

EDUCATION:

• BS in Movement Science with specialization in Exercise Science: University of Pittsburgh
• MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotion with Concentration in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention: Califonia University of Pennsylivia

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• National Acedemy of Sports Medicine: Performacne enhancement Specialist

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

• Sports Performance Training (strength, power, speed, agility, quickness)
• Youth and Teen training
• Total Fitness training

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

• Olympic and Powerlifting
• Competitive League: flag football, soccer, basketball
• Recreational: volleyball, squash, racquetball, bicycling, swimming, running.
• Coaching sports/ youth athletics
• Anything else active.
• Interested in anything educational
• Spending time with wife and 3 wonderful kids.

PHILOSOPHY:

Matt demands success from himself and he puts this same attitude into helping you achieve your fitness goals. "Based on science, built on experience," Matt says, whether it is athletic performance, weight loss, changing your body and life style, rehab, bodybuilding, fitness or other goals. Matt has the education and proven success to get you where you want and deserve to be.

Jeff Purcell

AFAA certified Personal Trainer; B.S. in Sports Management from Robert Morrris University.

Will Smith

NASM certified Personal Trainer.

Laurie Wood

EDUCATION:

• M.S. in Exercise Physiology, University of Pittsburgh
• B.S. in Exercise Science, University of Pittsburgh

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

• NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Red Cross CPR/AED Certification
• Certified Spinning Instructor
• BTS, Body Training Systems, Group Power certification
• Physical Mind Institute Mat Pilates

AREAS OF GREATEST EXPERTISE:

Introducing someone who doesn’t exercise to fitness.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS:

Having fun with my kids and husband and being active.

PHILOSOPHY:

Exercise improves your health, it is a lifelong habit that you can never quit; it is never too late to start!