Congratulations to our own Jessica Swanson, Personal Training Institute’s Director of Training. This past weekend, Jess ran her fastest yet Iron Man Competition in Lake Placid clocking in at 12 hours and 47 seconds.
We’re all so proud of her and her passion for fitness. GREAT JOB JESS!
Jericho, NY, May 25, 2011 – Personal Training Institute-Tucson is proud to announce that it has opted into the Joining Forces and Let’s Move! Initiatives launched May 9th by First Lady Michelle Obama and adopted by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). The program kicks off June 1st at which time eligible military families can find participating clubs in their area online at www.healthclubs.com.
Former US Army Paratrooper Craig Jackson with his wife Miki
“I feel very strongly about taking part in this worthwhile program,” says Craig Jackson, owner of Personal Training Institute-Tucson (photo, right with his wife Miki). Craig served seven years as a US Army Paratrooper, which included a deployment to the Middle East during the first Gulf War. In fact, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of Desert Storm. Jackson adds, “Fitness training combined with nutrition guidance can inspire smart lifestyle choices, positive self-esteem, improved health and so much more. These healthy results can really make a wonderful difference for military families who have already made so many sacrifices.”
PTI-Tucson will be offering free memberships to spouses and teenage children of deployed Reservists and National Guardsmen. These memberships will include three months of Body Basic that includes two strength training session each week with unlimited cardio, as well as nutrition counseling every other week. After the initial three-month program, participants can take advantage of unlimited cardio training with periodic body composition testing. PTI is also offering program discounts to active military and veterans. PTI-Tucson is located at 7625 North Oracle Road, Suite 145 at the Oracle Crossing Shopping Center.
For additional information, contact Craig or Miki Jackson at 520-297-8280 or Tucson@personaltraininginstitute.com.
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, 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 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 13th and 14th 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 2nd 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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Personal Training Institute-Encino is ready to reshape clients in the LA area
Encino, CA, April 13, 2011 — Personal Training Institute (PTI) is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its unique fitness and nutrition club in Southern California with its first franchise to open in Encino. The Grand Opening will take place at PTI’s new location at 16350 Ventura Boulevard (near Hayvenhurst Ave., across from Ralphs) in Encino. New owner and President, Joe Hlavenka of West Toluca Lake, says that the public is welcome to take part in the festivities. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 12 noon on Friday, April 29th, with representatives and members of the Encino Chamber of Commerce. A Grand Opening Reception will follow on Friday evening from 5 pm – 8 pm., featuring complimentary food and beverages, raffles, club tours, free body and nutrition evaluations, personal time with PTI’s trainers and nutritionist and more. The Grand Opening activities will continue on Saturday, April 30th between 12-3 p.m.
“I am very pleased to welcome Joe Hlavenka to our family of franchise owners,” commented Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of Personal Training Institute. “A fitness enthusiast with a background in the healthcare industry, Joe brings both the passion and business expertise to build a strong club that will deliver results for his clients!”
At the helm of PTI-Encino is Joe Hlavenka
“The PTI combination of strength training and nutritional guidance, provided one-to-one to each member seems like the perfect fit for the Southern California lifestyle.” Hlavenka commented. “I’m looking forward to providing the opportunity, incentive and inspiration to improve the quality of life for each of my PTI members, one life at a time.”
PTI programs are designed for members ranging in age from children to seniors. Programs vary from endurance training and weight loss to strengthening, sculpting and nutritional education.
Hlavenka, who has run six marathons, including most recently the LA Marathon on Sunday, March 20, 2011, and several duathlon races, wanted to build on his personal dedication to fitness, and his strengths in the area of sports, health and wellness. He was drawn to PTI because of its unique personalized approach to both fitness and nutrition.
He also brings exceptional communications skills in the area of healthcare. He served as Director of Marketing Communications for St. Jude Medical and was the Principal in The H is Silent, a medical marketing communications company. He continues to provide pro bono marketing and public relations for the non-profit organization Community Counts, and lends his strategic marketing support to the National Human Resources Association – LA Affiliate as a board member.
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 the “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.
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The latest Personal Training Institute is set to open in Tucson, AZ
Jericho, NY, February 10, 2011 – Personal Training Institute (PTI) will soon bring its unique one-to-one approach to fitness and nutrition to Arizona, with its first franchise anticipated to open in mid-March. New franchisees Craig and Miki Jackson of Tucson report that construction is nearly complete at the new site located at 7625 North Oracle Road, Suite 145 at the Oracle Crossing Shopping Center.
“The PTI combination of strength training and nutrition guidance, provided one-to-one to each member, seems like the perfect fit for the active lifestyle of Southern Arizona.” Craig commented, adding, “Nobody is doing both, and it’s the combination of eating well and exercising that can keep people active and enjoying their lives throughout their careers and into retirement.” PTI programs are designed for clients ranging in age from children and teens through adults and seniors. Programs vary from endurance training and weight loss to strengthening, sculpting and nutritional education. Strong muscles support joints for greater mobility, stability and injury prevention.
Welcome Miki & Craig Jackson of Tucson, AZ
Miki and Craig Jackson retired from corporate positions. Craig, who traveled with his job, explained that his weight ballooned to an unhealthy level, which necessitated a substantive life change on his part. Healthy eating, exercise and commitment enabled Craig to lose over 100 pounds over the span of a year. He became a personal trainer and became inspired to open a gym. His goal was to offer a program that delivers the supports – both nutritional and physical – that people need. Before reinventing the wheel, Craig did due diligence and discovered Personal Training Institute. As a trainer, he found a natural fit and appreciated PTI’s quality fitness and nutritional programs. “Some people do horrible, crazy things to lose weight,” Craig said. “People are desperate for guidance, and PTI can deliver results-oriented programs that improve wellness and support a higher quality of life.”
For further information about this location, call Miki or Craig Jackson at, 520-297-8280 or, email them at, tucson@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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This Valentine’s Day give the gift of health and fitness to a friend or loved one. Get 3 free workouts at Personal Training Institute for your loved one. Call 1-877-PTI-WORK(s) to schedule your complimentary workouts. At PTI you get a one-to-one work out with a certified personal trainer every time. Our one-to-one approach maximizes our clients’ fitness success.
PTI-Encino is opening soon in Southern California
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.”
Welcome Joe Hlavenka of North Hollywood, CA, the franchise owner of PTI-Encina
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 Chiti of Smithtown
“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.”
Teresa McCabe of New Rochelle
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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Nutrition experts Lanette Kovachi of Subway & Carol Kur of PTI shared the spotlight on the Times Square jumbotron on Friday, January 14th
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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From left to right: William Morgan, Ron Lattanzio, Jessica Swanson, Hector Boraj, Matt Mara, Diane Esty, Nicole Lettieri, Dr. Alfred Davis, Jr., Mayor Jerry Fried, Carlos Mery, Constance Famiglietti, Carol Kur, Bennett Schwartz and Jeff Amengual.
Jericho, NY, January 12, 2011– Personal Training Institute® (PTI) is pleased to announce the opening of its latest club located at 504 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, New Jersey. The club welcomed members of the community at its grand opening event on Thursday, January 6th from 2-9 p.m. Mayor Jerry Fried, a member of the chamber of commerce and others participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. During the event, PTI’s personal trainers and nutritionist demonstrated workouts and answered health and fitness questions. Carol Kur, Co/founder of PTI, was also on-hand to celebrate the club opening.
“I am very pleased to welcome Jeffrey Amengual to our family of franchise owners,” commented Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI. “A fitness enthusiast, he brings both the passion and business expertise to help build a strong club that delivers results for his clients!”
How does PTI deliver? Clients who have experienced PTI’s unique one-to-one strength training, fitness and nutrition counseling tell their inspiring success stories best. Discover the PTI difference by visiting http://www.personaltraininginstitute.com/testimonials.html.
Amengual comments, “I am very enthusiastic about opening this turnkey fitness facility and helping to re-shape our clients while building a healthier community.” To learn more, contact Montclair@personaltraininginstitute.com or call 973-337-8449.
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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