Owner and Operator
Alexander Obe | EducationB.A. in Psychology from Bucknell University. CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer 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. Achievements2006 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 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 CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, 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. |
Lisa Pettit | EducationB.A. in English, Montclair State University; M.S. in Counseling/Business, University of Bridgeport CertificationsCPR, AED, WITS Personal Trainer Classes TaughtSpecialtiesRunners coaching BioSince “retiring” from the Corporate world in 1999 where Lisa held various positions in Human Resources and Organizational Development at J&J, Warner-Lambert and Campbell Soup Company, she has pursued diverse avenues of fitness. A combination of being a Spin instructor, running coach, circuit training instructor, marathoner, and retail running specialist at The Princeton Running Company have fueled Lisa’s passion for exercise while staying home with her three children, Dave, Katie and Jake.
Lisa believes improving one’s fitness is the best gift you’ll give yourself. As a personal trainer, she wants to help you believe that you can accomplish what you set your mind to. Whether it’s completing a half marathon, conquering plank push-ups for the first time, or just feeling stronger every day, Lisa’s satisfaction comes from motivating people to reach fitness goals. AchievementsA runner for 35 years…first marathon was the NYC marathon in 1982. Competitor in 16 marathons since including qualifying and running the Boston Marathon (2006, 2008, 2009). Qualified to run Boston 2011. Competitor in countless local 5K, 10K and half marathons – top Masters’ finisher Group fitness instructor for 10 years HobbiesReading fiction, writing articles, and exploring with my family. |
Luis Calderon | EducationB.S. in Exercise Science/Corporate Fitness from the College of N.J., minor in Psychology. CertificationsCPR, AED, ISSA Certified Fitness 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. |
Steven Shuster | EducationB.A. Economics, Washington University in St. Louis CertificationsCPR, AED, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, CrossFit Kettlebell Instructor 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 coached the boys distance team at The Lawrenceville School from 2005-2008. He is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science with the expectation of completing the degree in May 2010. 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.
Achievements2009 NJ State Triathalon (Sprint Distance): 1:28 5K Run For Life 21:09 5K Bone Run, Oct. 31st: 19:58 |
Terahshea McCray | EducationB.A. in Communications from CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, ACE Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, ACE Certified Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist, ISSA Specialist in Performance Nutrition, ISSA Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning, AAHFRP Medical Excercise Specialist SpecialtiesStrength training, balance and stability, weight loss BioTerahshea has over 14 years experience in the fitness industry. His philosophy…“Being healthy and fit begins in the mind fueled by a heart with a burning passion for life.” While living in the Virgin Islands, the Rider University graduate drew from that background to write, produce and star in his own television fitness program. The popular show “Back 'n Shape With T,” aired throughout the United States Virgin Islands in St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Puerto Rico. He has since begun producing special fitness and health project with an award winning actor, entitled “Back In Shape With John Amos & T”. Terahshea is the proud father of two sons, Nadir and Elijah. HobbiesSpending quality time with his children, biking, skating, reading and watching classic films |
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 | EducationCurrently working towards her BA in Communication Studies with a Vocal Performance Minor from The College of New Jersey CertificationsCPR, AED BioKira’s philosophy is, “If you don’t begin and end your workout with a smile... you mustn’t be at PTS!” Kira is passionate about helping others achieve their own mind, body and spirit balance while having a sense of humor in the process. She respects each individual’s path to a gaining a more fit life and expresses this through her support for new and current members. As a singer, she enjoys bringing her love of the arts into the realm of fitness marketing and member care... heck you might even get a song! HobbiesReiki, Joga, Singing, Organization Systems |
Group Exercise
Cheryl Brown Romano | EducationBA in Economics & Philosophy from Rutgers University CertificationsCPR, AED, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor, PHI Pilates Mat Certified, PHI Pilates Reformer Certified Classes TaughtSpecialtiesStep Instructor, Arthritus Foundation Exercise Leader (land and water), Resist-A-Ball certified Instructor, Punk Rope Certified, Willpower & Grace certified BioCheryl has been involved in sports and fitness in some shape or form her entire life. After partnering with a trainer who helped her reach her own fitness goals, she realized that she couldn't have done it without his guidance and motivation. She then decided to study to become a trainer herself. From there, her studies expanded to group fitness and all the variety of modalities that the fitness industry offers. She has been training and teaching for 7 years and has clients and students that range in age from 17 to 84. Goals vary from losing weight, to getting stronger, to improving or maintaining functionality. No matter what the goal, she wants to help her clients and students attain those goals. She believes there's no greater pleasure. HobbiesPlaying sports - Volleyball, wine and travel, softball, food (yes, food) |
Joe Woodby | EducationBA Central State University CertificationsCPR, AED, NETA Certified 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. |
