The PTI Blog

Here are eight ways to help you lose those ten pounds that have been hanging around for way too long.  Remember, there are 3500 calories in a pound, you need to create a calorie budget and burn more than you are taking in.

1. Switch from whole-milk products to skim-milk products
2. Reduce the use of butter and margarine
3. Use extra-lean ground beef, ground white meat chicken or ground white meat turkey
4. Switch from fried potato chips to the baked ones
5. Switch from 100-plus-calorie sandwich bread to the light whole-grain bread
6. Swap fruit juice for real fruit
7. Increase your exercise and work up to 500 calories a day
8. Remove the skin from a chicken breast after cooking and save 100 calories

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Jericho, NY, February 1, 2011 – Personal Training Institute (PTI) will soon bring its unique one-to-one approach to fitness and nutrition concept to California, with its first franchise anticipated to open in Southern California in late February/early March. New owner and President, Joe Hlavenka of North Hollywood, reports that construction is well underway at the new site located at 16350 Ventura Boulevard in Encino.

“The PTI combination of strength training and nutrition guidance, provided one-to-one to each member, seems like the perfect fit for the Southern California lifestyle.” Hlavenka commented, adding, “I’m looking forward to providing the opportunity, the incentive and the inspiration to improve the quality of life for each of my PTI members, one life at a time.”

Experienced in marketing and PR, Hlavenka has been providing pro-bono marketing and PR for Community Counts, while providing strategic marketing support in his role as a board member for the National Human Resources Association – LA Affiliate. He was Director of Marketing Communications for St. Jude Medical and was the Principal in a medical marketing communications company, The H is Silent.  Wanting to build upon his personal dedication to fitness (he has run six marathons and multiple duathlons) and his strengths in the areas of sports, health and wellness, Hlavenka was drawn to PTI because of its unique personalized approach to fitness and nutrition.

For further information about this location, call Joe Hlavenka at, 818-783-4792 (as of 2/11/2011) or, email him at, Encino@personaltraininginstitute.com.

Interested in being a part of this dynamic and growing fitness franchise? Visit www.ptifranchise.com or text “ownpti” to 48510.

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.
CONTACT: Carol Kur, MSRD 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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Jericho, NY, January 20, 2011– Personal Training Institute® (PTI) is pleased to announce the results of its annual contest that seeks to identify PTI staff members who did an outstanding job during 2010 as voted by their respective clients nationwide. Jenn Chiti of PTI-Smithtown, New York and Teresa McCabe of PTI-New Rochelle, New York share the top honor. They will be recognized at PTI’s annual national spring convention and will also receive a gift card as thanks for their outstanding performance.

According to Personal Training Institute President and CEO Evan A. Kaplan, “What sets PTI apart is its one-to-one personal training and nutritional guidance that yields amazing results, and so this award is very important because it spotlights top performance in meeting client needs among our outstanding team of staff members and personal trainers nationwide.”

“Jenn is one of the most hardworking employees I ever had the pleasure of employing,” remarked Paul-John Muscatella, co-franchisee of PTI-Smithtown.  “She cares not only about each and every client and their personal goals but also cares about Justin and myself and what is best for our business.”  Jenn serves 150 clients in her role at PTI.

Joseph Englander, franchisee of PTI-New Rochelle, said, “Teresa really shines. She brings great, positive energy and motivates her clients with three simple words: Yes You Can!” She has trained over 100 PTI clients at this location.

One client wrote:

“I would like to vote for Teresa McCabe at the PTI of New Rochelle. She is just the greatest! She is extremely motivating and patient with me. She talks to me throughout the workout boosting my confidence and getting rid of all my negativity. I complain throughout the workout but it does not bother her; she knows how to handle me. Teresa custom designs my workout routines after getting input from me on what areas I want to work on most.”

About 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.

CONTACT: Carol Kur, MSRD 516-342-9064 x16; ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; www.personaltraininginstitute.com or Karin Machusic, Public Relations, 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.

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Jericho, NY, January 17, 2011— Nutrition and fitness took the giant spotlight in Times Square Friday, January 14, with a promotion featuring Lanette Kovachi (photo, left), MS, RD, corporate dietician for SUBWAY and Carol Kur (photo, right), MS, RD, nutrition & fitness expert and co/founder of PTI.  The promotion featured on the Times Square Jumbotron was intended to raise awareness for the nutrition and fitness tips offered at www.subway.com and click on “Menu/Nutrition” tab and then click “Expert Advice,” where you will find health and fitness tips that can help get people off to a healthy start in the New Year.

According to PTI Co/founder Carol Kur, “The promotional feature on the Times Square Jumbotron was both fun and gratifying.  Nutrition deserves the spotlight, and I am so pleased to join with SUBWAY to provide tips that can contribute to a healthier America.”

Ms. Kur provides free, weekly nutrition and fitness suggestions, recipes and more for children and adults via an e-mail newsletter: the PTI Buzz. Visit the PTI Buzz archive: http://www.personaltraininginstitute.com/blog/category/pti-buzz/ or sign up to receive free weekly tips: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001PhdQ1BjzXNTG8lGdnBQAdg%3D%3D

About 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.
CONTACT: Carol Kur, MSRD 516-342-9064 x16; ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; www.personaltraininginstitute.com or Karin Machusic, Public Relations, 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.

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Let’s get started together by incorporating these tips into your 2011 weight loss plan.

• Set a definite date to begin
• Write your goals down
• Remove the temptations
• Make small changes every week
• You don’t have to go it alone!
• Journal everything
• Photograph yourself weekly,pictures don’t lie
• Set realistic goals

Be kind to yourself, you did not gain this weight in two weeks so don’t expect to lose it in two weeks…this is a marathon not a sprint!

Jericho, NY, November 19, 2010– Personal Training Institute® (PTI) has been sprinting to a number of events with Subway®, sharing its fitness and nutrition expertise. Two events on November 16^th included a school wellness event, as well as a Subway® employee health fair.

 The Rockville Centre Subway® and PTI partnered to deliver a fitness and nutrition event at Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School as part of its Nutrition Month. Students sampled healthy sandwiches and enjoyed special fitness activities courtesy of PTI’s personal trainers. The students, grades K through 5, participated in fun fitness activities throughout the day, supervised by PTI certified trainers Rosie Santana and Anthony Paruolo, Fitness Manager. “We were honored to participate with SUBWAY^® at Hewitt School and promote healthy attitudes towards fitness and nutrition,” says Rosie. ”We truly enjoyed spending the day with the children and showed them fun ways to incorporate exercise into their daily lives.”

 PTI was invited by the Human Resources department at Franchise World Headquarters, which hosts an annual health fair for approximately 800 employees at Subway’s

 world headquarters at 325 Bic Drive, Milford, Connecticut. Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI and Dee Mullin, personal trainer and head of PTI’s franchise development and support, were joined by Guilford, Connecticut PTI franchise owner Kim Starbard. They conducted body fat composition analysis and provided nutrition and fitness guidance to attendees.

 “We were really happy to participate in the health fair,” remarked Dee Mullin of PTI. “Subway not only promotes healthy eating to the public, but they also encourage their employees to make positive lifestyle choices that we are only too happy to support. Making good nutritional choices when paired with strength training and a fit lifestyle can really yield wonderful results.”

PTI also joined the Subway® with its fitness and strength training message at Subway’s booth at the ADA (America Dietetic Association) Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo November 8-9 in Boston, Massachusetts. “Everyday we hear about overweight America,” remarked Dee Mullin of PTI. “We were thrilled to join with Subway, a fast food company that is popularizing healthier food options, because we really believe that combining fitness and nutrition yields amazing results.” Ms. Mullin consulted with ADA conferees specifically about strength training, which too few women are doing, as a way to decrease body fat.

 PTI participated with seminars and a booth at the 2010 Subway® Convention July 21-25 at McCormick Place West Convention Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. “Our participation at this event added a positive dimension,” commented Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI. “Our nutritional message helps validate the positive options Subway provides consumers, and our fitness guidance provides best practices to help people achieve optimum wellness. I feel that PTI made healthy connections!”

Kur conducted body fat analysis and provided nutritional advice for meeting attendees. Four members from a Canadian Subway team (see attached photo L-R) Jim Weatherall, Barb Pineau, (PTI’s Carol Kur, center) Mike Lopez and Steve Green were spurred on to lose weight. The foursome will weigh-in at their Fall Field Meeting and name charities that will benefit from their weight loss. Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to bet on which of the four they think will win the challenge. The final weigh-in is scheduled at the Spring Field Meeting and will determine who wins and which charity will benefit. Kur donated a Tanita® weight scale to this Canadian group.

PTI clients have experienced success because they always receive one-to-one nutritional counseling and personal training that combines strength training with cardio regimens to achieve visible results (see http://www.personaltraininginstitute.com/testimonials.html).

About 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 516-342-9064 x16 or ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; www.personaltraininginstitute.com or Karin Machusic, PR Consultant to PTI 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.

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 SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

 

Jericho, NY, November 19, 2010– Personal Training Institute® (PTI) was invited by the Human Resources department at Franchise World Headquarters, which hosts an annual health fair for approximately 800 employees at Subway’s world headquarters at 325 Bic Drive, Milford, Connecticut. Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI and Dee Mullin, personal trainer and head of PTI’s franchise development and support, were joined by Guilford, Connecticut PTI franchise owner Kim Starbard. They conducted body fat composition analysis and provided nutrition and fitness guidance to attendees.   

“We were really happy to participate in the health fair,” remarked Dee Mullin of PTI. “Subway not only promotes healthy eating to the public, but they also encourage their employees to make positive lifestyle choices that we are only too happy to support. Making good nutritional choices when paired with strength training and a fit lifestyle can really yield wonderful results.”   

PTI clients have experienced success because they receive one-on-one nutritional counseling and personal training that combines strength training with cardio regimens to achieve visible results. Visit PTI’s testimonial page to see for yourself.  

About 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 516-342-9064 x16 or ckur@personaltraininginstitute.com; www.personaltraininginstitute.com or Karin Machusic, PR Consultant to PTI 925-524-4334 or kjmachusic@msn.com.   

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SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.

PTI’s Dee Mullin Runs Marine Corps Marathon
Fundraising efforts to benefit Strength for Life-New York

Jericho, NY, November 2, 2010 – In her first-ever full marathon, Dee Mullin of Commack, NY joined more than 30,000 runners in 35th annual Marine Corps Marathon held in Washington, DC. Ms. Mullin raised $950, which she is accumulating and will donate to 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. Ms. Mullin has a website, http://www.deesrun.com/, which lists her ongoing races and provides the public with the opportunity to learn about and donate to Strength for Life.

“I’ve only been running for about two years, and I am proof positive that personal training can take you wherever you want to go,” said Ms. Mullin. Jessica Swanson, National Director of Training & Development for Personal Training Institute (PTI), developed a program for Mullin, and she has been training since July 2010. Mullin commented, “I was inspired to run when I was working expos in my role at PTI and was floored by all the shapes and sizes of people who run marathons.”

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 PTI, is a member of Strength for Life’s Board of Directors.

PTI offers a discounted program to qualifying veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. PTI believes that veterans possess a unique understanding of commitment, fitness and self-discipline. Visit: http://www.personaltraininginstitute.com/franchise-site/vet-fran-opportunity.php.

Mullin will next be racing in the inaugural Evelyn Knapp 5K Memorial Run to benefit Strength for Life at Sunken Meadow State Park in King’s Park, New York on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $22. To learn more, go to: www.strengthforlifeny.org and click on the “Upcoming Events” tab and scroll down to the race.

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.