The PTI Blog

PTI staff, clients & friends raced around the clock at the Ragner Relay

Jericho, NY, May 23, 2011 – In her fifth race to benefit Strength for Life, Dee Mullin of the Personal  Training Institute was joined by colleague Jessica Swanson, former longtime PTI client Denise Chapman and current PTI client Nadine Schiavo and eight other members of their relay team “Running from (Celebrity) Rehab with Dr. Drew,” as they ran around the clock on May 13^th and 14^th in the 31-hour Ragnar Relay Series race that covered 197 miles from Bethel to Westchester. The weather held out for the racers, with special credit to PTI’s director of training Jessica Swanson, who ran despite battling poison ivy and a sinus infection. The team ran at a 9:33 mile pace, which is below the 11:00 mile average for this grueling relay http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/newyork). Dee and two friends raised $1,100, and Denise Chapman raised $810 for a team total of $1900 benefiting Strength for Life, a nonprofit organization that provides free exercise classes and wellness weekends for cancer patients and survivors at locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“I am inspired by Maggie, a client of Strength for Life,” said Ms. Mullin. “She is battling cancer of the appendix and is making tremendous strides thanks in part to the wellness programs provided by Strength for Life.” Fitness training combined with good nutrition can be hugely beneficial to cancer patients, giving them a sense of control in a devastating situation and providing them with more energy and an enhanced quality of life.

Cancer partients find strength in wellness classes

Maggie has been part of the Strength for Life program for more than one year. She had a second surgery in December 2010, yet she has gained remarkable endurance and strength through her workouts at Strength for Life. “… I don’t know if you two (Strength for Life co-founders) realize that you have changed my life forever. I will drop everything to make sure that I go to the exercise on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. Your encouragement helped a lot. I always feel great after exercise, and I get to see all of my friends including both of you.” ~ Maggie

Fitness is all in the family and work culture for Ms. Mullin. Mullin started her career as a personal trainer with PTI and is now responsible for PTI’s franchise development and support. Her mom, Jacqui Errico, a certified Cancer Wellness Specialist and Health Fitness Instructor/Personal Fitness Trainer is the co-founder of Strength for Life, which was founded in honor of Evelyn Knapp, Co/founder of PTI, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2005. Evan Kaplan, President & CEO of Personal Training Institute, is a member of Strength for Life’s Board of Directors and Carol Kur, Co/founder of PTI is on the organization’s Medical Advisory Board.

Strength for Life is currently seeking sponsors for its 2^nd annual “Evelyn Knapp’s Run to Remember” event, which is scheduled November 20, 2011 at Sunken Meadow State Park. According to the race organizer, they expect 1000+ registrants this year, especially since the course is one of the most challenging in the Northeast and last year’s event was professional and timely. Sponsors receive name and logo placement on marketing materials that are distributed to thousands of potential racers throughout Long Island, as well as publicity on Strength for Life’s website, placement on race day apparel and mentions in all pre-race and post-race publicity. To learn more, visit: http://strength.engineroomdm.com/NewsEvents/FundraisingEvents.aspx.

PERSONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE: PTI has been changing lives since 1987 by combining its proven integrated program that encompasses one-to-one strength training and customized nutrition counseling for every client. Ranked in Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500,” PTI was also named among “Top 50 Franchises – for franchisee satisfaction” by Franchise Business Review. This results-oriented franchise is growing nationwide to help members and owners to achieve their goals. Visit www.ptifranchise.com for more information.
Strength for Life provides exercise classes, equipment and wellness retreats to cancer patients on Long  Island at no cost to participants. Founded in 2007, the race honors the memory of Evelyn Knapp who lost her battle with breast cancer at 40 years old. As an exercise physiologist Evelyn knew the benefits of exercise and personally experienced how it helped during treatment. We became Certified Cancer Exercise Specialists hoping to share the information and empower cancer patients/survivors to feel their absolute best and regain their ‘strength for life’. After our first breast cancer support group presentation we knew we had to offset the costs somehow because cancer patients have astronomical costs even when they have insurance.

Strength for Life has recently been featured in Long Island Business News, featured on FIOS1 ‘My LITV” and ‘Live it UP’ Ch. 55 and honored by Long Island Press ‘Fortune 52’ celebrating Long Island’s unique and inspirational women. With that recognition comes growth and greater need for funds to maintain the programs at no cost.

CONTACT: Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI at 516-342-9064 x16 or ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; or Karin Machusic, PR Consultant to PTI at 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.

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PTI locations turn out in force to assist with race, benefiting Strength for Life-New York

Racers line up in numbers exceeding expectations for the inaugural Evelyn Knapp 5K Run.

Jericho, NY, November 23, 2010 – Turnout exceeded expectations for the inaugural Evelyn Knapp 5K Memorial Run held Sunday, November 21, with proceeds benefiting Strength for Life, a nonprofit organization that provides free exercise classes and wellness weekends for cancer patients and survivors at locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Dr. Karen Barbosa, an event sponsor, led 75 children in a pre-race warm up before the free Kid’s Fun Run. The 5K run took place at Sunken Meadow State Park, and 520 runners registered to compete. Staff and clients from Personal Training Institute locations including Commack, Jericho, Huntington Bay, Port Washington, Plainview and Smithtown came out to help, rally the runners and participate, as well.

Brian Coyle, age 19 of Bayport NY, won 1st place overall with a time of 18:23.

The overall race winner was Brian Coyle, age 19 of Bayport, NY with a time of 18:23.0. The top female finisher (fourth place overall) was Laura Cummings, age 23, of Bay Shore, NY with a time of 19:16.0. In the Cancer Survivor Division, Peter Martin, age 60 of Bellmore, NY, took first place with a time of 23:42.0. Senior racers also inspired, including cancer survivor Ginny Guichard, age 73, who finished the race with a time of 48:56, as well as Gary Muhrcke, age 70, who took first place in his age 70-74 age group with a competitive time of 24:54. The youngest racer was Lindsey Campbell, age 7 of Oyster Bay, NY with a time of 38:26.7, and the oldest racer was Robert Carr, age 75, of Saint James, NY with a time of 39:20.8. For additional race results, see http://start2finish.com and click on Evelyn Knapp Memorial Run. To view race photos, visit: http://strengthforlifeny.blogspot.com.

According to Jacqui Errico, Co-founder, Strength for Life, “It was a beautiful day and our turn out was terrific, with 180 people registering on the day of the race. We are so grateful to PTI, our families, neighbors and friends who came out to show their support. Everyone seemed to agree that Evelyn would not have had it any other way – a challenging run!”

“Unbelievable!” exclaimed Debbie Hughes, Co-founder, Strength for Life. “It was amazing to see the fabulous event turnout, which included cancer patients and survivors. One-hundred percent of the more than $8,500 raised goes directly to our wellness programs for cancer patients and survivors.”

Dr. Karen Barbosa led the warm-up for the Kid's Fun Run, which had 75 participants

Sponsors included: LI Radio Group (media sponsor); Center of Healthy Living (Roxanne Carfora, DO); Karen Barbosa, DO, Fellowship Trained Breast Surgeon; Inner Source (Pina LoGiudice N.D., LAC; Larkfield Family Chiropractic (Michelle Kobbe, DC); RunSmart with Debbie Blair; Center Yourself (www.centeryourselfnow.net); Personal Training Institute/New Rochelle; Personal Training Institute-Jericho; Dole & Wheaties; Clayton Funeral Home; South Shore Theatre; US Wellness Meats; King O’Rourke; Cassone Leasing; Stop and Shop; Kings Park Florist; Super Runners Shop, as well as gifts and services courtesy of: Star Trac; Mountain Valley Spring Water; US Wellness Meats; Runner’s Edge; Popei’s Clam Bar; H2O; New Balance; King Kullen; Hand and Stone; Shears of Elegance; Bagel King; Edelweiss Deli; Andersen’s Deli; Babylon Bike; Chili’s; Costco; Pathmark; Target; Home Depot; Trader Joe’s and Applebee’s.

“I found this event really uplifting,” commented Carol Kur, MSRD and Co/founder of PTI. “It was a privilege to confer a special award to the Knapp family, as well as awards to the racers. I was proud of our PTI locations for their tremendous support.” Ms. Kur is a member of Strength for Life’s Medical Advisory Board and Evan Kaplan, President & CEO of PTI, is a member of the Board of Directors.

STRENGTH FOR LIFE: Evelyn Knapp, co-founder of Personal Training Institute, spent a lifetime promoting exercise and proper nutrition to thousands. Her knowledge, motivation and dedication helped inspire countless individuals to engage in a healthier lifestyle. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Evelyn continued exercising throughout treatment. She would say it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation. From there she made a new commitment to promote exercise for cancer patients so they, too, would experience the benefits. In 2005 Evelyn lost her battle with breast cancer. However, her mission was not lost. Strength for Life was formed in Evelyn’s memory to continue her work and to make her vision a reality.  Visit www.strengthforlifeny.org to learn more.

PERSONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE: PTI has been changing lives since 1987 by combining its proven integrated program that encompasses one-to-one strength training and customized nutrition counseling for every client. PTI was named “Best in Category” in the recent Top 50 Franchise Business Review. This results-oriented franchise is growing nationwide to help members and owners to achieve their goals. For more information, see www.ptifranchise.com.
CONTACT: Carol Kur, MSRD, Co-Founder of PTI at 516-342-9064 x16 or ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; or Karin Machusic, PR Consultant to PTI at 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.

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This is our second PTI Buzz post highlighting foods that can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.  You can find the first post here.  As we mentioned in the earlier post, the scientific and medical communities are learning that there is a correlation between what you eat and your risk for getting breast cancer.  Certain foods can help reduce your risk.  Try adding the following foods to your diet to help reduce your risk.

• Foods that are high in Vitamin D
• A bowl of Dark Cherries
• Compounds called limonoids, found in the peel and white membrane of oranges
• Drink green tea, hot or cold
• Garlic
• A serving of spinach at least twice a week
• Flaxseed and Flaxseed oil

Join the fight against breast cancer, donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The scientific and medical communities are learning that there is a correlation between what you eat and your risk for getting breast cancer. Try adding the following foods to your diet, they have been shown to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Eat your Cruciferous vegetables!

Cruciferous vegetables — radish, broccoli, cauliflower, rutabaga, cabbage, turnips, turnip greens

Vegetables rich in carotenoids — broccoli, carrots, beetroot,  tomatoes and pumpkin

Red Fruits — berries, raisins,cherries,red grapes

Cold Water Fish — salmon,tuna,anchovies,swordfish,pollock, crab, sardines

Don’t forget the value of whole grains, it is important to include them in your daily intake as well.

Join the fight against breast cancer, donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Strength for Life honors the memory of Evelyn Knapp with the inaugural 5k run at Sunken Meadow State Park on Nov. 21, 2010.  The course is 5K (3.107miles) through the scenic trails of Sunken Meadow State Park located along the Long Island Sound.

To register for the race download the race registration form (pdf).  You can also be an individual sponsor, click here to download the sponsor form (pdf).  If you have any questions, you can call or stop in at PTI of Smithtown and speak with Paul.

Evelyn Knapp, co-founder of Personal Training Institute, spent a lifetime promoting exercise and proper nutrition to thousands. Her knowledge, motivation and dedication helped inspire countless individuals to engage in a healthier lifestyle. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Evelyn continued exercising throughout treatment. She would say it gave her a feeling of control in an uncontrollable situation. From there she made a new commitment to promote exercise for cancer patients so they, too, would experience the benefits. In 2005 Evelyn lost her battle with breast cancer. However, her mission was not lost. Strength for Life was formed in Evelyn’s memory so we may continue her work and make her vision a reality.

Strength for Life is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization providing free exercise classes and wellness weekends to cancer patients and survivors.

Every hour of every day, someone is diagnosed with MS.  That’s why we registered for the 2010 bikeMS© Ride on September 11 & 12, and why we are asking you to support our fund raising efforts with a tax-deductible donation.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS but they can’t do it without our help. It’s faster and easier than ever to support this cause, that is so important to us all at PTI.  Simply click on the link at the bottom of this message. If you prefer, you can send your contribution to the address listed below or feel free to join us on the day as a rider or as team support.

Any amount, great or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. We at Personal Training Institute® appreciate your support and look forward to letting you know how we do.

Questions about the Ride? Email Natale Kantonist at nkanotnist@nmssli.org or our Team Captain, PTI’s Donna Cole, at jericho@personaltraininginstitute.com, Or speak to the Manager at your local PTI.

P.S. If you would like more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, how proceeds from the bikeMS© Ride are used, or the other ways you can get involved in the fight against MS, please visit nationalmssociety.org.

Click here to view the team page for Team PTI

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or

1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).

Our postal address is:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

733 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Casino Night Gala

A fundraising event to benefit Strength for Life

Date: May 20, 2010 from 7pm – 11pm

Place: Stonebridge Country Club – Smithtown, New York

Donation: $100 per ticket

Join us for buffet dinner, open bar, dancing, and table games.

Strength for Life was formed in memory of Evelyn Knapp, an exercise physiologist and co-founder of Personal Training Institute.

In 2005, at the age of 40, Evelyn lost her battle with breast cancer.  After her diagnosis, Evelyn continued to exercise saying it gave her control in an uncontrollable situation.  Evelyn’s passion was helping others achieve optimal health through exercise and nutrition.  Our mission is to help others regain their strength for life, with Evelyn as our inspiration, and to keep her memory alive.

Strength for Life is a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides free exercise classes and wellness weekends to cancer patients and survivors.  To learn more, visit strengthforlifeny.org.

Download the event flyer here (pdf).

Calling all Long Islanders!

Personal Training Institute, the Navel Expo, and Strength for Life need your help to raise money for people struggling with cancer.  You can help raise money by losing excess body fat, getting in shape, and reaching your target goal weight.  For every one pound of body fat you lose, $1 goes towards helping people with cancer get a free exercise program.

How do I get started?

Registration begins March 2nd. Sign up at your local Personal Training Institute fitness center.  Set your goal weight, take a ‘before’ picture and invite your friends to sponsor you at $1 per pound.

All proceeds to benefit Strength for Life, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting people living with cancer, reclaim their lives by providing a safe and effective exercise program FREE OF CHARGE.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the NAVEL Expo at the Huntington Hilton, Long Island on May 2nd.  We will be exhibiting, so be sure to stop by the PTI booth.

For more information regarding the Big Long Island Million Pound Challenge, call (631) 882-3387.

You can also download and print a copy of the Challenge flyer here (pdf).

Please help us spread the word by sharing with your friends.