About
JIM CZARNECKI - BIO
Employment & Education:
Taking Shape via Indoor/Outdoor Fitness
Owner – Fitness Professional and Outdoor Adventure Guide
· Personal Training (@ Snap Fitness - Lee, MA)
· Guided Outdoor Adventures (throughout Berkshire County, MA)
* hiking, biking, kayaking, and snowshoeing
Snap Fitness Lee
General Manager & Head Personal Trainer
Lee, Massachusetts
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club
Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor & Hiking Guide
Lenox, Massachusetts
Bard’s College at Simon’s Rock
Interim Fitness Director, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
My ACE-Personal Trainer Certification (American Council on Exercise) and my Physical Fitness Degree (Berkshire Community College - BCC) afforded me the opportunity to start my own fitness company and work for the above listed local resort and college. I’ve also trained numerous clients at the Paterson Field House (BCC) and Retro Fitness (both located in Pittsfield, MA).
Fitness Adherence & Philosophy:
Adherence: My personal take on fitness is that there are plenty of exercises one can choose to help them get fit, but it’s the trainer’s responsibility to keep his/her client interested and focused, and if nothing else - motivated. Why? Because monotony leads to boredom, boredom leads to quitting, and in my world – quitting is not an option. Yes, it’s true that I encourage my clients to work hard, but safety and form come first and foremost.
Philosophy: All my clients come to realize that Motivation is the Key to Success. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” I truly believe this and that is why I’m more concerned about my clients’ present state of mind today, rather than what they did yesterday. If a client truly commits to his/her goals today - yesterday fades away and tomorrow comes along much easier. If a client is looking for a whole new image, is willing to put forth the effort, and works with an energetic attitude, there’s no reason why the client shouldn’t reach/exceed his/her fitness goals. PERIOD!
Future Goals:
Because of my own Self-Motivation, where Quitting Is Not an Option - I'm in the process of purchasing the Snap Fitness in Lee, MA where I hope to increase my Personal Training & Group Fitness Classes side of the Taking Shape.
To end, here’s another great quote:
“We do not stop exercising because we grow old – we grow old because we stop exercising.” – Dr. Kenneth Cooper.
EXERCISE – The Anti-Aging Prescription !!!
Highlights
Reviews
Shirley M.
Linda H.
Vacation B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A new client must first complete a Health History Questionnaire & CAD Risk-factor Threshold Form. Once this is completed and I feel comfortable that the client does not have any health issues, injuries or any other obstacles in the way of them working out - I typically conduct a Fitness Assessment to see where the client's strengths and weaknesses are. From there I can prescribe the appropriate workout routine that will assist the client meet his/her fitness goals. Once this process is complete, the client and I will determine how many sessions per week he/she needs to be trained.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I earned an American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification. I've also completed a Associate of Science Degree in Science (Health Science - Physical Fitness) - Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. And beyond that I have completed the following continuing education courses: Personal Training in Practice: Effective Tools and Techniques, Boomer and Beyond: In-Home Training, Understanding and Motivating Midlife and Older Adults, Strength Programming for Older Adults, Screening and Assessments for Exercise Programming, MetaFit Bodyweight Training Course. I also honorably served our country for 9 years in the United States Air Force.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60 for 1 Hr. 1-on-1 Personal Training - 1 session/week
$55 for same, but 2 sessions/week
$50 for same, but 3 sessions/week
How did you get started teaching?
I began training students and members at the Paterson Field House at BCC, while attending the Physical Fitness Degree Program. We also had to shadow Certified Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors in Berkshire County an additional 200 hours outside of our classes. Then I took my very first job at Retro Fitness in Pittsfield (the day after I received my ACE Certification) in which I trained 53 different clients over a 2 month period of time to gain experience in the field before starting my 2nd year at BCC.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young, middle aged and older adults. Clients who have had rotator cuff surgery, knee / hip replacements, overweight individuals and athletes.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I've been training this older lady 3 times/week since the end of January 2017. She came into Snap Fitness wanting to strengthen her quads & hamstrings, as well as increase her flexibility (thus increasing her range of motion in her knees) after undergoing knee replacement in March of 2016. She has made tremendous strides in all areas and is very pleased with her results and her massage therapist told her that she can feel the difference in her tone, strength and mobility.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be sure that the supposed expert has earned a Certification as a Personal Trainer (preferably an Associate / Bachelor Degree, is continuing their education (as there are continuing research and findings within our industry), has a number of years of experience in the field (with a myriad of different clients), has general liability insurance, and is certified in First Aid, CPR (including AED).
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Trainer's Certification, Education, and Experience ?
Trainer's Availibility ?
Trainer's Fee Structure ?
Trainer's Concern about your safety, form, breathing, hydration, recovery time, and determining if your goals are attainable (realistically).