Physical Trainers Even Teach You How to Cook

This is one loft where you won't find living space. What you will find is a room full of state-of-the-art fitness equipment for personal training. Husband and wife team David and Cindy Dentel, both exercise physiologist and certified members of the American College of Sports Medicine, operate Fitness Creators Personal Training and Bodyworks Studio in the Pearl District. Dentel is adamant about educating people to make lifestyle choices in a world where we don’t even have to get off the couch to turn off the TV.

David Dentel has always been interested in working out. In high school he worked out with the football team. He got even more interested in exercise science in the Army with the 82nd Airborne.

He now provides one and two hour-long workouts that include posture, body fat and flexibility assessments, breathing techniques, nutrition counseling, endurance training, general fitness guidelines and, for those who wish, cooking consultations on how to prepare and combine healthy foods. There’s even boxing and kickboxing education, as well as ergonomic training and education about concepts based upon Pilates, NIA, Feldenkrais and yoga. The key for the Dentels is to educate their clients so that they can make changes.

Dentel is particular about how he conducts his business, he asks clients for a complete medical history and may do any number of physical assessments to tailor workouts to specific needs. Dentel and his staff of personal trainers work in conjunction with people’s physicians if an injury is a part of a person’s physical challenge. They refer clients to doctors or other experts as needed. The goal is to feel better, to be more in tune with your body, to become more active and in doing so discovering the confidence that comes with renewed vigor.

Technology is one factor affecting people’s health that Dentel feels strongly about. On one hand, it allows us to live an easier life; on the other hand, the body can weaken from lack of muscle use: the very things which make our lives easier cause havoc with our posture and body alignment. Many of our everyday environments, like computer workstations and seats in our cars don’t allow for proper breathing, which is important, according to Dentel, because it (breathing) can reduce body and muscle stress when the body is in proper alignment and balance. By maintaining proper body alignment, a person can reduce symptoms of headaches and neck and back problems.

If you recognize that you have bad habits, it’s never too late to learn how to live up to your potential The Dentels have children of all ages as clients, especially teenagers, along with physicians, business owners, dental hygienists, hairdressers and corporate executives.

People are surprised when they realize they can go beyond their expectations of themselves, says Dentel. At any age, you can get better and feel better. Climbing two flights of stairs without becoming out of breath is an accomplishment for some clients. Success for others means that they can put on a pair of rollerblades in their 50’s and join their sons without feeling as if they can’t keep up.

The people who come to the studio look upon it as their own home gym, says Dentel. The studio is quiet, has showers and dressing rooms, and snacks and bottled water provided as well as a space to make a business call or two. But, what you do outside the gym is key, says Dentel. If you ignore the signs your body gives you, you will feel what your not addressing in your teens, 20s’ and 30s’ in your 40s’ and 50s’. There are no initiation fees or sign-up costs at Fitness Creators Studio. To reach them for a tour and consultation, call 503-241-2844 or email at fitcreators@jps.net.