Owner and Operator
Alexander Obe | EducationB.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University. CertificationsACE, CPR, AED BioAlex has been involved in some form of athletics for most of his life and loves all things that have to do with fitness. As a fitness enthusiast himself, he tries to view things from the member's perspective and believes that if it's not good enough for himself, then it's not good enough for his members. HobbiesRunning, Biking and Swimming |
Certified Personal Trainers
Jeff Meszaros | EducationCurrently enrolled and working with Paul Chek, HHP and NMT through the C.H.E.K. Institute in San Diego, Ca in their Intensive and Comprehensive 5 year Corrective High Performance Exercise Kinesiology Practitioner Program. CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, First Aid Classes TaughtSpecialtiesWeight Loss, Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure competition training and posing, Sports Conditioning, Post Re-hab and pre/post natal training. BioI have been working in the fitness industry for just over 8 years and have over 14,000 hours training clients of various levels. I feel empowered when my clients achieve their goals and when they feel better about themselves because they are healthier and stronger because of our training sessions. It is stated that “Knowledge is power” but as one of my mentors would say “Knowledge is not power, until it is properly applied”. I love working in the health and fitness profession and I would not want to be doing anything other. AchievementsCompleted in 6 “All Natural” amateur bodybuilding competitions in the INBF Novice Division since 2000 with a 2nd place finish at the 2002 INBF Hercules Championships in NYC and a 1st place Novice Division finish at the 2002 Tournament of Champions in LI, NY
Trained and coached nine personal training clients in “all natural” regional and national level bodybuilding, fitness and figure competitions over the past 4 years. All clients placed no less than 3rd place in their respective weight classes. One female client won numerous 1st place awards and became a professional “all natural” bodybuilder in April 2005.
Ran successful charity events for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the past 6 years at PTS Health and Fitness and raised over $32,000
Winning Trainer of the 2006 WPST “The New You” Makeover Program
– client lost 11.8% BF and 33 lbs in a 10 week period.
Competed and placed 1st in 2006 and placed 2nd 5 years in a row in PTS Strongman events |
Joy Whipple | EducationB.A. in Psychology from CertificationsAAAI, ACE, CPR, AED, First Aid Classes TaughtBioJoy has always been interested in fitness and exercise. She competed in track from elementary school through College and continues to enjoy fitness activities that are both challenging and fun. Joy began her career in the fitness industry after spending time at home raising small children and volunteering in the community. As a personal trainer, Joy’s goals are to encourage clients to continually achieve fitness goals beyond their own expectations through improved confidence, health, condition, and well-being. |
Luis Calderon | EducationB.S. in Exercise Science/Corporate Fitness from the College of N.J., minor in Psychology. CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Exercise Specialist, AAAI Certified Personal Trainer Classes TaughtSpecialtiesWeight Loss Management, Special Populations, Functional Training, Sports-Specific Training, Pre and Post Natal, Post Rehabilitation programming BioLuis has served the fitness industry in multiple capacities for about 12 years, the last four of which he has enthusiastically worked as a member of the P.T.S. staff. Through his work with clients of varying physical ability from ages 14-75, Luis has gained the tools and expertise necessary to meet the fitness needs of his clients. He takes pride in his duty to help his clients reach their goals safely and efficiently, while having a bit of fun along the way. Luis continually looks for new modalities of exercise, and is currently studying aspects of functional training and Pilates. HobbiesWeight Training, Biking, Hiking, Running, Playing Guitar and Piano, Reading, Movies, Seeing live concerts. |
Sarah Kalina | EducationCurrently attending MCCC for Associates in Exercise Science CertificationsCPR, AED, AAAI/ISMA Personal Fitness Trainer Classes TaughtSpecialtiesWeight Training for Toning and Weight Loss BioSarah has 7+ years’ one on one and group experience in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. She is also proficient in the mat work created by J.H. Pilates. She is a strong and confident individual devoted to assisting in the achievements of each individual client’s goals. She strives to provide extensive support and structure to a fit, happy and healthy lifestyle! Sarah is currently attending Mercer County Community College in pursuit of her Associates degree in Exercise Science. After achieving her Associates, Sarah plans to move on to a 4 year college for continued experience and education in the knowledge, instruction and motivation of healthy living! HobbiesRunning, Weight Lifting, Hiking, Dancing, Swimming…… |
Steve Gore | CertificationsAAAI, ACE, CPR, ISMA, AED, AAAI/ISMA Pilates, AAAI/ISMA Thai Chi, Black Belt Tae Kwon Do SpecialtiesInjury rehab for sports, sports conditioning, general weight training, circuit setup BioSteve is a nationally ranked Tae Kwon Do coach and an all out fitness buff. He spent four years on the ice playing hockey for Scranton, and even spent some time as the assistant hockey coach. |
Steven Shuster | EducationB.A. Economics, Washington University in St. Louis CertificationsCPR, AED, WITS Personal Trainer SpecialtiesSport specific training, strength training, weight-loss BioShuster has participated in athletics since an early age and competed in track through high school and into college. Continuing his involvement with Track and Field, he currently coaches the boys distance team at The Lawrenceville School. Whether competitive, recreational, or personal, Shuster enjoys working with others to meet and exceed their fitness goals. Shuster is interested in all aspects of health and fitness including improving the quality of life, excelling at sports, and sports nutrition. |
Joe Woodby | EducationBA Central State University CertificationsCPR, AED, AAAI Personal Fitness Trainer, WITS Personal Trainer Classes TaughtSpecialtiesUSUI - Reiki Master Therapist; USUI - Reiki Therapist II - Jin Kei Do BioJoe entered the fitness industry as a mid life career change after solving personal health challenges with exercise and nutrition. |
Mary Ellen Sparno | EducationBS, cum laude, Marist College; Pace University School of Law CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer Classes TaughtLite Circuit, Boot Camp, Lower Body Blast, Upper Body Blast BioMary Ellen has been running for over 20 years. She has completed several marathons (New York, London, Philadelphia and Boston) and is a top local masters runner. In her spare (???) time she enjoys cooking, strength training, reading and watching her childrens hockey, lacrosse and gymnastics events. Prior to PTS Mary Ellen was employed by Merrill Lynch serving as Vice President and compliance counsel and was admitted to the New York State Bar. |
New Membership
Kira Scharf | EducationHopewell Valley Central High School '02 - National honor Society Member; BA in Communication Studies with Vocal Performance Minor from The College of New Jersey - Spring '06 graduation pending CertificationsCPR, AED BioIn July of 2002, I received a phone call from a dear fried who was working for P.T.S at the time. They were looking to hire another receptionist and she was recommending me for the job. Horrified, I took the job. Yes, horrified. I was somewhat of an infant to the world of physical fitness and couldn't imagine P.T.S wanting me! But they did and here I am these years later. Though you won't find a list of my training certifications or bodybuilding records floating around, I'm happy to say that P.T.S quickly absorbed me into the fold of fitness lovers. I continually find my work with P.T.S. to be an educational experience, revealing to me the many facets of achieving health and fitness. It is my pleasure to contribute my artistic and organizational efforts to the club and I take pride in my duties to care for our current and prospective clients. |