By Kennedy Grey
As a former director of education for New York Sports Clubs, Invisible Fitness founder J.J. Flizanes is uniquely tuned in to the needs of the general fitness public—and is fully aware of well what goes on behind the scenes at most training facilities.
"The average person entering a workout program has no idea what to ask for in a personal trainer, or how to rate them. Any trainer with a great body is often just taken at face value. Most people don’t even ask them about their background. They’re simply led through fitness programs they never fully understand in the hands of someone who may have an extensive sports background—but very little in the way of sports biomechanics training."
Which is why she’s so stringent in her criteria for choosing trainers for Invisible Fitness. "IF trainers are simply the best in the business. Many are certified by fitness organizations that give a general health and science overview. However, I mainly hire trainers with R.T.S. and N.A.S.M certifications—which have become the standard certifications for IF trainers.
"Most of my trainers were referred by other trainers who know the caliber I look for as well as the teamwork required," says Flizanes.
Upon meeting a new trainer, Flizanes spends time discussing their education, and the fitness industry. She pays special attention to where they received their education.
Once hired, IF trainers are taught to address the main complaints of people avoiding exercise. According to Flizanes, this usually takes the form of clients complaining that they "can’t find the time," that working out is boring, or that a trainer "won’t take their injury into account."
"Once we get them moving and they start seeing results, excuses are quickly replaced by enthusiasm," says Flizanes. Because IF workouts are always original and based on the needs of each clients, they’re never boring, according to her.
"And most importantly, it doesn’t hurt. Your hour is usually over before you know it for most clients.
"My goal in training is to always find the most recent studies, research, and leaders in the fitness world," she adds. "I am dedicated to being a part of the shift in the fitness industry where medical and fitness walk hand in hand."
About J.J. Flizanes
– Founder and Director, Invisible Fitness
J.J. Flizanes is the founder and director
behind Invisible Fitness. J.J. brings her direct business experience from
managing the educational programs of one of the largest gym chains on
the East Coast—Town Sports International (New York Sports Clubs),
as well as the Australian-based physiotherapy software company Torson
Inc.. She has created fitness educational programs, taught workshops,
given lectures and instructed trainers across the United States. She has
been selected as one of the top six personal trainers for 2003 by Shape
Magazine. A familiar local media figure in the Los Angeles fitness industry,
J.J. was chosen as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association and
has appeared in many national magazines and on TV. J.J. Flizanes is a
Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Kickboxing Instructor, and has
achieved multiple certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine
and The Resistance Training Specialist Program.
