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!
PTI-Encino voted #1 in personal training!
Encino, CA, July 6, 2011 – Personal Training Institute-Encino has won top honors for “Best Personal Training” in the 2011 “Best of Our Ventura Blvd” contest, as voted by members of the community. Results are currently published on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OurVenturaBlvd by clicking on the “Best of Our Ventura Blvd” tab and scrolling down to “M is for Muscle.” The complete list of winners and finalists will be published in the “Best of Ventura” issue of Ventura Blvd Magazine. PTI-Encino is located at 16350 Ventura Boulevard, Suite C in the Avalon Bay Encino shopping center.
“This award is truly gratifying,” comments Joe Hlavenka, President of PTI-Encino. “While we are new in the community (PTI-Encino opened in March 2011), our combination of one-to-one strength training combined with nutritional counseling is making a difference in people’s lives. This award reflects the enthusiasm of our clients and is a testament to our strong PTI team.”
Personal Training Institute co-founder Carol Kur, MSRD, remarks, “I am thrilled for Joe and his Encino location! We are all so proud of how Joe has proved to be a great franchisee and to have such a great honor bestowed upon his facility so early in the game. We expect more great things to follow.”
Personal Training Institute-Encino opened in March 2011 and is off to a winning start
Personal Training Institute offers personalized programs for multi ages from children to seniors with a goal of producing the best results based upon individual body type and lifestyle.
Programs vary from endurance training and weight loss to strengthening, sculpting and nutritional education. PTI offers family and student discounts and insurance reimbursement to eligible clients.
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.
For further information about this location, call Joe Hlavenka at, 818 783-4792, email him at, Encino@personaltraininginstitute.com or find PTI on Facebook: ttp://www.facebook.com/PersonalTrainingInstituteEncino.
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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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Today, Personal Training Institute of Fort Wayne Indiana wins the prize for Facebook of the day. Not that we have a winner every day, but we thought that this one needed special mention. Great job Jacki and the Fort Wayne team. Check out them out!!
PTI’s own Dee Mullin, Director of Franchise Services will be one of the select panelists at the Tuesday Economic Empowerment Through Franchising Meeting in NYC. This event is sponsored by the Black Ivy Alumni League and will be held:
Tuesday, April 26 at 6PM
The New York Life – Graybar Building
420 Lexington Ave., 15th Floor
New York, NY 10170
Between 43rd and 44th Streets
Franchised businesses account for a significant portion of U.S. retail sales and have increased in global appeal in recent years. Franchised businesses can be found in over 70 different industries and have generated wealth for many Americans. However, African-American and other minority groups continue to be under-represented in the franchise industry. Is franchising right for you?
Come learn more from a panel of industry participants about the franchise business model and how it compares to independent business ownership. The panel will also explore different types of franchise opportunities and how to assess them, discuss investment requirements, and cover what it takes in order to be a successful franchisee. Various industries will be represented on the panel, including retail food, painting, financial services and fitness.
The goal of the panel is to educate the audience about franchising by dispelling preconceived notions about the industry and demonstrating how it can be a successful career alternative and investment opportunity to many in our community.
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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PTI-Encino is ready to welcome new members in Southern California
PTI-Encino to welcome the public during special events scheduled Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th
Encino, CA, April 1, 2011 — Personal Training Institute (PTI) will soon bring its unique one-to-one approach to fitness and nutrition to Southern California with its first franchise to open in Encino. Save the dates April 29-30, during which the community is invited to get acquainted with PTI – Encino.
The Personal Training Institute-Encino Grand Opening events will take place 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 join the festivities, which will range from club tours and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to fitness demonstrations, as well as opportunities to meet trainers, the club nutritionist, enjoy refreshments and much more.
“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.
Welcome Joe Hlavenka, PTI-Encino's franchise owner
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.
For further information about this location, call Joe Hlavenka at, 818 783-4792 or, email him at, Encino@personaltraininginstitute.com.
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Jericho, NY, March 16, 2011 – Personal Training Institute (PTI)-Garden City has just completed a move to Mineola. The new club, which is located at 460 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, is twice the size of the previous location and will offer expanded services for its clients from the now defunct Garden City and New Hyde clubs. This new PTI club will be open seven days a week in a space that has more than 3,000 square feet and separate rooms for specialty programming. PTI-Mineola will feature its always one-to-one personal training and nutrition, as well as one-to-one spin, eNutrition, cardio boxing and additional programs that meet client wants and needs.
All of our clients benefit from always one-to-one personal training and nutritional counseling!
“We have worked so hard to make this expanded club a reality,” comments Constance Famiglietti, Manager of PTI-Mineola, “Expanding our hours and program options reflects our desire to make this Personal Training Institute club ‘super’ in every way.”
Carol Kur, MSRD, Co/founder of PTI remarks, “I am excited about this bold expansion step by our franchise owner Jeff Amengual, his manager Connie and their team. Jeff, who opened a third club in Montclair, New Jersey late last year in addition to his location in Cedarhurst, has a great vision for how PTI can grow to meet the fitness and nutrition needs of clients in the communities he serves.”
For further information about this location, contact Connie Famiglietti at 516-294-3020 or email: mineola@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, March 16, 2011 — Personal Training Institute (PTI)-Tucson is pleased to announce its Grand Opening event, which is scheduled Saturday, March 26th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7625 North Oracle Road, Suite 145 at the Oracle Crossing Shopping Center. The Grand Opening event is open to the public. Mrs. Grant of 94.9 MIX FM will be broadcasting from a live remote at the event from 1-3 p.m. Guests can meet PTI trainers, the nutritionist and take part in free trials, free body fast testing and tour the well-equipped facility. The ribbon-cutting will take place at noon and the Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce will be on hand, as well as Councilman Lou Waters. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
“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.
“We welcome Craig and Miki Jackson to our dynamic team of PTI franchise owners,” remarked Evan A. Kaplan, President & CEO of Personal Training Institute, which is headquartered in Jericho, NY. “They bring strong business acumen and a passion for PTI.”
Miki & Craig Jackson of PTI-Tucson
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.
EVENT RSVP: Call 520-297-8280 or Tucson@personaltraininginstitute.com to reserve your place at the PTI Grand Opening.
PERSONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE BACKGROUND: 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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