Photos by Stephan Reed
Gravity, speed and direction: These forces studied in physics class all have an effect on the human body, especially during exercise.
Jerry Greenspan, owner of Columbus Fitness Consultants in Upper Arlington, has master’s degrees in biomechanical engineering and human nutrition from The Ohio State University, and he uses that knowledge to offer a blended approach to rehab at his business, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
“We’re into medical fitness; we can cater to circumstances that many other fitness centers cannot,” he says. “We use muscle activation techniques and laser therapy for pain relief. Our future trainers first undergo massive training.”
But before a trainer is even hired, he or she must meet strenuous criteria.
“We only hire people who have, at least, their degree in exercise science,” says Margaret Lipp, personal training manager at Columbus Fitness Consultants. “We consider certifications, but if they come in with those only, we won’t interview them. The knowledge you get from a four-year degree compared to a six-month or 12-month certification … it just isn’t even comparable.”
Each future trainer takes part in a two-week internship to learn proper mechanics for each individual exercise and to correct any improper training from his or her past.
“They also go through an 18-week exercise internship with me, where they learn about the forces on the body,” Greenspan says. “They have to pass an oral and written exam after that is up … We want them to be perfect before they start helping our clients.”
This dedication to the craft is what made the company successful, Greenspan says. Trainers understand the body and the equipment that can help or hurt it. Greenspan’s Exercise Equipment Experts is Columbus Fitness Consultants’ sister company.
“Some people walk in and expect to buy a treadmill,” Lipp says. “They don’t expect us to look deeper. If someone says they’ve recently had a knee replacement, we’ll offer them something that’s better for their body. When a customer walks in and gets that sort of experience, it’s impactful.”
Greenspan started out selling equipment and personal training out of his home before moving the company to UA in 2001. CFC has since expanded to a location in the Polaris area as well.
Lipp and Greenspan work to make sure clients receive the necessary attention for each unique circumstance.
“We started humbly, and we remain humble,” Greenspan says. “We built this from the ground up and the good trainers are what make it continue to grow.”
Injury prevention is one of the keys to keeping a healthy body. If an injury occurs, it can result in a painful snowball effect, declining health and high medical bills.
“Some people don’t understand how complex fitness is,” he says. “If you go through graduate school for engineering to learn about the body, that should tell people about the level of difficulty. The same science we use to analyze rocket ships is the same science we use to analyze the body,” Greenspan says.
Seeing clients achieving their ideal bodies and learning along the way is the ultimate reward for Greenspan.
“I love seeing people lose weight, leave here pain-free and intelligently reach their goals,” he says. “They can maintain their bodies for the rest of their lives.”
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.